12935
GOVERNMENT CODE
SECTION 12935
12935. The commission shall have the following functions, powers, and duties: (a) To adopt, promulgate, amend, and rescind suitable rules, regulations, and standards (1) to interpret, implement, and apply all provisions of this part, (2) to regulate the conduct of hearings held pursuant to Sections 12967 and 12981, and (3) to carry out all other functions and duties of the commission pursuant to this part. (b) To conduct hearings pursuant to Sections 12967 and 12981. (c) To conduct mediations at the request of the department at any time after a complaint is filed pursuant to Section 12960, 12961, or 12980. The department may withdraw a request for mediation at any time to pursue an investigation. (d) To establish and maintain a principal office within the state and to meet and function at any place within the state. (e) To appoint an executive secretary, and any attorneys and other employees as it may deem necessary, fix their compensation within the limitations provided by law, and prescribe their duties. (f) To hold hearings, subpoena witnesses, compel their attendance, administer oaths, examine any person under oath and, in connection therewith, to require the production of any books or papers relating to any matter under investigation or in question before the commission. (g) To create or provide financial or technical assistance to any advisory agencies and conciliation councils, local or otherwise, as in its judgment will aid in effectuating the purposes of this part, and to empower them to study the problems of discrimination in all or specific fields of human relationships or in particular instances of employment discrimination on the bases enumerated in this part or in specific instances of housing discrimination because of race, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, familial status, disability, marital status, sex, or sexual orientation and to foster, through community effort or otherwise, good will, cooperation, and conciliation among the groups and elements of the population of the state and to make recommendations to the commission for the development of policies and procedures in general. These advisory agencies and conciliation councils shall be composed of representative citizens, serving without pay. (h) With respect to findings and orders made pursuant to this part, to establish a system of published opinions that shall serve as precedent in interpreting and applying the provisions of this part. Commission findings, orders, and opinions in an adjudicative proceeding are subject to Section 11425.60. (i) To issue publications and results of inquiries and research that in its judgment will tend to promote good will and minimize or eliminate unlawful discrimination. These publications shall include an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature of its activities and recommendations. (j) Notwithstanding Sections 11370.3 and 11502, to appoint administrative law judges, as it may deem necessary, to conduct hearings and mediations. Each administrative law judge shall possess the qualifications established by the State Personnel Board for the particular class of position involved. The hearing officers of the commission shall become administrative law judges on the effective date of this subdivision.