§ 86-3. Authorization.

(a)

It is the intent of this article to authorize creation by the mayor of a new bureau, to be known as the human relations commission, which shall be authorized to exist and act for the city, as provided in this article, with the advice of an advisory committee on human relations constituted as provided herein. It is the intent of this article to exercise the city's rights under article VI, section 6 of the constitution; and the council declares that such bureau, acting with the advice of such committee, shall constitute the city's human rights commission under state law. The term "commission," as used in this article, refers to such bureau acting with the advice of such committee; and the term "committee" refers to such committee acting as the designated advisor to such bureau. The council finds that the use of a bureau within an existing administration unit, advised by a citizens' advisory committee, to serve as a city human rights commission will achieve the goals of independence of judgment and participation of citizens representing diverse interests and community groups while at the same time observing the home rule charter policy against the proliferation of administratively discrete agencies.

(b)

Subject to the limitation set forth in subsection (c) of this section, the mayor is hereby authorized to create, within one of the offices, departments or boards created or recognized by the home rule charter, a bureau to be known as the New Orleans Human Relations Commission.

(c)

The authorization granted in subsection (b) of this section shall be effective only during the period or periods of existence of an advisory committee on human relations appointed pursuant to section 86-4.

(d)

The human relations commission shall be headed by a full-time executive director, and may employ additional staff in the manner provided by applicable law. Except as may otherwise be provided in applicable law, the executive director shall be appointed only after consultation with the advisory committee on human relations.

(M.C.S., Ord. No. 19,278, § 1, 6-17-99)