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:

(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 committees.

(e) To accept any federal funds granted, by 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 which may require a 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.

(Amended by Stats. 2015, Ch. 574, Sec. 2. (SB 255) Effective January 1, 2016.)