It is declared to be the public policy of Prince George's County, Maryland, to eliminate discrimination and prejudice in any form that exists on account of sex; to fully utilize the potential of each citizen in order to preserve our democratic way of life; and to provide equal opportunities to all citizens in employment, education, home and community services, and before the law.

There is established a Commission for Women. The Commission shall consist of eleven (11) members appointed by the County Executive subject to confirmation by the Council. Membership shall consist of eleven (11) men and women who represent a wide cross-section of the citizenry of Prince George's County to include people of diverse economic, ethnic and vocational backgrounds and to include representatives from organized women's rights groups. Appointees shall be chosen from among the best qualified applicants obtained through Countywide recruitment. Consideration shall be given to their knowledge, experience, commitment to and interest in women's issues. The Commission shall elect one (1) of its members as Chairperson and another as Vice Chairperson, each to serve at the pleasure of the Commission, and such other officers as it shall determine. Representatives of the Office of Human Rights, the Board of Education, the Department of Health, and the Department of Social Services shall serve as nonvoting members of the Commission. The term of office of each of the appointive members shall be for three (3) years. Of the members first appointed, four (4) shall be appointed for terms which will expire in one (1) year; four (4) shall be appointed for terms which will expire in two (2) years; and three (3) for terms which will expire in three (3) years. Vacancies shall be filled by appointment for the unexpired terms in the manner the appointments are initially made. The Executive upon the notification and recommendation of the Chairperson of the Commission will remove any member who has had more than three (3) unexcused absences in one (1) year to be replaced in the manner prescribed above. The members shall continue in office until their successors are appointed and have qualified. Members shall be eligible for reappointment.

The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson as frequently as required to perform its duties, but no less than once each month. A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business. A majority of those present at any meeting shall be sufficient for any official action taken by the Commission. The Commission shall submit an annual report to the County Executive and the Council summarizing its activities, needs, recommendations, and the degree to which the goals of the Commission are being met.

The Commission shall have the power and duty to: Develop when necessary an information and referral system for all services in the County related specifically to the needs of women, and to develop other services when a need for such services is determined. Research, assemble, analyze, and disseminate pertinent data and educational materials relating to activities and programs which will assist in meeting the needs of women and in the elimination of prejudice and discrimination on account of sex; and to institute and conduct educational and other programs, meetings, and conferences to promote equal rights and opportunities for all women. In performance of its duties, the Commission shall cooperate with interested citizens, community, business, professional, technical, educational, and civic organizations. Cooperate with the County Executive and all governmental agencies, and to refer to the County Executive and to the proper governmental agencies any matters already in the jurisdiction of their existing powers, with the intent that duplication of effort will be avoided. Study and investigate by means of public or private meetings, conferences and public hearings, conditions which demonstrate unmet needs, or discrimination or prejudice because of sex. Advise and counsel the residents of the County, the Council, the County Executive and the various departments of County, State, and Federal governments on matters involving the needs of women and on matters relating to discrimination and prejudice on account of sex, and to recommend such procedures, program, or legislation as it may deem necessary and proper to promote and insure equal rights and opportunities for all women. Work to remove inequalities due to unmet needs or discrimination and prejudice on the basis of sex in such areas as housing, recreation, employment, education, community services, and related matters.

The Commission shall adopt such rules and procedures, subject to the approval of the County Executive, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this Division. The Commission shall keep a record of its activities and minutes of all official meetings. The records and minutes shall be on file and shall be open to the public at reasonable business hours upon request.

The Commission may establish such committees as are deemed necessary and appropriate to assist in its functions and duties. Members of such committees may include nonmembers of the Commission. The committee and advisory committee actions shall not be deemed to be the action of the Commission and shall in no way bind the Commission or its members.

The Commission, through the Department of Family Services, may engage the services of volunteer workers and consultants without salary as they may find necessary from time to time and may engage other workers and consultants in accordance with the laws of the County, subject to budget appropriations, to assist it in carrying out its duties. Services of an individual as a volunteer worker or consultant for the Commission shall not be considered as service of employment bringing such individual within any merit system of the County or of this State.

Administrative support for the Commission shall be provided by the Department of Family Services.