(1) There is hereby created as an executive department of county government an office of human rights. The office shall be responsible for administration and enforcement of this chapter. The office shall provide staff support to the commission established by SCC 2.460.020 to the extent consistent with budgetary constraints.

(2) The office shall be headed by an executive director who shall be appointed by the county executive and confirmed by the county council as provided in SCC 3.68.030. Prior to appointing an executive director the county executive shall consult with the commission and provide an opportunity for the commission to recommend candidates and to interview candidates considered by the executive. The executive director may appoint staff as provided for in the applicable annual or biennial county budget.

(3) The executive director may, after consultation with the commission, adopt procedural rules to promote efficient and effective enforcement of this chapter. Such rules may address time requirements for filing and processing complaints, issuance of subpoenas in connection with office enforcement activities, and other matters relating to enforcement of this chapter: PROVIDED, That rules of procedure governing proceedings before the hearing examiner under SCC 2.460.230 shall be adopted by the hearing examiner. Rules for processing complaints alleging unlawful discrimination with respect to real estate transactions pursuant to SCC 2.460.130-2.460.140 shall be consistent with the federal fair housing amendments act of 1988 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 3601 et seq.) and shall not exceed or be more restrictive than the requirements or standards of that act.

(4) Operation of this section shall be suspended for an indefinite period pending further action by ordinance as provided in SCC 2.460.290. (Added by Amended Ord. 10-021, June 7, 2010, Eff date Aug. 21, 2010; Amended by Amended Ord. 16-034, June 1, 2016, Eff date June 15, 2016).