2048

LAWS OF MARYLAND

Ch. 684

business, corporation, partnership, copartnership,
association contemplated by this section so long as the
denial is not based upon discrimination on the grounds of
race, sex, color, creed, or national origin, marital status,
or physical or mental handicap.

[12.] 9.

(a)   Any person claiming to be aggrieved by an alleged
discrimination prohibited by any section of this [article]
ARTICLE may make, sign and file with the Human Relations
Commission (hereinafter referred to as the "Commission") a
complaint in writing under oath. The complaint shall state
the name and address of the person, firm, association,
partnership, corporation, state agency, department or board
alleged to have committed the act of discrimination together
with the particulars thereof; and the complaint also shall
contain such other information as may be required from time
to time by the Commission. A complaint must be filed within
six months from the date of the occurrence alleged to be a
violation of this [article] ARTICLE- A complaint filed with
the federal or with a local human relations commission
within six months from the date of occurrence shall be
deemed to have complied with the provisions of this section.

(b)    Whenever the Commission has received reliable
information from any individual or individuals that any
person has been engaged or is engaged in any discriminatory
practice within the scope of this [article] ARTICLE, and
after a preliminary investigation by the Commission's staff
authorized by the chair nan or vice-chairman it is satisfied
that said information warrants the filing of a complaint,
the Commission, on its own motion, and by action of not less
than [four] THREE commissioners, may issue a complaint in
its name in the same manner as if the complaint had been
filed by an individual.

(c)   The Commission shall meet at least once each
month. In addition, the chairman or a majority of the
Commission shall have the right at any time to call special
meetings of the Commission upon five (5) days notice to the
members thereof. The Commission shall establish procedures
for the conduct of said meetings.

[16.] 13.

(a) During the investigation of any complaint alleging
a violation of §§ [11, 11B, 17, 18, 19, or 23] 5, 7, 14, 15,
16, OR 22 of this article, and until said matters reach the
stage of public hearings, the activities of all members of
the Commission and employees thereof in connection with said
investigation shall be conducted in confidence and without
publicity, and the Commission shall hold confidential any
information in relation thereto, including the identity of
the complainant and the respondent, except that

(i) Any information may be released at any time
if the release has been agreed to in writing by both