1. There is hereby created a “Missouri Commission on Human Rights”. It shall consist of eleven members, with no less than one from each of the congressional districts of this state, serving without compensation, to be appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the senate. One of the members shall be appointed chairperson by the governor. Appointments to the commission shall be for a term of six years. No more than six members at any one time shall be members of the same political party. In the event of the death or resignation of any member, his successor shall be appointed to serve for the unexpired period of the term for which such member had been appointed.

2. The function of the commission shall be to encourage fair treatment for and to foster mutual understanding and respect among, and to discourage discrimination against, any racial, ethnic, religious or other group protected by this chapter, members of these groups or persons with disabilities.

Terms Used In Missouri Laws 213.020

  • Advice and consent: Under the Constitution, presidential nominations for executive and judicial posts take effect only when confirmed by the Senate, and international treaties become effective only when the Senate approves them by a two-thirds vote.
  • Commission: the Missouri commission on human rights. See Missouri Laws 213.010
  • Discrimination: conduct proscribed herein, taken because of race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, sex, or age as it relates to employment, disability, or familial status as it relates to housing. See Missouri Laws 213.010
  • State: when applied to any of the United States, includes the District of Columbia and the territories, and the words "United States" includes such district and territories. See Missouri Laws 1.020

3. Any local commission created and established prior to August 13, 1986, by an ordinance adopted by the governing body of any city, constitutional charter city, town, village, or county, shall have the power and authority to seek to eliminate and prevent discrimination in employment, housing, and public accommodation, and to establish related programs, which shall be certified by the commission as substantially equivalent. The power and authority of such commissions to initiate and pursue administrative proceedings and remedies shall be solely as provided in section 213.135.