There is hereby established, in the Executive Branch of the District government, a Commission on Human Rights.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title IV, § 401, as added Dec. 7, 2004, D.C. Law 15-216, § 2(b), 51 DCR 9123.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
Law 15-216, the "Commission on Human Rights Establishment Amendment Act of 2004", was introduced in Council and assigned Bill No. 15-51, which was referred to the Subcommittee on Human Rights, Latino Affairs and Property. The Bill was adopted on first and second readings on June 29, 2004, and July 13, 2004, respectively. Signed by the Mayor on August 2, 2004, it was assigned Act No. 15-521 and transmitted to both Houses of Congress for its review. D.C. Law 15-216 became effective on December 7, 2004.
The Commission shall serve as an impartial forum for the hearing and deciding of cases of unlawful discrimination in employment, real estate transactions, public accommodations, or educational institutions. The Commission shall hear such cases following a determination by the Office that there is probable cause to believe that an act of unlawful discrimination has occurred. In hearing and deciding such cases, the Commission shall follow the procedures set forth and use, in its discretion, the powers and authority provided in subchapter III of Unit A of this chapter.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title IV, § 402, as added Dec. 7, 2004, D.C. Law 15-216, § 2(b), 51 DCR 9123.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For D.C. Law 15-216, see notes following § 2-1404.01.
(a) The Commission shall consist of 15 members, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the Council, in accordance with § 1-523.01.
(b) The Commission members shall be residents of the District of Columbia who have a demonstrated background or interest in human rights.
(c) The Commission members shall serve 3-year terms. The terms shall be staggered so that 5 positions expire on December 31 of each year.
(d) The Mayor shall designate one member to serve, at the Mayor's pleasure, as Chairperson of the Commission.
(e) Any person appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which his or her predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of the term.
(f) Commission members who began their service before December 7, 2004, shall serve the remainder of their terms.
(g) Commission members shall serve without compensation, but shall be eligible for reimbursement of expenses as provided in § 1-611.08(d).
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title IV, § 403, as added Dec. 7, 2004, D.C. Law 15-216, § 2(b), 51 DCR 9123.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For D.C. Law 15-216, see notes following § 2-1404.01.
(a) At the initial meeting of each year, the Commission shall determine its organization and name its officers, other than the Chairperson. The officers serving on December 7, 2004, shall serve until the initial meeting of the following year.
(b) The Commission shall meet at the invitation of the Chairperson or a majority of the members.
(c) The Commission may establish subcommittees to review issues and make recommendations to the Commission.
(Dec. 13, 1977, D.C. Law 2-38, title IV, § 404, as added Dec. 7, 2004, D.C. Law 15-216, § 2(b), 51 DCR 9123.)
HISTORICAL AND STATUTORY NOTES
Legislative History of Laws
For D.C. Law 15-216, see notes following § 2-1404.01.
