# Local Government (GLG)

## Title 29. St. Mary's County Human Relations Commission

### Subtitle 1

#### Section 29-101

(a) In this title the following words have the meanings indicated.

(b) "Alternative dispute resolution" includes mediation.

(c) "Commission" means the St. Mary's County Human Relations Commission.

#### Section 29-102

(a) By ordinance or resolution, the County Commissioners of St. Mary's County may establish a Human Relations Commission for the county.

(b) The purposes of the Commission are to:

  (1) promote understanding and harmony of relationship among the people of the county through the study of the nature and causes of social friction and prejudice;

  (2) advance the means for the alleviation of social friction and prejudice; and

  (3) further the American ideal of equality and justice.

#### Section 29-103

(a) The County Commissioners of St. Mary's County shall:

  (1) determine the size of the Commission;

  (2) appoint the members of the Commission; and

  (3) ensure that the membership of the Commission reflects the diversity of the people of the county.

(b)

  (1) The term of a member is 4 years.

  (2) The terms of the members shall be staggered in a manner determined by the County Commissioners of St. Mary's County.

  (3) A member may not serve more than two consecutive terms.

#### Section 29-104

(a) From among its members, the Commission shall select a chair and a vice chair of the Commission.

(b)

  (1) The terms of the chair and vice chair are 1 year.

  (2) A member may not serve as the chair or vice chair for more than two consecutive terms.

#### Section 29-105

(a) A member of the Commission may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission.

(b) The County Commissioners of St. Mary's County may appropriate money for the administrative support of the Commission.

#### Section 29-106

(a) The Commission may:

  (1) provide advice and assistance related to the filing and processing of grievances and complaints of discrimination with the appropriate federal and State agencies;

  (2) educate the community on the rights and responsibilities of people relating to housing, employment, and public accommodations;

  (3) advocate for the removal of all vestiges of discrimination; and

  (4) assist in nonbinding alternative dispute resolution.

(b) The Commission shall:

  (1) use its influence and persuasion to direct the efforts of the community to solving problems that many times are the basic reasons for racial tensions; and

  (2) encourage and ensure equal treatment of all people, without regard to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, sex, age, marital status, or physical or mental disability, in compliance with federal, State, and local laws and regulations related to housing, employment, and public accommodations.

#### Section 29-107

(a) A person seeking an alternative dispute resolution under this title shall file a written request for alternative dispute resolution within 6 months after the date of the incident giving rise to the request.

(b)

  (1) A person who satisfies the time requirements under subsection (a) of this section is deemed to have complied with the requirements of Sec. 20-1004 of the State Government Article.

  (2) The Commission may provide a copy of a written request filed under subsection (a) of this section to the Maryland Commission on Human Relations to verify the compliance of a party with the requirements of Sec. 20-1004 of the State Government Article.

#### Section 29-108

(a) This section supersedes any contrary provision of the Public Information Act and the St. Mary's County Open Meetings Act.

(b)

  (1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection:

    (i) all activities of the Commission that relate to an alternative dispute resolution, a grievance, or a complaint of discrimination shall be conducted in confidence and without publicity; and

    (ii) the Commission may meet in closed session when dealing with an alternative dispute resolution, a grievance, or a complaint of discrimination.

  (2) If all parties involved in an alternative dispute resolution, a grievance, or a complaint of discrimination consent in writing, the activities of the Commission related to the alternative dispute resolution, grievance, or complaint of discrimination may be conducted publicly.

  (3) Except as provided under Sec. 29-107 of this title, the Commission shall hold confidential all information concerning an alternative dispute resolution, a grievance, or a complaint of discrimination, including the identities of the parties involved.

  (4) The Commission shall hold confidential any information and records obtained by a predecessor county body that was authorized to perform a function similar to that of the Commission before July 1, 1997.

(c)

  (1) Information related to the activities or involvement of the Commission in an alternative dispute resolution, a grievance, or a complaint of discrimination may not be admitted as evidence in any administrative proceeding or litigation.

  (2) The records of the Commission may not be discovered in any administrative proceeding or litigation.

(d)

  (1) Except as provided under Sec. 29-107 of this title and paragraph (2) of this subsection, information or records related to the activities or involvement of the Commission in an alternative dispute resolution, a grievance, or a complaint of discrimination are not subject to public inspection under the Maryland Public Information Act.

  (2) Statistical information may be made available for public inspection under Sec. 4-501(e) of the General Provisions Article.

#### Section 29-109

(a) Subject to subsection (b) of this section, the Commission shall file with the County Commissioners of St. Mary's County a comprehensive report of its activities at least once every 12 months.

(b) The Commission may not reveal any confidential information in the report to the county commissioners.

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Md. Code Ann., Local Gov't (as displayed at mgaleg.maryland.gov, October 16, 2026)