HOUSE BILL NO. 5467
February 05, 2020, Introduced by Reps. Hammoud,
Vaupel, Liberati, Hood, Cynthia Johnson, Manoogian, Peterson, Stone, Rabhi,
Whitsett and Jones and referred to the Committee on Health Policy.
the people of the state of michigan enact:
(a) "Commission on disability concerns" or "commission" means the commission created in section 2.
(b) "Department" means the department of civil rights.
Sec. 2. (1) The commission on disability concerns is created within the department.
(2) The commission shall be staffed and assisted by staff from the department, subject to available funding. Any budgeting, procurement, or related management functions of the commission shall be performed under the direction and supervision of the department director.
(3) The commission shall consist of 13 members appointed by the governor.
(4) The members first appointed to the commission must be appointed within 180 days after the effective date of this act.
(5) Members of the commission shall serve for terms of 4 years or until a successor is appointed, whichever is later, except that of the members first appointed 4 shall serve for 1 year, 4 shall serve for 2 years, and 5 shall serve for 3 years.
(6) If a vacancy occurs on the commission, the governor shall appoint a successor for the unexpired term in the same manner as the original appointment.
(7) The governor may remove a member of the commission for incompetence, dereliction of duty, malfeasance, misfeasance, or nonfeasance in office, or any other good cause.
Sec. 3. (1) The first meeting of the commission shall be called by the governor. At the first meeting, the commission shall elect from among its members a chairperson and other officers as it considers necessary or appropriate. After the first meeting, the commission shall meet at least quarterly, or more frequently at the call of the chairperson or if requested by 7 or more members.
(2) A majority of the voting members constitute a quorum for transacting business at a meeting of the commission. A majority of the members present and serving are required for official action of the commission.
(3) The business that the commission may perform must be conducted at a public meeting held in compliance with the open meetings act, 1976 PA 267, MCL 15.261 to 15.275.
(4) A writing prepared, owned, used, in the possession of, or retained by the commission in the performance of an official function is subject to the freedom of information act, 1976 PA 442, MCL 15.231 to 15.246.
(5) Members of the commission shall serve without compensation, but may be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties as members of the commission.
Sec. 4. (1) The commission shall do all of the following:
(a) Review and advise the governor and the department on the policies of this state concerning individuals with disabilities.
(b) Review and advise the governor and the department of the nature, magnitude, and priorities of the issues facing individuals with disabilities.
(c) Monitor, evaluate, investigate, and recommend programs for the betterment of individuals with disabilities in this state.
(d) Make recommendations to the governor and the department regarding changes in state programs, statutes, regulations, and policies, including, but not limited to, coordinating state programs serving individuals with disabilities.
(e) Recommend policy and action plans to serve the needs of individuals with disabilities in this state.
(f) Recognize the accomplishments and contributions of individuals with disabilities in this state.
(g) Make recommendations to the governor and the department regarding methods of overcoming discrimination against individuals with disabilities.
(h) Promote public awareness of disability issues.
(i) Promote equal access to state services by individuals with disabilities.
(j) Promote the involvement of individuals with disabilities in government at all levels.
(k) Issue reports that address issues described in this section and provide recommendations at times designated by the governor or the department director.
(2) The commission may do 1 or more of the following:
(a) Establish advisory workgroups composed of representatives of entities participating in commission activities or other members of the public as considered necessary by the commission to assist the commission in performing its duties and responsibilities. The commission may adopt, reject, or modify any recommendation proposed by an advisory workgroup.
(b) As appropriate, make inquiries, studies, and investigations, hold hearings, and receive comments from the public. The commission may also consult with outside experts in order to perform its duties, including, but not limited to, experts in the private sector, organized labor, government agencies, and institutions of higher education.
(c) Hire or retain a contractor, subcontractor, advisor, consultant, or agent. The commission may make and enter into a contract that is necessary or incidental to exercising its power and performing its duties as the department director considers advisable and necessary.
(d) Accept donations of labor, services, or other things of value from a public or private agency or person.