The commission shall have the power and it shall be its duty:
(a) To develop when necessary an information and referral system for all services in the county related specifically to the needs of women, to cooperate with the community services coordinating commission and to develop other services when a need for such services is determined.
(b) To research, assemble, analyze and disseminate pertinent data and educational materials relating to activities and programs which will assist in meeting the needs of women and in the elimination of prejudice and discrimination on account of sex; and to institute and conduct educational and other programs, meetings and conferences to promote equal rights and opportunities for all persons regardless of their sex. In performance of its duties, the commission shall cooperate with interested citizens, community, business, professional, technical, educational and civic organizations.
(c) To cooperate with the county executive and all governmental agencies concerned with matters within the jurisdiction of the commission.
(d) To study and investigate by means of public or private meetings, conferences and public hearings, conditions which may result in unmet needs or in discrimination or prejudice because of sex.
(e) To advise and counsel the residents of the county, the county council, the county executive and the various departments of county, state and federal governments on matters involving the needs of women and on matters relating to discrimination or prejudice on account of sex, and to recommend such procedures, program or legislation as it may deem necessary and proper to promote and insure equal rights and opportunities for all persons, regardless of their sex.
(f) To work to remove inequalities due to unmet needs or discrimination or prejudice on the basis of sex in such areas as housing, recreation, employment, education, community services and related matters.
(g) To adopt, under method (2) of section 2A-15 of this Code, such regulations as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this article; to keep a record of its activities and minutes of all meetings; such records and minutes shall be on file and shall be open to the public at reasonable business hours upon request.
(h) To prepare and submit to the county executive a budget to include the recommended appropriation for its own operation. In submitting a recommended budget for carrying out the operation of the commission, the county executive shall take into consideration the recommendations of the commission. (1972 L.M.C., ch. 22, § 1; 1977 L.M.C., ch. 30, § 13; 1984 L.M.C., ch. 24, § 30.)
