The commission shall have all powers necessary to carry out the functions and duties specified in this chapter, including, but not limited to the power to establish advisory committees on special studies, to solicit and accept gifts and grants, to adopt rules according to chapter 17A for the commission and department, and to contract with public and private groups to conduct its business. All departments, divisions, agencies, and offices of the state shall make available upon request of the commission information which is pertinent to the subject matter of the study and which is not by law confidential.