(a) Community conflict resolution conciliation assistance may be requested or accepted by state or local public bodies, or by any individual directly affected by disputes, disagreements, or difficulties relating to discriminatory practices based on the protected characteristics identified in Government Code section 12931 that impair their rights under the Constitution, federal, or state law. Community conflict resolution conciliation assistance may be requested verbally, in writing, including through electronic communications, electronic mail at [email protected], or by submitting a community conflict resolution request for service form available at www.calcivilrights.ca.gov to the department.

(b) A complaint, as defined in Chapter 1 section 10001(c), is not required in order to request or accept community conflict resolution conciliation assistance. Requests for, or acceptance of, community conflict resolution conciliation assistance are independent and unrelated actions from filing a complaint as defined in Chapter 1 section 10001(c) and must meet the requirements of Government Code section 12931. When a complaint, as defined in Chapter 1 section 10001(c), has been or will be filed, requests for, or acceptance of, community conflict resolution conciliation assistance may be made or accepted before, simultaneously with, or after filing a complaint as defined in Chapter 1 section 10001(c).

(c) Requesting or accepting community conflict resolution conciliation assistance does not impact or stay other applicable departmental deadlines or civil statutes of limitation.