(a) Except as provided in subsection (b) of this section, if the Office of Human Rights determines that there is probable cause to believe that a violation of [this chapter] has occurred, it shall certify the complaint to the Commission on Human Rights, which may impose the following penalties, of which half shall be awarded to the complainant and half shall be awarded to the District and deposited into the General Fund:
(1) For a first violation, a fine of up to $1,000; and
(2) For a second or subsequent violation, a fine of up to $5,000.
(b) For any violation of [this chapter] that occurs within 6 months after [March 10, 2023], the Commission on Human Rights shall issue warnings and orders to correct instead of imposing a penalty pursuant to subsection (a) of this section.
