Commission Authority and Jurisdiction

Authority

The Commission's primary responsibility is to enforce its law, Article 29 of the Baltimore County Code, 2003, which prohibits discrimination in the areas of employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and finance on the bases of age, color, creed, marital status, national origin, physical or mental disability, religion, and sex (including sexual harassment and pregnancy).  In addition to investigating complaints of discrimination, the Commission, in consultation with the Executive Director, is empowered to:

• undertake training and seminars in intergroup relations
• initiate and conduct surveys, studies, inquiries, and public hearings
• make recommendations on intergroup relations to the County Executive and County Council
• co-operate with other commissions, agencies, organizations, and groups including, but not limited to federal, state, and counties
• provide for conciliation and mediation services

Jurisdiction

The Commission's jurisdiction covers employment, housing, public accommodations, education, and finance related complaints that are only in Baltimore County.  The Commission does not have jurisdiction over county government, county board of education, or community colleges.  The Commission's jurisdiction also covers employers with one or more employees.

Revised March 21, 2005