In this subtitle the following words have the meanings indicated. “Commission” means the Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs. “LGBTQIA+” means lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer or questioning, intersex, asexual, agender, or aromantic, and additional identities.

There is a Commission on LGBTQIA+ Affairs in the Governor’s Office of Community Initiatives.

The Commission consists of 21 members appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate. The members shall: to the extent practicable, be members of the LGBTQIA+ community; include at least two transgender individuals; to the extent practicable, reflect the age, gender, gender identity or expression, ancestral, national origin, color, disability, religious, sex, sexual orientation, racial, ethnic, socioeconomic, and geographic diversity of the State; know about issues facing LGBTQIA+ communities and be sensitive to the problems of LGBTQIA+ communities; be representatives of the State’s LGBTQIA+ communities or have an interest in the success of LGBTQIA+ communities; and provide value to the work of the Commission. The term of a member is 4 years. The terms of members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on October 1, 2023. At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies. A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies. Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, a member may be reappointed. A member who has served two consecutive 4–year terms may not be reappointed until at least 1 year has elapsed after the end of the previous term. The Governor may remove a member for incompetence or misconduct. A member who fails to attend at least 50% of the regularly scheduled meetings during a 12–month period shall be considered to have resigned from the Commission.

The Commission shall elect annually a chair and vice chair from among its members.

The Commission shall meet at the call of the chair, a majority of the members, or the Governor. A member of the Commission: may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but is entitled to receive reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

With the approval of the Governor, the Commission shall appoint a director. The director may not be a member of the Commission. The director serves at the pleasure of the Commission, subject to the concurrence of the Governor. The director is a special appointment in the State Personnel Management System. Subject to the rules and policies adopted by the Commission and the administrative supervision of the Governor in accordance with Title 8, Subtitle 3 of this article, the director shall: administer the activities of the Commission; and supervise the appointment and removal of Commission personnel.

The Commission shall: assess the challenges facing LGBTQIA+ communities; collect data across State agencies on: the implementation of policies that are inclusive of LGBTQIA+ identities; and complaints alleging discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity; study and establish best practices for inclusion of LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities; inform the Executive and Legislative branches of State government of issues concerning LGBTQIA+ persons; offer testimony on issues concerning LGBTQIA+ persons before legislative and administrative bodies; act as a clearinghouse for activities to avoid duplication of efforts; create surveys and appoint advisory committees in the fields of: education; social sciences; labor and employment laws and policies; law enforcement; health and safety; new and expanded services; legal rights; family relations; human relations; and volunteer services; and publish, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, an annual report, and any other material the Commission considers necessary, that includes recommendations on policies for LGBTQIA+ adults and youth that work to end discriminatory practices in the State.

The Commission may seek money from the federal government, foundations, and private sources in addition to State financing. The Commission may accept gifts, grants, donations, bequests, or endowments for any of its purposes. Money received under subsection (a) of this section and income and fees derived from activities of the Commission are not subject to § 7–302 of the State Finance and Procurement Article. Money maintained under this section is subject to audit by the State, including the Legislative Auditor.