(a) Complaints and inquiries filed with the department are generally considered public information, unless a specific statutory exception applies.     
      (b) Upon receipt of a complaint or inquiry, the department will make a good faith effort to protect complainant's identity to the extent possible. The department will determine if the complaint or inquiry relates to an activity that the department regulates.     
      (c) If the department does not regulate the activity that is the subject of the complaint or inquiry, the department shall close the complaint or inquiry, notify the complainant and refer the complaint or inquiry to the appropriate regulatory entity within five business days of receiving the complaint or inquiry, if known.     
      (d) If the department regulates the activity that is the subject of a complaint, the department shall initiate an investigation into the merits of the complaint by sending, within 10 business days of receiving the complaint, a copy of the complaint and any supporting documentation to the entity that is the subject of the complaint.     
      (e) The department shall prioritize complaints for purposes of determining the order in which complaints are investigated, taking into account the seriousness of the allegations made in a complaint and the length of time a complaint has been pending.     
      (f) A regulated entity that receives a complaint forwarded by the department shall respond within 30 days from the date the request is mailed by the department.     
      (g) The banking commissioner may appoint a hearings officer or other subject matter expert to investigate a complaint received by the department.     
      (h) The department may, at the discretion of the commissioner, arrange for the services of a qualified mediator or subject matter expert to assist in resolving the complaint.     
      (i) The department shall monitor how long each complaint is open, and shall make all reasonable efforts to resolve complaints within 90 days of receipt. The department shall notify the complainant of their complaint status at least quarterly if more than 45 days have elapsed since the complaint was received.     
      (j) If the department determines that the complaint is not supported by the evidence, or if the complaint is resolved to the satisfaction of the parties, the complaint will be dismissed.     
      (k) The department shall notify all parties to the complaint within 10 business days of closing the complaint.     
      (l) A complainant who disagrees with the disposition of a complaint may appeal by filing a petition against the department in a district court in Travis County.     
     Source Note:        The provisions of this §11.11 adopted to be effective September 8, 2019, 44 TexReg 4706