Effective 28 Aug 1998

213.020. Commission on human rights created — members, how appointed, terms, vacancies, how filled — functions — local commissions, power and authority. — 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.

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.

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(L. 1959 H.B. 266 §§ 2, 3, A.L. 1986 S.B. 513, A.L. 1992 H.B. 1619, A.L. 1998 S.B. 786)

(1990) Nothing in subsection 3 of this statute gives cities, towns, villages or counties the power to create a cause of action for the violation of an antidiscrimination ordinance. Failure of legislature to include an express grant of power to determine violations and make awards establishes its intent that such power is not included. Yellow Freight Systems, Inc. v. Mayor's Commission on Human Rights of the City of Springfield, 791 S.W.2d 382 (Mo. en banc).