Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. 189-2-.04
Commission staff, when it discovers or learns of evidence that a violation of the Georgia Government Transparency and Campaign Finance Act or any other statute within the jurisdiction of the Commission may have occurred, may initiate, on reasonable belief that probable cause exists, an investigation into suspected violations of laws or rules under its jurisdiction as it deems necessary. In such case, the applicable procedures found in Rules 189-2-.03, 189-2-.05, and 189-2-.06 shall be followed in the investigation. The respondent shall be notified by the Commission staff in writing of the initiation of the investigation and of the basis for the finding of probable cause to open the investigation. The Commission staff shall not be required to file the Complaint form described in Rule 189-2-.03(1) nor to follow the procedures required under that Rule.
Ga. Comp. R. & Regs. R. 189-2-.04
O.C.G.A. §§ 21-5-4, 21-5-6, 21-5-7.