(A) There shall be a Frederick County Immigrant Affairs Commission (hereinafter referred to as "the Commission").
(B) The Commission shall act as an advisory body that serves as a means for immigrant voices to be heard and understood, facilitates civic engagement among immigrants, and recognizes and legitimizes issues of importance to immigrants arriving and living in Frederick County.
(C) Among its responsibilities and duties, the Commission shall:
(1) Advise the County Executive and County Council on ways to enhance and improve immigrant access to county services and resources; strengthen opportunities for immigrants to participate in civic life; encourage dialogue and understanding among immigrant communities and the non-immigrant community; advocate on behalf of immigrants; and provide outreach from and community feedback to the County Executive and County Council.
(2) Monitor, analyze, and make recommendations for existing or proposed policies and actions, at all levels of government, for their impact on immigrants.
(3) Assess, research, and compile data related to immigrant affairs in Frederick County, including:
(a) Addressing immigrant needs and concerns;
(b) Bringing immigrant communities together for the purpose of collective engagement;
(c) Access to and delivery of services and information tailored to immigrants;
(d) Immigrant awareness of civil rights protections and related laws and;
(e) Economic and workforce development opportunities for immigrants.
(D) The Commission's scope shall be limited to make recommendations only on issues and groups under the exclusive authority of the county government. The Commission's activities shall not include issues outside of the authority of the county government, including those related to: the Frederick County Board of Education, the Frederick County Sheriff, the Motor Vehicle Administration, the State's Attorney's Office, the Frederick County Circuit Court, the Frederick County District Court, Federal Immigration Policy or Immigrations and Custom Enforcement (ICE).
(1) On or before July 1 of each year, the Commission shall submit an annual report to the County Executive and County Council. The report should include assessment findings and recommendations as identified above.
(2) Two years following the first meeting, the Commission will submit a status report to the County Executive and County Council. The report should include assessment findings and recommendations as identified above. Upon submission of this report, the County Executive and County Council may submit questions or requests to the Commission for additional information. The Commission will have eight weeks to respond to any requests. Upon completion of this review, the Council must vote whether to reauthorize the Commission.
(Bill No. 20-18, 2-2-2021)