Sec. 01.01.2003.28. Governor's Commission on Migratory and Seasonal Farm Labor [Rescinded COMAR 01.01.1981.01, 01.01.1981.07, and 01.01.1984.02]

A. There is a Governor's Commission on Migratory and Seasonal Farm Labor in the Department of Human Resources.

B. Membership.

(1) The Commission shall consist of up to 17 members appointed by the Governor, including:

(a) The Secretary of the Department of Agriculture, or a designee;

(b) The Secretary of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, or a designee;

(c) The Secretary of the Department of Human Resources, or a designee;

(d) The Secretary of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation, or a designee;

(e) The State Superintendent of the Department of Education, or a designee;

(f) The Director of the University System of Maryland Cooperative Extension Service or a designee; and

(g) Up to 11 members with interest or expertise, who are appointed by the Governor. These members may include representatives of farm workers, growers, service agencies, and other organizations concerned with migratory and seasonal farm labor issues.

(2) Members appointed by the Governor shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor for up to two consecutive four-year terms. The terms of members shall be staggered on initial appointment pursuant to this Executive Order. All other members of the commission shall serve so long as they hold the designation specified in this Executive Order.

(3) The Governor shall designate a Chairperson from among the members of the Commission, with the advice of the Secretary of Human Resources. The Chairperson shall hold office at the pleasure of the Governor.

(4) The Governor may remove any member of the Commission for any cause.

(5) In the event of a vacancy, the Governor shall appoint a successor.

C. Procedures.

(1) The Commission shall meet at least four times a year, at the times and places determined by the Chairperson.

(2) A majority of Commission members shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.

(3) The Commission may adopt such other procedures and by-laws as may be necessary to ensure the orderly transaction of business.

(4) By June 30 of each year, the Commission shall submit an annual report to the Governor and the Secretary of Human Resources detailing its activities in the preceding calendar year, along with any appropriate recommendations.

D. Expenses. Members of the Commission may not receive any compensation for their services. Public members of the Commission may be reimbursed for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, in accordance with the Standard State Travel Regulations, and as provided in the State budget.

E. Staff Support. The Department of Human Resources shall provide staff support for the Commission.

F. Duties. The Commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:

(1) Serve as the advisory body to the Governor, the General Assembly, and agencies within the Executive Department on matters relating to the migratory and seasonal farm labor population of Maryland;

(2) Serve as a forum for farm laborers, growers, service agencies, and State agencies to share information and concerns, and to cooperate in developing recommendations concerning matters that affect the migratory and seasonal farm population of Maryland;

(3) Work with growers, communities in which the workers live, crewleaders, private groups, churches, and agencies of State and local government for the purpose of advancing the welfare of migratory and seasonal farm laborers;

(4) Promote the coordination of and, to the degree feasible, participate in the evaluation of farm labor programs and services to this population that are provided by the State and federal government and private agencies;

(5) Conduct surveys and interview employers, workers, governmental experts, and members of the community whenever, in its judgment, these activities are necessary to assess conditions affecting migratory and seasonal farm laborers;

(6) Review and make recommendations on existing and proposed federal, State, and local legislation, rules and regulations, policies, and programs that affect or would affect the migratory and seasonal farm labor population in Maryland; and

(7) Perform any other duties that may be requested by the Governor.

Effective date: September 5, 2003 (30:20 Md. R. 1390)