Power and Authority
The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (“Commission”) shall have the powers and authority
set forth in Government Code sections 8244 and 8246, as amended from time to time, and such other
powers and authority as the California Legislature (“Legislature”) shall from time to time
establish. These bylaws are to be used as a governing instrument.

The commission shall have the powers and authority necessary to carry out the duties imposed upon
it by this chapter, including, but not limited to, the following (Gov. Code, § 8244):
(a) To employ such administrative, technical, and other personnel as may be necessary
for the performance of its powers and duties.
(b) To hold hearings, make and sign any agreements and to do or perform any acts which may be
necessary, desirable, or proper to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(c) To cooperate with, and secure the cooperation of, any department, division, board,
bureau, commission, or other agency of the state to facilitate it properly to carry out its powers
and duties hereunder.
(d) To appoint advisers or advisory committees from time to time when the commission determines
that the experience or expertise of such advisers or advisory committees is needed for projects of
the commission. Section 11009 is applicable to advisers or advisory committee.
(e) To accept any federal funds granted, by an act of Congress or by executive order, for all or
any of the purposes of this chapter.
(f) (1) To accept any gifts, donations, grants, or bequests for all or any of the purposes of
this chapter, and to conduct fundraising activities that may require payment or purchase to attend.
(2) Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 shall not apply
to the commission at a fundraising event held or organized by the commission, provided that a
majority of members do not discuss among themselves any item of business of a specific nature that
is within the subject matter jurisdiction of the commission.
(3) Article 9 (commencing with Section 11120) of Chapter 1 of Part 1 of Division 3 shall not apply
to any meetings conducted solely for purposes of raising funds for the Women and Girls Fund,
provided that no other item of business that is within the subject matter of the commission is
discussed, deliberated, or acted upon.

8246:
(a) The commission is expressly authorized to inform the Legislature of its position on any
legislative proposal pending before the Legislature and to urge the introduction of legislative
proposals.
(b) The commission is expressly authorized to state its position and viewpoint on issues developed
in the performance of its duties and responsibilities as specified in this chapter.
(c) This section is declaratory of existing law.

Mission of the Commission
The Commission on the Status of Women and Girls (CCSWG) works in a culturally inclusive manner to
promote equality and justice for all women and girls by advocating on their behalf with the
Governor, the Legislature, and other public policymakers, and by educating the public in the areas
of economic equity including educational equity, access to health care including reproductive
choice, violence against women and other key issue areas identified by the Commission as
significantly affecting women and girls.

History of the Commission
The California Advisory Commission on the Status of Women was established by Chapter 1378 (Statutes
of 1965), for “developing recommendations which will enable women to make the maximum contribution
to ”society.” On August 11, 1971, Chapter 541 (Statutes of 1971) was signed by the Governor, making
the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) a permanent agency. In addition to its existing duties,
CSW was also mandated to “act as an information center on the status ‘of women’s needs” and
“develop and coordinate with [those] concerned with preventing problems brought about by
the changing roles of women, and [those who] develop programs to enable women to be
fully contributing members of ”society.” Amended in 2012, California Legislature found
and declared that even though women apparently have greater equality in California than in
many states, they still are not able to contribute to society according to their full potential. To
develop recommendations that will enable women to make the maximum contribution to society,
the Legislature has created the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls.

Nondiscrimination Policy
The Commission will not practice or permit any unlawful discrimination based on sex, race, color,
religion, ancestry, national origin, disability, medical condition, genetic information,
marital status, sexual orientation, citizenship, primary language, or immigration status, or any
other basis prohibited by law.

Functions
The Commission shall:
• Advise the Legislature and the Governor on matters of particular concern to
women and girls;
• Inform Legislature of its position on any legislative proposal pending before
the Legislature and urge the introduction of legislative proposals (Gov. Code, § 8246);
• Initiate, promote, and take appropriate steps to inform the public about
current and proposed legislation affecting women and girls;

• Collect and disseminate information on issues of concern to California women
and girls;
• Coordinate group and individual activities throughout the state
regarding Commission programs and priorities;
• Evaluate compensation and classification plans determining where
compensation and classification inequities exist based on comparability of the value of
work, giving primary consideration to identifying and correcting inequities between
female-dominated and male- dominated classes of employees in the state, provided that
funds for said evaluation are appropriated by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act or
another statute (Gov. Code, § 8248);
• Hire staff or contract for those experts or technical and
professional services as may be required for the completion of the study required by Section
8248. Staff hired pursuant to this section shall be hired in compliance with the State Civil
Service Act (Part 2 (commencing with Section 18500) of Division 5 of Title 2). Contracts
awarded pursuant to this section shall comply with Section 19130 (Gov. Code, § 8250);
• Provide technical and consultative assistance and advice on matters relating
to the needs of California women and girls; Perform such other functions as are outlined
in Government Code, section 8245, as amended from time to time;
• Study the following policy areas, including, but not limited to, to examine
any laws, practices, or conditions concerning or affecting women and girls which impose special
limitations or burdens upon them or upon society, or which limit or tend to limit opportunities
available to women and girls (Gov. Code, § 8245, subd. (a)):

(1) Gender equity in the media.
(2) Educational needs of women and girls.
(3) Gender in the workplace and employment.
(4) Health and safety of women and girls.
(5) Women in the military, women veterans, and military families.
(6) State laws regarding the civil and political rights of women, including pensions,
tax requirements, property rights, marriage and dissolution of marriage provisions, and
similar matters.
(7) The effect of social attitudes and pressures and economic considerations in shaping the roles
to be assumed by women in society.

• The commission shall act as an information center on issues that affect the lives of
women and girls (Gov. Code, § 8245, subd, (b));
• Recommend, develop, prepare, or coordinate materials, projects, or other activities,
and shall give technical and consultative advice to public or private groups or persons concerned
with any of the following (Gov. Code, § 8245, subd. (c)):.

(1) Preventing or minimizing problems brought about by the changing roles and
responsibilities of women.

(2) Developing programs to encourage and enable women to be fully contributing members of society.
• Develop a strategy to attract financial support from private donors
to reduce the commission’s dependence on state funding (Gov. Code, § 8245, subd. (d));
• Encourage women’s and girls’ organizations and other groups to institute
local self-help activities designed to meet women’s educational, employment, and related
needs. The commission shall make reports on its activities, findings, and recommendations
to the Legislature from time to time, but not less often than every odd-numbered year (Gov. Code,
§ 8245, subd. (e)).

Research
Research and programs shall not be implemented unless and until funds are appropriated
by the Legislature in the annual Budget Act or another statute (Gov. Code, § 8250).

Funding
The Women and Girls Fund is hereby created as a fund in the State Treasury to carry out this
chapter in support of the commission upon appropriation by the Legislature in the annual Budget
Act. Subject to the approval of the Department of Finance, all money collected or received by the
commission from gifts, bequests, or donations shall be deposited in the State Treasury to the
credit of the Women and Girls Fund, following the terms of the gift or donation from which the
money is derived and under Sections 8647, 11005, 11005.1, and 16302 of the Government Code. Upon
the approval and the establishment of the Women and Girls Fund, any funds deposited and remaining
in the Commission on the Status of Women and Girls Fund special deposit fund to support the
activities of the Commission on the Status of Women
and Girls shall be transferred to the Women and Girls Fund. (Gov. Code, § 8250.1.).

COMMISSION MEMBERS
The members of the Commission (individually, “member” or “Commissioner;” collectively,
“members” or “Commissioners”) shall be those individuals designated in Government Code section
8241, as amended from time to time.

Pursuant to section 8242, public members of the commission shall receive per diem
while on official business of the commission, not to exceed 12 days per year. Each member of the
commission shall also be entitled to receive his or her actual necessary traveling
expenses while on official business of the commission.
Under section 8242(b), the commission shall select annually from its membership a chairperson and
vice- chairperson.

Per section 8241, the Commission shall consist of 17 members to be appointed as
follows: Seven Commission members are appointed by the Governor. Three Members of the
Senate and one public member appointed by the Senate Committee on Rules. Three Members of the
Assembly and one public member appointed by the Speaker of the Assembly. One
public member is appointed by the Superintendent of Public Instruction. The Labor
Commissioner. One of these public members shall be a veteran or a member of the military. The
Members of the Legislature shall serve at the pleasure of the
appointing powers.

The Government Code also requires that public member appointees of the Speaker of the Assembly and
the Senate Committee on Rules, and appointees of the Governor shall serve four-year terms. All
persons appointed according to Section 2 of Chapter 1378 of the Statutes of 1965, as amended by
Chapter 382 of the Statutes of 1973, shall continue in office until the expiration of their term
and the appointment of their successors. The appointing powers may reappoint a member
whose term has expired and shall immediately fill any vacancy for the unexpired portion of
the term in which it occurs. The appointing powers shall, in making appointments of public
members to the commission, make every effort to ensure that there is a geographic balance of
representation on the commission. All appointees shall hold office until the appointment of their
successors.

The Commission’s primary responsibility is to determine the character of the Commission, to
establish overall policy, direction and to assure financial stability. The Commission has the
responsibility for the effective implementation of the policies it adopts. No Commissioner can
individually be responsible for the work or actions of the whole Commission. However, when
a person agrees to serve on the Commission, he/she is assuming some responsibilities and
comply with certain legal standards. These are commonly known as the duties of care, loyalty, and
obedience.

The Commissioners will perform the following duties:
• Represent the people of the entire state of California.
• Establish general policy within the framework of policy established by the Legislature
and the Governor and following state and federal laws and regulations.
• Participate in project development and implementation.
• Advise the Governor and the Legislature on matters of Commission policy, in
consultation with the Director.
• Possess sound judgment, as demonstrated by the management of their affairs.
• Attend regularly scheduled and special meetings of the Commission and, upon request of
the Chair, other meetings, events, forums, seminars, and the like, that further
Commission objectives.
• Inform the Chair and the Director of any activities wherein they act in an
official capacity representing the Commission.
• Be faithful to the organization, promote its welfare and best interests.
• Agree to support the mission and work.
• Partake in Commission and Committee meetings.
• Understand and embrace fiduciary responsibilities.
• In the absence of or in coordination with the Chair, act as an ambassador for the
organization, when in public, speak with one voice outside the standard meetings.
• Volunteer outside the Commission when appropriate.
• Review bylaws, policy and suggest changes.
• Accept Committee or task force assignments.
• Attend at least 75% of Commission meetings (phone and in-person), come
prepared, and actively participate. Commit to results. Majority rules.
• Assess the Commission’s effectiveness and conduct self- evaluations.

Term of Office
The terms of office of the members of the Commission shall be as outlined in Government Code
section 8241, as amended from time to time. Individuals may be elected to each officer position for
no more than three consecutive terms.

Compensation
Compensation. Public members of the Commission shall be entitled to reimbursement for
expenses incurred in the performance of Commission business and the per diem outlined in
Government Code section 8242, as amended from time to time. Commission members are entitled to per
diem for each meeting not to exceed 12 days per year and in accordance to current the
state rates. Commission members shall be reimbursed for eligible expenses incurred: Attend
regular and special meetings of the Commission and its committees or attend special
activities/events approved in advance by the Chair and Director.

Officers
The officers of the Commission shall be a chairperson, (“Chairperson”), a
vice-chairperson (“Vice- Chairperson”), a second vice-chairperson, (“Second Vice-Chairperson”), a
member-at-large (“Member-at- Large”), and a second member-at-large (“Member-at-Large”). No
Commissioner shall simultaneously hold more than one of the offices designated in this section. The
officers shall be elected for a term of two years. Individuals can only be elected to each officer
position for no more than two three consecutive terms.

The Chair
The following applies to the Chair of the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls:
• Elected, majority vote, by the Commission in June and begins their term in July;
• Serves as a spokesperson on policy matters for the Commission;
• Presides at Commission meetings and activities;
• Works in partnership with the Executive Officers and fellow Commissioners;
• Serves, in partnership with the Executive Director, as liaison to
other agencies and organizations related to the work of the Commission;
• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with the Governor and staff,
Senate President pro Tempore, Assembly Speaker, and other stakeholders;
• Appoint the members of all committees of the Commission, except the Executive
Committee and Governance Committee (as hereinafter defined);
• Serve as the chairperson of the Executive Committee (as hereinafter defined);
• May recommend potential Commission members to the Governor and/or the Speaker and
President pro Tempore in consultation with full commission;
• Notifies members of the Commission about issues of major concern to the Commission;

• Must obtain authorization of the executive committee with majority vote before
committing the Commission to any action that is new or pivots from the annual strategic plan
approved by the full commission;
• No one shall be elected Chair until she has served for two years as a Commissioner
unless no one with such qualification is available to serve as Chair;
• The Chair is responsible for ensuring that the Commissioners are aware of and fulfill
their governance responsibilities; comply with applicable laws and bylaws; conduct Commission
business effectively and efficiently; are accountable for their performance;
• The Chair may delegate specific duties to the Executive Director,
Commissioners, and/or committees as appropriate; however, the final accountability for
them remains with the Chair; and
• The Chair is expected to review and understand the organization’s by-laws,
policies and procedures, financial and legal situation, and strategic plan.

Vice-Chairs
The following applies to the Vice-Chair of the California Commission on the Status of Women and
Girls:
• Elected by Commission in June and begins their term in July;
• Serve as a member of the Executive Committee (as hereinafter defined);
• Carry out the duties of the Chair with the powers and duties prescribed by these
Bylaws when the Chair is absent; and
• Act as a leader/advocate/spokesperson for the Commission.

Members-at-Large
The following applies to commissioners who serve as Members-At-Large of the California Commission
on the Status of Women and Girls:
• Elected by Commission in June and begins their term in July;
• Serves as members of the Executive Committee (as hereinafter defined);
• Performs such other duties as the Chairperson may deem necessary and may
request to facilitate the conduct of the Commission’s business; and
• Acts as a leader/advocate/spokesperson for the Commission.

Delegation
In case of the absence of any officer of the Commission, or for any other reason that the
Commission may deem sufficient, the Commission may at any time and from time-to-time delegate all
or any part of powers or duties of any Officer to any other Officer or any Commissioner or
Director.

Removal from Office
Action to remove an officer shall be under the following procedure:
(a) Written notification must be submitted to the Executive Director from Commission member(s)
describing the specific cause for which removal is sought.
(b) The Executive Director shall notify the officer charged by registered mail and email within
two (2) working days of receiving the charges. Any member so notified shall have ten (10) days to
respond to the group or individual responsible for notification. Following this ten (10) day
period, the responsible parties shall notify the Executive Director within ten (10) days as to
whether or not they wish to request the removal of the officer. If the responsible parties are
satisfied by the officer’s response that no sufficient cause exists, the matter will be closed with
written notice to the Executive Director and the officer.
(c) If the group or individual requesting removal is not satisfied by the response of the officer
or if the officer fails to respond in ten (10) days, the Executive Director shall put
the issue on the agenda at the beginning of the next commission meeting and inform the
Commission members as to the purpose of the agenda item.
(d) Written charges shall be distributed and reviewed at the specified meeting of the Commission.
(e) A majority vote shall be required to remove a chairperson or vice- chairperson from
office. If removal of the Chairperson is under consideration, the vice-chairperson shall preside.
(f) Any officer may be removed from office at any time, with or without cause, by a vote of a
majority of the Commissioners.
(g) Any officer may resign his or her office at any time, such resignation to made in writing and
to take effect immediately without acceptance by the Commission.

Election of Officers
(a) Election of officers shall occur once every two years. Except when there is a vacancy, all
officers of the Commission shall be elected at a regular meeting of the Commission which will be
held when feasible during June or before the start of the Commission’s fiscal year (“Election
Meeting”).
(b) Nominations. The Governance Committee shall consist of no less than two
Commissioners appointed annually by the full commission in advance of the June meeting. The
Committee shall nominate officers for two-year terms. The Committee shall nominate the
officers and the Commission shall vote to elect the officers at the June meeting. Officers shall
consist of a Chair, First Vice-Chair, 2nd Vice-chair, 1st Member-at-Large, and 2nd Member-at-Large.
(c) Governance Committee’s suggested slate of officers shall be made available to each member of
the Commission no less than two (2) weeks before the Election Meeting. Additional nominations may
be submitted by any member of the Commission; provided, however, that any such
additional nomination(s) shall be submitted in writing to the current Chairperson and
the Governance Committee no less than seven (7) days before the Election Meeting. Notwithstanding
any other provision contained herein, however, nominations may be made from the floor at any
Election Meeting if two-thirds (2/3) of those Commissioners present at such meeting vote to open
such meeting to nominations from the floor.
(d) The election of officers shall be by roll-call vote.

Vacancies
Notwithstanding any other provision contained in these by- laws, any vacancy in an officer position
that occurs during an unexpired term of office shall be filled by the Chair, or Acting Chair, until
an election can be held at the first regularly scheduled Commission meeting following the
occurrence of such vacancy. At such a meeting, the acting Chairperson shall take nominations from
the floor to fill such vacant position(s). The election of such officer(s) shall then be conducted
by a roll call vote.

Executive Director
The Executive Director (ED) is appointed by, serves at the pleasure of, and reports to the
Commission. Subject to the control of the board and such supervisory powers as the board may assign
to the chair of the board, the ED shall be the chief executive officer and official
advisor and executive agent of the Commission and its Executive Committee. The Executive
Director provides day-to-day direction and leadership toward the achievement of the
Commission’s philosophy, mission, strategy and implements the strategic goals and objectives of the
Commission. The individual reports to the Chair and manages the day-to-day activities. The ED is
specifically accountable for the execution of the Commission’s strategic plan initiatives within
the authorized budget of the organization, which aligns with the delegated authority deemed by the
state, and in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. The ED is responsible for
various administrative tasks, program, and service delivery, managing financial risk,
tax, facilities management, human resource management, community, and public relations, keeping
the Commission informed, and fundraising functions.
Appointment: In the event of a permanent vacancy in the office of ED, the Commission
shall elect a replacement from among candidates submitted for consideration by an ad hoc special
Search Committee appointed by the Commission. An affirmative vote of a majority of the Commission
is required for the hire. When an ED vacancy occurs, the Executive Committee shall
recommend the appointment of an interim executive director to the full commission until a
permanent executive director is appointed.
Administrative Responsibilities: Within the policy guidelines established by the Commission, the ED
shall develop the institutional program, provide administrative and managerial leadership,
employ and discharge personnel, prepare the annual budget, and have responsibility for the
day-to-day operation of the Commission. The ED shall direct the Commission’s vision and guide it in
preparation for agendas for its meetings and the long-range plan development of the Commission.
• The ED must provide management and annual reviews of direct reports;
• Serves (or assigns a staff representative) as staff on all Commission committees;
• Establishes and maintains continuing liaison with the Governor, Legislature, and all
national and state agencies, institutions, associations, and entities working with the Commission
to develop cultural programs and implement the direction of the Commission;
• The Executive Director shall be under the direction and control of the Commission’s
Executive Committee, and an annual performance review of the ED shall be coordinated by
the Executive Committee;
• The Executive Director is responsible for ensuring that: For administration of the
organization the Commission’s directives are carried out by Commission staff through the
proper assignment and conduct of Commission work, including but not limited to grants, and other
contracted work with the understanding that Commission staff are members of the state civil service
and enjoy all attendant protections of that status;
• There is adequate supervision over the development and implementation of
standard orientation tools for staff, policy manuals, and training addressing
program and administrative requirements;
• The Executive Director shall be under the direction and control of the Commission’s
Executive Committee, and a performance evaluation shall be conducted annually;
• Implements Commission-approved policies and develops operational policies;
• Ensure continuity and record-keeping functions as adequate to refer for historical
context;
• Lead efforts to complete an annual report;
• Shall do and perform such other duties as may be assigned by the Commission; and

The Executive Director shall call the Conflict-of-Interest Code, Appearance of Conflict
of Interest, and Code of Responsibility to the attention of all Commission members upon
appointment to the Commission.

Removal
• Action to remove the Executive Director of the Commission shall be
conducted following Government Code Section 11120, et. seq.
• The Executive Committee of the Commission may recommend the removal of the Executive
Director during a regular or special meeting. This recommendation shall be taken to
the Commission during a regular or special meeting for discussion and action.
• A majority vote, during a regular or special Commission meeting, shall be required to
remove the Executive Director.

Commission Meetings
The following applies to the Meetings of the Commission:
• Held at the call of the Chair shall be held no less than six times each calendar year.
• Must be preceded by at least ten days of a public notice, unless there
are extraordinary circumstances emergency meetings as prescribed in BK. Section 11125.5.
• Must have a quorum, consisting of a majority of the Commission members, to
transact business.
• All are subject to the Bagley-Keene Act.
• Meetings can be held remotely with appropriate notice.
• The Chair shall preside at all meetings. In the absence of the Chair, the
Vice-Chair(s) shall preside at meetings.
• Meetings shall be conducted under rules, procedures, and protocols
established by the Commission.
• The Commission shall establish, maintain, and regularly update a strategic plan which
shall set forth the following:
o Clearly stated goals and objectives with a timeline.
o A delineation of the broad programs and activities required to achieve Commission
objectives.
o Metrics and Evaluation
o Identify assigned personnel to tasks
o Pro Forma linked to the strategy
Closed Session
The Commission may hold a closed session to discuss the following matters, as specifically defined
and limited in the Bagley Keene Act:
• Personnel matters, specifically conducting business to consider
the appointment, employment, evaluation of performance, or dismissal of a public
employee or to hear complaints or charges brought against that employee by another person or
employee unless the employee requests a public hearing;
• Examination matters;
• Matters affecting individual privacy;
• Administrative disciplinary matters;

• Pending litigation;
• Response to a confidential final draft audit record;
• Threat of criminal or terrorist activity. (Gov. Code, § 11126.)

Special Meetings
A special meeting may be called at any time by the presiding officer of the Commission only for one
of the explicit purposes listed in the Bagley Keene Act, and only when the regular ten
days of notice would impose a substantial hardship on the Commission where immediate
action is required to protect the public interest (Gov. Code, § 11125.4, subd. (a)).
The Commission shall provide notice of the special meetings to each member of the Commission and to
all parties that have requested notice of its meetings as soon as is practicable after the decision
to call a special meeting has been made but shall deliver the notice in a manner that allows it to
be received by the Commissioners and by newspapers of general circulation and radio or television
stations at least 48 hours before the time of the special meeting specified in the notice.

Strategic Plan
An implementation plan with benchmarks for the Commission to discuss and evaluate.
• In developing the Strategic Plan, persons may be designated as advisors and advisory
groups may be created. Advisor and advisory group input will be reported at each
Commission meeting; committees will make recommendations to the full Commission, not set policy;
and all policy votes and decisions will be in public.
• The plan must include a mission statement, vision, objectives, tasks, and
measurable outcomes to gauge success.
• Commissioners and the ED will review and produce a strategic plan at least annually,
before the budget cycle, to request necessary funds to support programs and initiatives.
• Produce funding requirements and a plan to the State.

Committees
The primary method by which the Commission exercise its oversight function is through
a series of Commission-appoints committees. These committees are extensions of the
Commission itself. These committees have three primary functions. They are first
responsible for developing policies and procedures especially related to Commission functions,
which they oversee for subsequent review and approval by the Commission. Second, they are
responsible for implementing the Commission’s oversight role to a specific function to which they
are assigned. The oversight role is limited to assuring two very specific results: first compliance
with all Commission-approved policies related to that department and second, to assure congruence
and consistency with Commission-approved strategic performance goals. They do not hold day-to-day
management responsibilities. Finally, committees are a primary mechanism by which the Commission
executes important functions dictated by necessity, response, or government priorities.

Current Standing Committees
The Commission, by resolution adopted by a majority of the entire Commission, may
designate from among the Commissioners an executive committee and other standing committees, each
consisting of at least two Commissioners to serve at the pleasure of the Commission, and each of which, to the
extent provided in such resolution, shall have the authority of the Commission. The Commission may
designate one or more Commissioners as alternate members of any such committee, who may replace any
absent member or members at any meeting of such committee. The Commission may appoint volunteers
and staff other than Commissioners to also serve on committees.
The following applies to the Committees of the Commission:
• The Chair shall establish and appoint standing committees;
• The Chair assigns a Committee chair who reports outcomes of meetings to the
Chair and Executive Committee;
• Committee actions require Executive Committee or full Commission approval;
• The Chair may establish and appoint ad hoc committees utilizing Commission
members and/or non-voting non- Commission members as necessary. An ad hoc committee dissolves once
it has completed its task;
• The time, date, and location of any committee or subcommittee meeting shall be
determined by the chairperson of such committee or subcommittee;
• The Executive Director shall assign staff to assist the committee chair(s) with the
operation of each committee;
• Each committee shall have a charge, which shall include its objective(s), its proposed
work schedule, reporting deadlines, and termination date;
• Committee members shall be responsible for
the implementation of committee assignments;
• Committee Chair(s) shall be Commission members and preside over meetings and report to
the Commission as necessary; and
• All Committees are subject to the Bagley-Keene Act.

Executive Committee
The Executive Committee may make structural decisions affecting the Commission, such as the
addition or removal of programs or policy. Certain repetitive and standard decisions and
legal matters do not require full Commission meetings and can easily be attended by the
Executive Committee. The Executive Committee may test controversial ideas, study important
issues, and present findings to the full Commission. The Executive Committee cannot replace
the full Commission but can save time by focusing on issues requiring full Commission approval.
The Executive Committee shall be comprised of the elected officers of the Commission. The Executive
Committee shall make recommendations to the Commission and shall implement policies set by the full
Commission.
• There shall be no less than six (6) in-person or phone meetings of the Commission’s
Executive Committee per year and the Executive Committee shall meet as often as necessary to
fulfill its duties.
• The Executive Committee shall have delegated authority to implement on
behalf of the Commission between meetings but shall not modify any action taken by the
Commission unless authorized by the Commission to do so. The full Commission at the next regular
or special meeting shall receive a report of all Executive Committee actions taken
between Commission meetings.

• Administrative matters shall be a standing agenda item at every Executive
Committee meeting and shall include but not be limited to, budget reports, expenditure
reports, and other major administrative issues.

Governance Committee
At no time, however, shall the Executive Committee consist of less than three (3) Commissioners.
The Governance Committee shall be composed of no less than two (2) Commissioners, appointed
annually by the full commission in advance of the June meeting. The chair may not
serve on the Governance Committee. The Committee shall nominate the executive officers and
assess the Commission’s current composition and identifying needs, developing Commissioners and
officer job descriptions, adhering to rules, regulations, and bylaws, identifying, and cultivating
prospective partners, and coordinating officer elections. In addition, the Governance
Committee may be responsible for broader Commission management issues, such as
reviewing policies, Commission self-assessment, leadership, legal issues, and action plans. The
Governance Committee is the Commission’s mechanism for looking after itself. As such, its work is
vital to the health of the Commission and the entire organization. It should ensure that the
Commission is doing its job to provide leadership and oversight to the organization and that
individual Commissioners are carrying out their duties.
The Governance Committee is commissioned by and responsible to the Commission
to ensure effectiveness, maximum participation, and performance; to recommend new
members/leadership in a timely fashion; to ensure Commission policies are being
observed; to implement Commission development and growth opportunities throughout the
year; to ensure all Commissioners receive orientation, and to annually recommend changes in
governance to the Commission.

Legislative Committee
The Legislative Committee shall review, comment, and recommend positions on significant
proposed legislation and/or proposed regulations, policies, procedures, and/or practices. Assist
Commissioners and staff in formulating and implementing legislative policy and positions
on state and federal regulatory proposals. The Legislative Committee shall review and analyze
legislative proposals and administrative regulations that have an impact on California women and
girls. One Commissioner of the Legislature and one Commissioner holding a public seat are required
to serve on this committee.
The Commission acts as one voice and ensure constituent needs are met either through
requests or grassroots efforts. The Committee aids in research to legislators and, where
appropriate, works to influence the passage of legislation by presenting grassroots
recommendations and testimony in hearings or other venues. The Committee can adopt a
position on a bill or issue for formal disposition by the Executive Committee. They
disseminate legislative information. Develop and recommend for Executive Committee adoption
resolutions, position papers, and platforms on key women and girls’ issues and seek input and
opinions of Commissioners on legislation to better represent their interests. Cooperate with other
groups interested in Commissioner issues where a community of interest exists and work
with Commissioners to develop an active state legislative program. The Governance Committee shall
review and draft revisions to the Commission Handbook including the CCSWG
By-Laws and make recommendations to the Commission.

Fundraising Committee
The fundraising committee shall review all previous year’s fundraising
activity and make recommendations for improvements for the new fiscal year. Track and report
progress toward fundraising goals to the Commission. Monitor & support fundraising efforts to be
sure that ethical practices are in place. Comply with state and federal rules regarding allowable
state agency and Commission activities.
The Commission will appoint no less than five (5) and no more than seven (7) members of Friends of
the Commission Advisory Committee by majority vote. Members of the Fundraising Committee may hold
up to two (2) seats on the Friends of the Commission Advisory Committee. Responsibilities of the
Friends of the Commission Advisory Commission include:
• Supporting the execution of the fundraising objectives as established by the full
Commission.
• Meet quarterly to review the grant recommendations of the
Philanthropic Advisory Committee.
• Present final grant award recommendations to the full Commission for a majority
vote to select the grant awardees quarterly.
• Board Officers are voted by the entire board – Chair, Vice Chair, Secretary,
Treasurer and Historian on an annual basis.
• Terms for Officers is two years with two consecutive term options.
The Philanthropic Advisory Committee will be comprised of up to seven (7) members
representing expertise in philanthropy, programmatic impact, and/or community-based
solutions. The seven (7) members are nominated by the Fundraising Committee and approved by the
full Commission by majority vote. At least one (1) member of the Fundraising Committee will hold a
seat on the Philanthropic Advisory Committee. Responsibilities of the Philanthropic Advisory
Commission include:
• Inform the development of grant programs for maximum impact.
• Support outreach and education of grant opportunities.
• Review grant applications on a quarterly basis.
• Select grant awardees for final consideration through majority vote.
• Provide final recommendations to the Friends of the Commission Advisory Committee.

Strategic Plan Committee
The Strategic Planning Committee shall establish, maintain, and regularly update the strategic plan
which shall set forth the following:
• The plan must include a mission statement, vision, values, goals, objectives, tasks,
timeline, budget, and measurable outcomes to gauge success; and
• A delineation of the broad programs and activities required to achieve Commission
objectives.

Appearance of Conflict of Interest
As required by law, Commission members shall not be present nor participate in any communication or
discussion with any other commission member, nor vote on any matter, involving an
individual or organization with which the Commission member has an association as a board member,
officer, advisory panel, or staff, salaried or volunteer, or where there is, or has been, any
economic interest for twelve months before the discussion or vote.

Commission members shall recuse themselves from the discussion and/or vote on any matter where an
outside observer might have reasonable cause to believe the Commission member might not be
impartial,whether positively or negatively on behalf of the issue or entity.

5.1 Election Meeting. Except as provided in section 4.6 above, all officers of the Commission shall be elected in accordance with the provisions of this Article V at a regular meeting of the Commission which will be held when feasible during the first quarter of the Commission’s fiscal year (“Election Meeting”).

5.2 Nominations. No later than June 30 of any fiscal year of the Commission, the Chairperson shall appoint a nominating committee (“Nominating Committee”) which shall be comprised of no less than three (3) nor more than five (5) Commissioners. A minimum of one member of such Nominating Committee shall be a member of the current Executive Committee (as hereinafter defined). The Nominating Committee shall select a slate of officers. The Nominating Committee’s suggested slate of officers shall be made available to each member of the Commission no less than two (2) weeks prior to the Election Meeting. Additional nominations may be submitted by any member of the Commission; provided, however, that any such additional nomination(s) shall be submitted in writing to the current Chairperson and to the chairperson of the Nominating Committee no less than seven (7) days prior to the Election Meeting. Notwithstanding any other provision contained herein, however, nominations may be made from the floor at any Election Meeting if two-thirds (2/3) of those Commissioners present at such meeting vote to open such meeting to nominations from the floor.

5.3 Vote. The election of officers shall be by roll-call vote.

Statement of Economic Interests- Form 700 Filing Requirements
Commission members are subject to the California State Ethics Training and filing requirements per
the conflict-of-interest code, and any rules adopted by the Commission. Commission members shall
file a Statement of Economic interest Form 700 upon onboarding within 30 days of commencement of
work as well as annually which is April 1, of each year and when a Commissioner has left office,
which is due within 30 days of leaving office.

Mandatory Training
The California State Attorney General has developed an Ethics Training course as required by law
for all state officials. Training is available online and due within 30 days of onboarding for new
Commissioners, and every 2 years thereafter which falls on an odd year schedule. Upon
completion of the course, a certificate of completion is required as proof of your
participation. All certificates will be turned in to Commission administrative staff.

What Does NOT Constitute a Gift

Seeking and Receiving Gifts
Commission members shall adhere to and abide by all relevant provisions of the regulations of the
Fair Political Practices Commission. Commission members shall not seek gifts, gratuities, or gratis
admission to programs, events, or performances for which the public is charged a price for
admission or at which a meal is provided (or other things of value).
In the event of the unsolicited receipt and use of something described in the preceding paragraph
for use by an individual Commission member or his or her spouse or immediate family member, such
receipt and/or use shall constitute receipt of a gift under the regulations of the Fair Political
Practices Commission, the State. Franchise Tax Board, and the Internal Revenue Service. Reporting
receipt of such a gift shall be the obligation of the Commission member.
Tickets/passes to programs, events, performances, lunches/dinners or otherwise,
provided to Commissioner member(s), their spouses and/or immediate family, in conjunction with a
request by the Director and/or Chair, for the Commission member to represent the agency at such
event, performance, lunch/dinner or otherwise shall not be considered a gift to said Commission
member(s). Tickets/passes provided to a Commission member, his or her spouse, and/or immediate
family, for an event at which the Commission member has an official or ceremonial role shall not be
considered a gift to the Commission member. Commission member(s) invited to perform an official
and/or ceremonial role shall notify the Chair and Director of such invitation.

Use of Commission Appointment
Commission members should be alerted to avoid any actions that could be interpreted as
a use of Commission appointment to attain personal financial gain, favors, or special treatment,
or act in any way that furthers the economic interests of an organization or person with which they
are affiliated in any way.

Reimbursement of Expenses
Commission members shall be reimbursed for eligible expenses incurred using budgetary limitations
as established by the state and the agency budget. To receive reimbursement, Commission members
shall file, within 90 days of incurring the eligible expense, an itemized expense form
with the agency’s administrative Director. Reimbursement shall be made under state law
and any applicable governing regulations. The agency will make every attempt to issue authorized
reimbursement within 30 days of receipt from the Commission member.

Travel and Expense Budget
All out-of-state travel is subject to prior approval by the Chair, Director, and the
Governor’s office following governing rules and procedures.
The Commission budget shall include an amount sufficient to cover the cost of authorized and
eligible Commission member reimbursable travel and other expenses as reasonably projected by the
Chair in consultation with the Director on an annual basis. Said travel budget line item within
the agency’s budget shall be within the requirements of the Department of Finance and other control
agencies, based on the operational needs and requirements of the Commission.

Fiscal Year Governing
The fiscal year of the Commission shall commence July 1 of each calendar year and shall terminate
June 30 of the following calendar year.

Provisions; Severability
Applicable Laws; Severability. All applicable laws of any governmental authority or
agency having jurisdiction over the Commission are hereby incorporated by reference as if fully
set forth herein. In the event of a conflict between such applicable law(s) and any provision of
these by-laws, the applicable law(s) shall control, and such by-laws provision(s) shall be
considered null and void; provided, however, that all provisions of these by-laws not so affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Effective date; Amendments
Effective Date. These by-laws shall be effective upon their adoption at a regularly scheduled
meeting of the Commission and shall supersede any by-laws previously adopted by the
Commission and all resolutions adopted by the Commission which may conflict with the provisions contained herein.

Amendments.

Proposed amendments to these by-laws shall be submitted in writing to the Chairperson.
Upon his or her receipt of any such proposed amendment(s), the Governance Committee shall review
the proposed amendment(s) and shall submit its recommendation as to such proposed amendment(s) for
action by the full Commission at its next regularly scheduled meeting. Any such proposed amendment
and the recommendation of the Governance Committee relative thereto shall be transmitted to the
full Commission together with the agenda of the Commission meeting at which such by-laws
amendment(s) are to be considered.

Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary contained herein, no adoption, amendment,
deletion, modification, or ratification of these by- laws shall be effective unless approved by a
vote of two-thirds (2/3) of the Commissioners present at a duly called and constituted meeting of
the Commission. Nothing herein is intended to, nor shall it, preclude the Chairperson from
appointing a Governance Committee to review and make recommendations to the Commission regarding
the by-laws at any time the Chairperson believes a review of the by-laws may be appropriate. These
bylaws may be altered, amended, added to, or repealed at any meeting of the Commission
called that purpose by the vote of a majority of the Commissioners in office.

In the case of any conflict between any policy and these by-laws, the bylaws take precedence.
These bylaws were adopted at a Full Commission meeting of the Commission on February 25, 2022