Sec. 01.01.2007.21. Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs [Rescinds Executive Order 01.01.2003.19]

A. There is a Governor's Commission on Hispanic Affairs in the Governor's Office of Community Initiatives as described in Executive Order 01.01.2007.18.

B. The Commission shall consist of the following members:

(1) Twenty-one voting members appointed by the Governor. The members appointed by the Governor shall reflect the diverse ancestry and national origins of the Hispanic community of Maryland, shall provide representation from different geographic regions in the State, and may also include experts on issues important to the State's Hispanic population;

(2) As ex-officio, nonvoting members:

(a) A representative of the Office of the Governor;

(b) The Secretary of Human Resources or a designee;

(c) The Secretary of Health and Mental Hygiene or a designee;

(d) The Secretary of Housing and Community Development or a designee;

(e) The Secretary of Business and Economic Development or a designee;

(f) The Secretary of Labor, Licensing and Regulation or a designee;

(g) The State Superintendent of Schools or a designee; and

(h) The Secretary of Higher Education or a designee.

(3) Appointed members shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor for up to two consecutive four-year terms.

(4) The Governor shall designate a Chairperson from among the members of the Commission. The Chairperson shall serve at the pleasure of the Governor. The Chairperson shall be responsible for creating subcommittees to carry out the functions of the Commission.

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

C. Procedures.

(1) The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson at least six times each year. Notice of meetings shall be published to encourage public attendance.

(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 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. Operational Support. The Governor's Office of Community Initiatives and the Department of Human Resources shall provide support as needed to the Commission.

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

(1) Serve as an advisory body to the Governor and agencies within the Executive Department on matters relating to the Hispanic population of Maryland, including matters relating to economic, workforce, and business development;

(2) Identify needs or problems affecting the Hispanic population and develop appropriate responses and programs;

(3) Conduct outreach to Hispanic groups and communities in the State and communicate information to them concerning public and private programs that are beneficial to their interests;

(4) Review and comment on any proposed federal, State, or local legislation, regulations, policies, or programs that affect the Hispanic population of Maryland;

(5) Generally comment and make appropriate recommendations on matters affecting the health, safety, and welfare of the Hispanic population of Maryland; and

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

Effective Date: October 11, 2007 (34:22 Md. R. 1965)