Section 20-207 - General powers and duties. - Maryland Statutes

§ 20-207. General powers and duties.
 

(a)  Studies and surveys.-  

(1) The Commission may: 

(i) conduct studies and surveys concerning human relations, conditions, and problems; and 

(ii) promote in every way possible the improvement of human relations. 

(2) In conducting studies and surveys, the Commission may expend any funds provided in the State budget or otherwise made available. 

(3) On the basis of studies or surveys, the Commission may recommend legislation to the Governor. 

(b)  Acceptance of grants.- The Commission may apply for and accept grants from State, federal, and private nonprofit organizations in furtherance of its mission. 

(c)  Annual report.- On or before January 1 of each year, the Commission shall submit a report on the work of the Commission to the Governor and, subject to § 2-1246 of this article, to the General Assembly. 

(d)  Investigatory hearings.-  

(1) Whenever any problem of racial discrimination arises, the Commission immediately may hold an investigatory hearing. 

(2) The purpose of the hearing shall be to resolve the problem promptly by gathering all of the facts from each interested party and making recommendations as necessary. 

(3) The hearing shall be held in the geographic area where the problem exists. 

(e)  Meetings.-  

(1) The Commission shall meet at least once each month. 

(2) (i) In addition to its regular monthly meetings, the Chair or a majority of the members of the Commission may, at any time, call a special meeting of the Commission. 

(ii) At least 5 days' notice of a special meeting shall be given to the members. 

(3) The Commission shall establish procedures for the conduct of its meetings. 

(f)  Appeal board.-  

(1) In addition to their other duties, the commissioners shall serve on appeal boards to review decisions of the administrative law judges. 

(2) As determined by the Commission's rules of procedure, an appeal board may allow any party affected by an administrative law judge's decision to introduce additional relevant testimony or evidence. 
 

[An. Code 1957, art. 49B, §§ 3, 9A(c); 2009, ch. 120, § 2; ch. 366, §§ 1, 2.]