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<section article="ghu" article_name="Human Services" number="2-406" title_number="2" title_name="Department of Human Services" subtitle_number="4">
  <level label="a">
    <level label="1">
      <text>The Commission shall:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>stimulate and encourage study and review of the status of women in the State;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>strengthen the conditions for women in society by directing critical attention to critical problems confronting women in their various roles;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="iii">
        <text>conduct research on issues that impact women and identify existing disparities;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="iv">
        <text>conduct studies and assist with programs, seminars, and conferences to raise public awareness about issues impacting women;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="v">
        <text>support policies and programs that promote the well–being of women;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="vi">
        <text>raise public awareness of a wide range of issues affecting women, including economic security, life transitions, and women’s health;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="vii">
        <text>promote and assist statewide women’s organizations, local commissions for women, and local volunteer programs focused on improving conditions for women;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="viii">
        <text>advocate for legislation supporting women’s economic empowerment, women’s health, cultural development, social inclusion, and other policies that promote the equality and flourishing of all people;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ix">
        <text>recommend strategies to reduce discrimination and increase opportunities for women in employment, education, the law, State government, and elected and appointed positions across professions and within society;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="x">
        <text>support partner organization programs on career development, financial wellness, and violence prevention;</text>
      </level>
      <level label="xi">
        <text>secure appropriate recognition of women’s accomplishments and contributions to the State; and</text>
      </level>
      <level label="xii">
        <text>inform the executive and legislative branches of government on issues concerning women, including by offering testimony on these issues before legislative and administrative bodies.</text>
      </level>
    </level>
    <level label="2">
      <text>The Commission may:</text>
      <level label="i">
        <text>act as a clearinghouse for activities to avoid duplication of effort; and</text>
      </level>
      <level label="ii">
        <text>make surveys and appoint advisory committees in all fields affecting the lives of women in the State, including education, social services, labor laws and employment policies, law enforcement, health and safety, new and expanded services, legal rights, family relations, human relations, and volunteer services.</text>
      </level>
    </level>
  </level>
  <level label="b">
    <text>Through the Secretary, the Commission shall submit an annual report including recommendations based on the Commission’s studies to the Governor and, subject to § 2–1257 of the State Government Article, to the General Assembly.</text>
  </level>
  <level label="c">
    <text>The Commission may not adopt regulations.</text>
  </level>
</section>
