Resolve, To Establish the Blue Ribbon Commission on Independent Living and Disability

Emergency preamble. Whereas,  acts and resolves of the Legislature do not become effective until 90 days after adjournment unless enacted as emergencies; and

Whereas,  this resolve establishes the Blue Ribbon Commission on Independent Living and Disability; and

Whereas,  the work of the commission must be initiated before the 90-day period expires in order that the study may be completed and a report submitted in time for submission to the next legislative session; and

Whereas,  in the judgment of the Legislature, these facts create an emergency within the meaning of the Constitution of Maine and require the following legislation as immediately necessary for the preservation of the public peace, health and safety; now, therefore, be it

Sec. 1. Commission established. Resolved: That, notwithstanding Joint Rule 353, the Blue Ribbon Commission on Independent Living and Disability, referred to in this resolve as "the commission," is established; and be it further

Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of 16 members, a majority of whom must be individuals with a disability, appointed as follows:

1. Two members of the Senate appointed by the President of the Senate;

2. Two members of the House of Representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House;

3. Seven members of the public with experience or expertise in the challenges of independent living for individuals with a disability in the State, 2 of whom are appointed by the President of the Senate, 2 of whom are appointed by the Speaker of the House and 3 of whom are appointed by the Governor;

4. The Commissioner of Health and Human Services, or a designee;

5. The Executive Director of the Disability Rights Center, or a designee;

6. The executive director of Alpha One, or a designee;

7. The chair of the Maine Statewide Independent Living Council, or a designee; and

8. The Attorney General, or a designee; and be it further

Sec. 3. Chairs. Resolved: That the first-named Senate member is the Senate chair and the first-named House of Representatives member is the House chair of the commission; and be it further

Sec. 4. Appointments; convening of commission. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days following the effective date of this resolve. The appointing authorities shall notify the Executive Director of the Legislative Council once all appointments have been completed. After appointment of all members, the chairs shall call and convene the first meeting of the commission. If 30 days or more after the effective date of this resolve a majority of but not all appointments have been made, the chairs may request authority and the Legislative Council may grant authority for the commission to meet and conduct its business; and be it further

Sec. 5. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall evaluate the needs of Maine citizens with a disability, review existing available resources and services and recommend priorities for cost-effective changes designed to promote independent living and community inclusion. Specifically, the commission shall examine the State's laws governing access to housing, transportation, public accommodation, education and employment. In developing its recommendations on measures to improve the lives of, and increase overall community participation by, Maine citizens with a disability, the commission shall consider the expansion of access to:

1. Assistive technology;

2. Appropriate and accessible housing and community-based living opportunities;

3. Appropriate education and training opportunities to promote employment of individuals with a disability; and

4. Cost-effective transportation; and be it further

Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the Legislative Council shall provide necessary staffing services to the commission; and be it further

Sec. 7. Report. Resolved: That, no later than November 5, 2014, the commission shall submit a report that includes its findings and recommendations, including suggested legislation, to the joint standing committee of the Legislature having jurisdiction over health and human services matters. After receipt and review of the report, the joint standing committee may submit a bill relating to the subject matter of the report to the First Regular Session of the 127th Legislature.

Emergency clause. In view of the emergency cited in the preamble, this legislation takes effect when approved.

summary

This resolve establishes the Blue Ribbon Commission on Independent Living and Disability.