Section 75: Commission on the social status of Black men and boys to examine issues causing a disproportionally negative impact
Section 75. (a) There shall be a permanent commission on the social status of Black men and boys to study and examine issues which disproportionately have a negative impact on Black men and boys in the commonwealth. The commission shall: (i) signal that the issues facing the Black male population are a national priority; (ii)develop solutions to these issues and (iii) help eliminate the obstacles facing Black men and boys. The commission should work to improve economic, education, criminal justice, public safety, housing, health and wellness, father-hood and mentorship outcomes of Black men and boys in the commonwealth.
(b) The commission shall consist of 21 members: 2 persons appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, 2 persons appointed by the president of the senate, the commissioner of public health or their designee; the commissioner of social services or their designee; the commissioner of education or their designee; 1 additional member from the department of education appointed by the commissioner of education; the commissioner of youth services or their designee; the commissioner of correction or their designee; the secretary of labor and workforce development or their designee; 3 additional persons appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives, none of whom shall be members of the general court; 3 additional persons appointed by the president of the senate, none of whom shall be members of the general court; and 3 persons appointed by the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus or its successor organization, none of whom shall be a member of the general court.
Members of the commission shall be selected from diverse religious, age, sexual orientation, socio-economic and geographical backgrounds from throughout the commonwealth and shall have a sincere desire or experience in working toward the improvement of the social status of black men and boys. Members shall be subject to the provisions of chapter 268A as they apply to special state employees.
(c) Members shall serve terms of 3 years and until their successors are appointed. Members may be reappointed in the same manner in which they were originally appointed.
Vacancies in the membership of the commission shall be filled by the original appointing authority for the balance of the unexpired term.
The commission shall elect from among its members a chair, a vice chair, a treasurer and any other officers it deems necessary.
The members of the commission shall receive no compensation for their services, but shall be reimbursed for any usual and customary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.
(d) The commission shall conduct an ongoing study of all matters concerning the social status of Black men and boys in the commonwealth. In furtherance of that responsibility, the commission shall: (i) study, review and report on the social status of Black men and boys in the commonwealth; (ii) inform leaders of business, education, health care, state and local governments and the media of issues pertaining to Black men and boys, (iii) serve as a liaison between government and private interest groups concerned with issues affecting Black men and boys; (iv) serve as a clearinghouse for information on issues pertaining to Black men and boys; (v) identify and recommend policies and programs to be implemented by state departments, agencies, commissions, and boards that will lead to the improved social status of Black men and boys, as the commission deems necessary and appropriate; and (vi) promote and facilitate collaboration among local agencies, including community-based organizations in the state, as the commission deems necessary and appropriate.
The commission shall annually, not later than August 31, report the results of its findings and activities of the preceding year and its recommendations to the governor and to the clerks of the house of representatives and senate.
(e) The powers of the commission shall include, but not be limited to: (i) using such voluntary and uncompensated services of private individuals, agencies and organizations as may from time to time be offered and needed; and (ii) recommending policies and making recommendations to agencies and officers of the state and local subdivisions of government to effectuate the purposes of this section.
(f) The powers of the commission shall include: (i) selecting an executive director and acquiring adequate staff to perform its duties, subject to appropriation, provided that said persons are not members of said commission; (ii) establishing and maintaining such offices as it may deem necessary, subject to appropriation; (iii) enacting by-laws for its own governance; and (iv) holding regular, public meetings and to hold fact finding hearings and other public forums as it may deem necessary.
(g) The commission shall set its own meeting schedule.
(h) The commission may request from all state agencies such information and assistance as the commission may require. Each state agency shall cooperate with requests from the commission and shall provide such information and assistance requested, as permitted under the state law.
The commission may accept and solicit funds, including any gifts, donations, grants or bequests or any federal funds for any of the purposes of this section. Such funds shall be deposited in a separate account with the state treasurer, be received by the state treasurer on behalf of the commonwealth and be expended by the commission in accordance with law.