(1) This chapter shall be implemented in two phases in order to accommodate county budget and staffing constraints. The first phase shall begin on the effective date of this ordinance. The second phase shall begin on the effective date of a separate ordinance that terminates the suspension imposed by SCC 2.460.050(4) and this section.

(2) During the first phase the commission shall operate as provided in this chapter but the office of human rights shall not be created and its functions shall not be performed by the commission. Staff support for the commission shall be provided by the county executive using such staff under the supervision of the executive as the executive determines appropriate. Any person claiming to be aggrieved by alleged unlawful discrimination may file a complaint as described in SCC 2.460.210 with the executive. Promptly after receiving a complaint under this subsection the executive shall refer the complaint to the Washington state human rights commission for processing in accordance with chapter 49.60 RCW, which in this phase shall be the exclusive source of legal remedies. Copies of complaints filed after appointment and confirmation of all commission members shall also be filed with the commission. During this phase the commission may, if requested and supervised by the Washington state human rights commission and after such training or certification as the Washington state human rights commission determines appropriate, endeavor to investigate and resolve complaints by conference, conciliation, and persuasion; PROVIDED, That the commission shall first obtain the consent of the complainant and respondent, and may not compel the complainant or respondent to attend, provide documents, or participate in such investigation, conference, conciliation, or persuasion, or agree to a particular resolution. The commission may refer information obtained during the first phase to the Washington state human rights commission.

(3) During the second phase the commission and the office of human rights shall operate as provided in this chapter, except that the office of human rights may refer complaints to the Washington state human rights commission until such time as the office acquires sufficient staff resources and adopts necessary rules that enable it to fully discharge its responsibilities under this chapter. The office of human rights will thereafter process complaints in accordance with the procedures set out in SCC 2.460.210-2.460.240.

(4) All decisions relating to the investigation of complaints and enforcement of this chapter shall be made by the office of human rights under the supervision of the county executive, except that nothing in this chapter shall prevent the commission from reviewing complaints and providing advice pursuant to SCC 2.460.030 or this section. (Added by Amended Ord. 10-021, June 7, 2010, Eff date Aug. 21, 2010; Amended by Amended Ord. 16-034, June 1, 2016, Eff date June 15, 2016).