(a) Nondisciplinary controversies, disputes, or differences concerning programs under the Commission on Correctional Peace Officer Standards and Training (CPOST) involving the interpretation, application, or enforcement of the regulations and operating procedures of the CPOST shall be resolved in accordance with this article. An apprentice may appeal a denial of a pay step increase by the local appointing authority in accordance with State law or the Memorandum of Understanding. Complaints filed under the purview of the Department of Industrial Relations' Division of Apprenticeship Standards shall be pursued according to the California Code of Regulations, Title 8, Division 1, Chapter 2, Sections 201 through 203. Nondisciplinary controversies, disputes, or differences not identifying a CPOST program, shall be returned to the sender, or referred to the employing department or labor union for response.

(b) The petitioner may choose his/her own representative or legal counsel who will serve at the petitioner's expense.