Ch 1, p.1Status of Blacks[434]
CHAPTER 1
ORGANIZATION
434—1.1(216A) Commission on the status of blacks.
1.1(1) Commission established. The commission on the status of blacks is established, pursuant
to Iowa Code section 216A.142, consisting of nine members. The members of the commission are
appointed by the governor, to serve terms of not more than four years per appointment, and confirmed
by the senate. In addition, the director of the department of human rights will serve as an ex-officio
member of the commission.
1.1(2) Nominations. Nominations for commission officers shall be made in March of each year.
An official ballot shall be prepared and ballots shall be cast at the May meeting.
1.1(3) Election. Officers shall hold office for one year, July 1 through June 30, unless removed by
two-thirds vote of the commission. No officer shall hold the same office for more than three consecu-
tive terms.
1.1(4) Meetings. The commission on the status of blacks shall meet every other month and may
hold special meetings on the call of the chairperson. Six members of the commission shall constitute a
quorum. A simple majority of the quorum is necessary to carry or defeat a motion.
a. Nonattendance. In accordance with Iowa Code section 69.15, any person who has been ap-
pointed to serve on the commission shall be deemed to have submitted a resignation from the commis-
sion if any of the following occurs:
(1) The person does not attend three or more consecutive regular meetings.
(2) The person attends less than half of the regular meetings in any period of 12 calendar months,
beginning July 1.
b. Persons wishing to appear before the commission shall submit a written request to the division
administrator not less than four weeks prior to a scheduled meeting. The written request shall include
ten copies of any materials the requester desires the commission to review. Presentations may be made
at the discretion of the chairperson and only upon matters appearing on the agenda.
c. Special meetings may be called by the chairperson only upon finding good cause and shall be
held in strict accordance with Iowa Code chapter 21.
d. Cameras and recording devices may be used at open meetings, provided they do not obstruct
the meeting.
e. The presiding officer of a meeting may exclude any person from the meeting for repeated be-
havior that disrupts the meeting.
f. Cases not covered by these rules shall be governed by Robert’s Rules of Order (newly revised
edition).
1.1(5) Minutes. Minutes of the commission meetings are prepared and sent to all commission
members. Approved minutes are available at the division office for inspection during regular business
hours.
1.1(6) Duties. In accordance with Iowa Code section 216A.146, the commission shall serve as an
information clearinghouse on programs and agencies operating to assist blacks. Clearinghouse duties
shall include, but are not limited to:
a. Serving as a referral agency to assist blacks in securing access to state agencies and programs.
b. Serving as a liaison with federal, state, and local governmental units and private organizations
on matters relating to blacks.
c. Serving as a communications conduit to state government for black organizations in the state.
d. Stimulating of public awareness of the problems of blacks.
e. Conducting conferences and training programs for blacks, public and private agencies and or-
ganizations, and the general public.
