The commission shall have the functions, powers, and duties:

     (1) To appoint an executive director and chief examiner, and such investigators, examiners, clerks, and other employees and agents as it may deem necessary, fix their compensation within the limitations provided by law, and prescribe their duties.

     (2) To obtain upon request and utilize the services of all governmental departments and agencies.

     (3) To adopt, amend, and rescind suitable rules to carry out the provisions of this chapter, and the policies and practices of the commission in connection therewith.

     (4) To receive, impartially investigate, and pass upon complaints alleging unfair practices as defined in this chapter.

     (5) To issue such publications and results of investigations and research as in its judgment will tend to promote good will and minimize or eliminate discrimination because of sex, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, national origin, marital status, age, honorably discharged veteran or military status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained dog guide or service animal by a person with a disability.

     (6) To make such technical studies as are appropriate to effectuate the purposes and policies of this chapter and to publish and distribute the reports of such studies.

     (7) To cooperate and act jointly or by division of labor with the United States or other states, with other Washington state agencies, commissions, and other government entities, and with political subdivisions of the state of Washington and their respective human rights agencies to carry out the purposes of this chapter. However, the powers which may be exercised by the commission under this subsection permit investigations and complaint dispositions only if the investigations are designed to reveal, or the complaint deals only with, allegations which, if proven, would constitute unfair practices under this chapter. The commission may perform such services for these agencies and be reimbursed therefor.

     (8) To foster good relations between minority and majority population groups of the state through seminars, conferences, educational programs, and other intergroup relations activities.

[2007 c 187 § 5; 2006 c 4 § 5; 1997 c 271 § 4. Prior: 1993 c 510 § 6; 1993 c 69 § 4; 1985 c 185 § 10; 1973 1st ex.s. c 214 § 4; 1973 c 141 § 7; 1971 ex.s. c 81 § 1; 1957 c 37 § 7; 1955 c 270 § 8; prior: 1949 c 183 § 6, part; Rem. Supp. 1949 § 7614-25, part.]

NOTES:

     Severability -- 1993 c 510: See note following RCW 49.60.010.

     Severability -- 1993 c 69: See note following RCW 49.60.030.

     Effective date -- 1971 ex.s. c 81: "The effective date of this act shall be July 1, 1971." [1971 ex.s. c 81 § 6.]

Human rights commission to investigate unlawful use of refueling services for individuals with disabilities: RCW 49.60.360.