§ 6-802

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§6–802.

(a)There is a Commission on Hate Crime Response and Prevention in the Office of the Attorney General.

(b)The Commission consists of the following members, appointed by the Attorney General:

(1)15 individuals who represent or advocate on behalf of individuals who are members of a protected class under the State hate crime laws as set forth in Title 10, Subtitle 3 of the Criminal Law Article appointed by the Attorney General with the advice and consent of the Senate;

(2)one representative of the Maryland Association of Human Relations/Human Rights Agencies;

(3)one representative of the Maryland Chiefs of Police Association;

(4)one representative of the Maryland Commission on Civil Rights;

(5)one representative of the Maryland Coordination and Analysis Center;

(6)one representative of the Maryland Center for School Safety;

(7)one representative of the Maryland Sheriffs’ Association;

(8)one representative of the Maryland State’s Attorneys’ Association;

(9)one representative of the Office of the Public Defender; and

(10)two members of the general public.

(1)The term of an appointed member of the Commission is 4 years.

(2)The terms of the appointed members are staggered as required by the terms provided for members of the Commission on June 1, 2024.

(3)At the end of a term, an appointed member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(4)A member who is appointed after a term has begun serves only for the rest of the term and until a successor is appointed and qualifies.

(1)The Attorney General, or the Attorney General’s designee, is the chair of the Commission.

(2)The Office of the Attorney General shall provide staff for the Commission.

(e)In fiscal year 2025 and in each fiscal year thereafter, the Governor shall include funds in the State budget to implement this section, including funds to:

(1)employ a full–time assistant Attorney General to staff the Commission; and

(2)operate and maintain the office.

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

(2)The Commission may adopt rules governing the administration and proceedings of the Commission.

(g)A member of the Commission:

(1)may not receive compensation as a member of the Commission; but

(2)is entitled to reimbursement for expenses under the Standard State Travel Regulations, as provided in the State budget.

(h)The Commission shall:

(1)develop strategies to prevent and respond to hate crime activity; and

(2)evaluate State laws and policies relating to hate crimes.

(1)On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2024, the Commission shall report to the State Department of Education on policy recommendations to address hate crimes that occur in schools.

(2)On or before December 1 each year, beginning in 2024, the Commission shall report to the General Assembly, in accordance with § 2–1257 of this article, on legislative recommendations to address hate crimes in the State.