PURPOSE: This rule describes the general organization of the commission and the methods and procedures people may use to obtain information about it, as required by section 536.023, RSMo.

1. (1) The Commission on Human Rights was created by section 213.020, RSMo. It states the function of the commission shall be to encourage fair treatment for, and to foster mutual understanding and respect for, and to discourage discrimination against any racial, ethnic, religious, or other group protected by this chapter, members of these groups, and persons with disabilities.
2. (2) The purpose of the commission is to eliminate and prevent discrimination in housing because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, disability, or familial status. The commission also is empowered to eliminate and prevent discrimination in employment because of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability, or age. The commission also is empowered to eliminate and prevent discrimination in public accommodations because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, or disability. Because of the overriding public concern in eliminating discriminatory practices, the commission shall have jurisdiction over all persons, public or private, except those specifically exempted by law.
3. (3) The commission consists of eleven (11) members, with at least one (1) from each congressional district of this state, serving without compensation, appointed by the governor. One (1) member shall be appointed chairperson of the commission by the governor. The commission members shall select one (1) commissioner to act as vice-chairperson.
4. (4) The commission has the powers, duties and functions to enforce Chapter 213, RSMo. The commission has created the position of executive director to organize a staff to aid the commission in the enforcement of its statutory power. The staff shall aid the commission in investigation and conciliation and 8 CSR 60-1

in preparation of cases for hearing so that the commission’s work will be performed in a manner consistent with its prescribed purpose of eliminating discriminatory practices in this state.

1. (5) The general public may obtain information about the commission or make submissions to the commission at any of the commission offices.
2. (6) The commission holds periodic meetings, which are open to the public, in the various congressional districts representative of the commission membership. Notice of these meetings appears in the public press, by mail to persons requesting this notice, and as provided by section 610.020, RSMo.

AUTHORITY: sections 213.020 and 213.030, RSMo 2000 and section 536.023, RSMo Supp. 2008.* This rule was previously filed as 4 CSR 180-1.010. Original rule filed April 1, 1977, effective July 11, 1977. Amended: Filed Dec. 2, 1992, effective June 7, 1993. Amended: Filed March 16, 2009, effective Sept. 30, 2009.

*Original authority: 213.020, RSMo 1959, amended 1986, 1992, 1998; 213.030, RSMo 1959, amended 1978, 1986, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1998; and 536.023, RSMo 1975, amended 1976, 1997, 2004.