Sec. 1. 5 MRSA §12004-I, sub-§54-C is enacted to read:

54-C. Advisory Expenses 26 MRSA

Labor Commission Only §1418-N

for Persons

Who are Blind

or Visually

Impaired

Sec. 2. 26 MRSA §1418-N is enacted to read:

§1418-N.__Advisory Commission for Persons Who are Blind or

Visually Impaired

There is established the Advisory Commission for Persons Who are Blind or Visually Impaired, referred to in this section as the "commission," to provide input to the commissioner on all policy initiatives, laws and rules concerning the needs of persons who are blind or visually impaired and to oversee the development and delivery of education and rehabilitation, vocational and quality-of-life programs and services for persons who are blind or visually impaired.

1.__Membership.__The commission consists of 9 members appointed by the Governor.

A.__Members must be persons who are blind or visually impaired.__They must represent persons who utilize education, rehabilitation, vocational and quality-of-life programs and services.

B.__A member of the commission may not have any financial or governance interest in the provision of programs or services for persons who are blind or visually impaired.

2.__Appointments; terms.__Statewide organizations representing the interests of persons who are blind or visually impaired may submit recommendations for membership on the commission to the Governor.__By October 1, 2001, the Governor shall appoint 3 members to initial one-year terms on the commission, 3 members to initial 2-year terms and 3 members to initial 3-year terms.__ After the initial appointments, all members serve terms of 3 years.

3.__Meetings.__By November 1, 2001, the commissioner shall convene the first meeting of the commission at which the members shall elect a chair from among the members.__The commission shall meet at least once each calendar quarter.__Each