An employee subject to this subtitle may file with the Secretary a complaint that alleges a violation of § 5-305 of this subtitle. A complaint under this subtitle must be filed within 6 months after the complainant first knew of or reasonably should have known of the violation. When a complaint is received, the Secretary or designee promptly shall: send a copy of the complaint to the head of the principal unit named in the complaint; and advise the head of the principal unit to respond in writing to the complaint within 20 days after receiving the copy. Within 60 days after a complaint is received: the complaint shall be investigated to determine whether a violation of § 5-305 of this subtitle has occurred: by the Secretary or designee of the Secretary; or if the Department is charged in the complaint, by a designee of the Governor; and the Secretary or designee or the Governor's designee shall: take the action described in subsection (d)(1) or (2) of this section; and issue to the complainant and head of the principal unit a written decision that includes any remedial action taken. If the Secretary or designee or the Governor's designee determines that a violation has not occurred, the Secretary or Governor's designee shall dismiss the complaint. If the Secretary or designee or the Governor's designee determines that a violation has occurred, the Secretary or designee shall take appropriate remedial action. As a remedial action for a violation of § 5-305 of this subtitle, the Secretary or designee may: order the removal of any related detrimental information from the complainant's State personnel records; require the head of the principal unit to: hire, promote, or reinstate the complainant or end the complainant's suspension from employment; award the complainant back pay to the day of the violation; grant the complainant leave or seniority; take appropriate disciplinary action against any individual who caused the violation; and take any other remedial action consistent with the purposes of this subtitle.