Explanation: Capitals indicate matter added to existing law.
[Brackets] indicate matter deleted from existing law.
* Warning: This is an unofficial, introductory copy of the bill.
The official copy considered by the City Council is the first reader copy.
Introductory*
City of Baltimore
Council Bill
Introduced by: Councilmembers Burnett, Cohen, Dorsey
A Bill Entitled
An Ordinance concerning
title
Baltimore City Office of LGBTQ Affairs
For the purpose of establishing a Baltimore City Office of LGBTQ Affairs; defining certain terms; providing for the appointment of the Director of the Office; establishing the duties of the Office; providing for the staff and budget of the Office; establishing a LGBTQ Commission to advise and collaborate with the Office; proving for the appointment, structure, and governance of the Commission; requiring the Director, Commission members, and staff of the Office to file financial disclosures under the Ethics Code; and requiring that the Office submit an annual report to the Mayor and City Council.
body
By adding
Article 1 - Mayor, City Council, and Municipal Agencies
Sections 57-1 through 57-10, to be under the new subtitle,
“Subtitle 57. Office of LGBTQ Affairs”
Baltimore City Code
(Edition 2000)
By adding
Article 8 - Ethics
Section(s) 7-8(27)
Baltimore City Code
(Edition 2000)
Section 1. Be it ordained by the Mayor and City Council of Baltimore, That the Laws of Baltimore City read as follows:
Baltimore City Code
Article 1. Mayor, City Council, and Municipal Agencies
Subtitle 57. Office of LGBTQ Affairs
§ 57-1. Definitions.
(a) In general.
In this subtitle, the following terms have the meanings indicated.
(b) Commission.
“Commission” means the Baltimore City LGBTQ Commission.
(c) Director.
“Director” means the Director of the Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
(d) Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer; LGBTQ.
“Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer” or “LGBTQ” means individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer, or individuals who are exploring their sexuality or sexual identity or who are concerned about applying a social label to themselves related to their sexuality or sexual identity.
(e) Office.
“Office” means the Baltimore City Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
§ 57-2. {Reserved}
§ 57-3. Office established.
There is a Baltimore City Office of LGBTQ Affairs.
§ 57-4. Director.
(a) In general.
The Director is responsible for the administration and oversight of the Office.
(b) Appointment.
The Director is appointed by the Mayor in accordance with Article IV, § 6 of the City Charter.
§ 57-5. {Reserved}
§ 57-6. LGBTQ Commission.
(a) Established.
There is a Baltimore City LGBTQ Commission within the Office.
(b) Duties of Commission.
The Commission shall:
(1) advise the Office and the Mayor and City Council on issues relating to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community; and
(2) collaborate and consult with the Office on matters relating to the discharge of the Office’s duties.
(c) Composition.
(1) In general.
The Commission comprises at least 14 members but no more than 25 members appointed by the Mayor in accordance with Article IV, § 6 of the City Charter with:
(i) 2 members nominated by the City Council President; and
(ii) 2 members nominated by the Comptroller.
(2) Diversity.
(i) The Mayor shall appoint Commission members to represent the diversity of people and ideas within the Baltimore lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community.
(ii) The Commission shall include, at a minimum, representation from lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community organizations representing health, social service, religious, and human rights issues and its members shall be representative of the diversity in the community with regard to socioeconomic status, religion, race, ethnicity, gender identification, age, and families.
(c) Terms.
(1) Commission members serve a term of 4 years, concurrent with the terms of the Mayor and the City council.
(2) At the end of a term, a member continues to serve until a successor is appointed and qualifies.
(3) A member appointed to fill a vacancy in an unexpired term or to succeed a member who is holding over serves only for the remainder of that term.
(d) Compensation; expenses.
The members of the Commission:
(1) serve without compensation; but
(2) are entitled to reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred in the performance of their duties, as provided in the Ordinance of Estimates.
(e) Chair.
(1) The Commission shall elect a Chair from among its members.
(2) The term of the Chair is 1 year.
(3) The Chair may be reelected.
(f) Meetings; quorum.
(1) The Commission shall meet at least monthly.
(2) A majority of the members of the Commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.
§ 57-7. {Reserved}
§ 57-8. Staff and budget.
(a) Staff.
The Office may employ staff in accordance with the Ordinance of Estimates.
(b) Budget.
The Office may expend funds authorized in the Ordinance of Estimates or any supplemental appropriations.
§ 57-9. Duties of the Office.
In collaboration and consultation with the Commission, the Office shall:
(1) develop proposed City policy regarding civil rights issues affecting LGBTQ people;
(2) coordinate and participate in the implementation of policies and programs consistent with the City’s diversity and equity goals;
(3) coordinate among City departments, agencies, offices, boards, and commissions to improve LGBTQ access to City services and to promote equality and safety for LGBTQ people;
(4) support the growth and development of the City’s LGBTQ communities;
(5) review proposed legislation referred to the Office by the City Council, assessing its probable effect on City LGBTQ communities;
(6) serve as liaison between the City’s LGBTQ communities and the City; and
(7) perform any other duty required by the Mayor.
§ 57-10. Annual report.
On or before June 30 of each year, the Office shall submit a report to the Mayor and City Council detailing:
(1) the activities of the Office and the Commission; and
(2) any specific policy or legislative proposals to advance the needs of LGBTQ communities in Baltimore or the goals of the Office.
Article 8. Ethics
Subtitle 7. Financial Disclosure
Part II. Who Must File
§ 7-8. Persons required to file - Agency officials and staff.
The following officials and employees must file the financial disclosure statements required by this subtitle:
. . . .
(27) LGBTQ Affairs, Office of
(i) Director.
(ii) Members of the LGBTQ Commission.
(iii) All non-clerical employees.
Section 2. And be it further ordained, That the catchlines contained in this Ordinance are not law and may not be considered to have been enacted as a part of this or any prior Ordinance.
Section 3. And be it further ordained, That this Ordinance takes effect on the 30th day after the date it is enacted.