§ 2.132.070. Powers and duties.

A.

In the area of human rights, the commission will have the power and duty:

1.

To investigate alleged discriminatory misconduct by employees of the metropolitan government, including but not limited to employees of the police department, fire department, health department, department of codes administration, public works, metropolitan beer permit board, metropolitan development and housing agency and department of water and sewerage services;

2.

To investigate complaints regarding discriminatory practices by contractors working under agreements with metropolitan government;

3.

To seek information from persons, agencies, and businesses and hold hearings regarding complaints related to civil and human rights in the general services district. At the commission's discretion, testimony may be taken under oath;

4.

To investigate bias crimes, hate group activity, and other discriminatory practices;

5.

To investigate, document, and comment upon systematic patterns and practices of misconduct and make recommendations to the mayor or appropriate supervisor;

6.

To act as a conciliator in controversies and disputes involving human relations.

B.

In the area of human relations, the commission will have the power and duty:

1.

To develop and implement educational programs dedicated to the enhancement of human relations;

2.

To gather data regarding human relations and discrimination within the city;

3.

To hold hearings and convene public forums regarding issues related to civil and human rights in the general services district;

4.

To advise and confer with the mayor and other members of metropolitan government regarding issues under its purview;

5.

To recommend, draft, propose, and support legislative action to safeguard people within the general services district from discrimination;

6.

To advise and consult with state and federal agencies regarding laws and policies addressing discrimination and other human relations issues;

7.

To cooperate with educational institutions, local and national civil rights organizations, and community groups to study discrimination and foster better human relations.

C.

In hearing complaints alleging misconduct by employees of metropolitan government, the commission shall have the power and duty to propose changes in policies and procedures of metropolitan government as they relate to the functions of the commission.

D.

In hearing complaints alleging misconduct other than by employees of metropolitan government, the commission shall have the power and duty:

1.

To request that the respondent cease and desist from the unlawful discriminatory practice;

2.

To recommend that a respondent take such affirmative action as the commission deems appropriate;

3.

When the respondent is a municipal government contractor, to recommend to the purchasing agency the conditions under which a contract or franchise should be continued in force, suspended, or terminated.

E.

With respect to the administration of commission affairs, the commission shall have the power and duty:

1.

To adopt, promulgate, amend, and rescind rules and regulations to effectuate the policies and provisions of this chapter;

2.

To publish monthly reports on dispositions of human rights complaints;

3.

To publish quarterly reports that provide full statistical and descriptive information on the status and outcomes of complaints and cases reviewed by the commission, as well as on educational activities undertaken by the commission;

4.

To prepare an annual report on the state of human relations in the city.

(Ord. 94-1129 § 1 (part), 1994)