10428.3. (Added by Stats. 2021, Ch. 116, Sec. 260.)

(a) An unfair practice charge alleging that a political subdivision, a contractor, or a subcontractor has committed a violation of Section 10427.7, or an unfair practice charge alleging a violation of subdivision (c) of Section 10427.5 that is based on the conduct of a political subdivision, a contractor, or a subcontractor, shall commence only after all the following requirements have been met:

(1) A party alleging an unfair practice shall first provide notice to the Department of Human Resources of any alleged violation of Section 10427.7 by a political subdivision, a contractor, or a subcontractor, or any alleged violation of subdivision (c) of Section 10427.5 that is based on the conduct of a political subdivision, a contractor, or a subcontractor, and any facts supporting the alleged violation, within 30 calendar days of the date on which the party knew or reasonably should have known about the incident giving rise to the alleged violation.

(2) The department, or any state agency or department charged with the administration of state-funded early care and education programs, consistent with the advice and direction of the Department of Human Resources, shall work in good faith with the political subdivision, contractor, or subcontractor to cure the alleged violation within 60 calendar days of the postmarked notice from a provider, provider organization, or certified provider organization. State agencies or departments shall expedite, whenever possible, the resolution of alleged violations that have a financial impact on providers. If the political subdivision, contractor, or subcontractor cures the alleged violation, it shall send a written description of steps taken to the party alleging a violation within the 60-day period and to the department or the department charged with the administration of state-funded early care and education programs, as applicable, and to the Department of Human Resources.

(3) At the conclusion of the 60-day period, the party alleging an unfair practice may commence an unfair practice charge before the board consistent with Section 10428.5. In the board agent’s initial determination as to whether the charges of unfair practices establish a prima facie violation of Section 10427.5 or 10427.7, consistent with Section 10428.5 and applicable regulations, if the board agent determines the political subdivision, contractor, or subcontractor cured the alleged unfair practice during the 60-day period, the board shall dismiss the charge for failure to establish a prima facie violation.