The commission may investigate complaints, file civil actions, use subpoenas, give technical help, recommend legislation, adopt procedural rules, and do outreach. It must also prepare an inventory every two years, file an annual report, and conduct a study when directed.
Sec. 21.003. GENERAL POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSION. (a) The commission may: (1) promote the creation of local commissions on human rights by cooperating or contracting with individuals or state, local, or other agencies, public or private, including agencies of the federal government and of other states; (2) receive, investigate, seek to conciliate, and pass on complaints alleging violations of this chapter; (3) file civil actions to effectuate the purposes of this chapter; (4) request and, if necessary, compel by subpoena: (A) the attendance of necessary witnesses for examination under oath; and (B) the production, for inspection and copying, of records, documents, and other evidence relevant to the investigation of alleged violations of this chapter; (5) furnish technical assistance requested by a person subject to this chapter to further compliance with this chapter or with a rule or order issued under this chapter; (6) recommend in its annual report legislation or other action to carry out the purposes and policies of this chapter; (7) adopt procedural rules to carry out the purposes and policies of this chapter; and (8) provide educational and outreach activities to individuals who have historically been victims of employment discrimination. (b) The commission by rule may authorize a commissioner or one of its staff to exercise the powers stated in Subsection (a)(4) on behalf of the commission. (c) The commission biennially shall develop an inventory of equal employment opportunity policies and programs adopted and implemented by the various state agencies. (d) The commission at least annually shall make a comprehensive written report on the commission's activities to the governor and to the legislature. (e) The commission shall conduct a study of the policies and programs of a selected state agency if the commission is directed to conduct the study by legislative resolution or by executive order of the governor. Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 76, Sec. 9.03(a), eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 872, Sec. 11, eff. Sept. 1, 1999. Amended by: Acts 2013, 83rd Leg., R.S., Ch. 1312 (S.B. 59), Sec. 77, eff. September 1, 2013.