USA Statutes : oregon
Title : TITLE 18 EXECUTIVE BRANCH; ORGANIZATION
Chapter : Chapter 185 Commissions for Disabled, Hispanic Affairs, Black Affairs, Women and Asian Affairs
The Oregon Advocacy
Commissions Office is established to provide administrative support to:

(1) The Commission on Hispanic Affairs;

(2) The Commission on Black Affairs;

(3) The Commission for Women; and

(4) The Commission on Asian Affairs. [2005 c.818 §1] (1) The Oregon Advocacy
Commissions Office is under the supervision and control of an
administrator, who is responsible for the performance of the duties,
functions and powers of the office.

(2) The Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative
Services shall establish the qualifications for and appoint the
Administrator of the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office. The Director of
the Oregon Department of Administrative Services shall consult with the
commissions served by the office before appointing the Administrator of
the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office.

(3) The Administrator of the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office
shall receive a salary as prescribed by law, or as prescribed by the
Director of the Oregon Department of Administrative Services if a salary
is not prescribed by law.

(4) The Administrator of the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office is
in the unclassified service.

(5) The Administrator of the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office
shall provide each commission served by the office with the
administrative support needed by the commission to carry out the
statutory duties of the commission. Subject to any applicable provisions
of the State Personnel Relations Law, the administrator shall employ all
persons necessary for the operation of the office, prescribe the duties
of those employees and establish the compensation payable to those
employees. [2005 c.818 §2] The Administrator of the Oregon Advocacy Commissions
Office may adopt rules necessary for the administration of ORS 185.005 to
185.025. [2005 c.818 §3]
In performing powers and duties under ORS 185.005 to 185.025, the Oregon
Advocacy Commissions Office may utilize the administrative assistance of
the Oregon Department of Administrative Services. The office shall pay to
the department a proportionate share of the cost of such administrative
services, such share to be fixed by biennial negotiation between the
office and the department. [2005 c.818 §4] (1) The Oregon
Advocacy Commissions Office Account is established in the General Fund of
the State Treasury. The account consists of the moneys received by the
Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office, or by the commissions served by the
office, other than moneys appropriated to the office by the Legislative
Assembly. All moneys in the account are appropriated continuously to the
office, and may be used by the office only for the commission to which
the contribution was made and for the purposes for which the
contributions were made.

(2) The Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office, and the commissions
served by the office, may accept contributions of funds and assistance
from the United States, agencies of the United States or any other
source, public or private, and agree to conditions on receiving the funds
or assistance. Any funds received under this section must be deposited in
the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office Account. [2005 c.818 §5]OREGON DISABILITIES COMMISSION(Generally) As used in ORS
185.110 to 185.230, unless the context requires otherwise:

(1) "Advocate self-help group" means any organized group of
individuals with disabilities who have joined together for purposes of
informing the public of their needs and obtaining resources, services and
benefits for their membership.

(2) "Consumer" means an individual with a disability, or a parent
or legal guardian, other than the State of Oregon, of an individual with
a disability, who utilizes the services made available by public and
private organizations which serve individuals with disabilities.

(3) "Disabled individual" means anyone who:

(a) Has a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits
one or more of the individual's major life activities;

(b) Has a record of such impairment; or

(c) Is regarded as having such an impairment.

(4) "Sign language interpreter" means a person who is readily able
to communicate with a hard-of-hearing person, translate proceedings or
conversations and accurately repeat and translate the statements of a
hard-of-hearing person. [1983 c.726 §1; 1989 c.224 §15; 1991 c.365 §1;
2005 c.663 §13] (1) The
Oregon Disabilities Commission is created within the Department of Human
Services. The commission consists of 15 members appointed by the Governor
for not more than two consecutive three-year terms.

(2) Prior to making appointments, the Governor shall request and
consider recommendations from advocate self-help groups and other
interested public and private agencies.

(3) The membership of the commission shall be composed of members
broadly representative of major public and private agencies who are
experienced in or have demonstrated particular interest in the special
needs of individuals with disabilities and consumers. Appointments shall
be made with considerations given to geographic representation and a
majority shall be individuals with disabilities as defined in ORS 185.110
(3). [1983 c.726 §3; 1987 c.80 §1; 1989 c.224 §17; 2005 c.663 §7] (1) The Oregon Disabilities Commission
shall:

(a) Advise the Department of Human Services, the Governor, the
Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on
services and resources needed to serve disabled individuals and recommend
action by the Governor, the Legislative Assembly, state agencies, other
governmental entities and the private sector appropriate to meet such
needs.

(b) Advise the Governor, state and local elected officials and
managers of public and private firms and agencies on issues related to
achieving full economic, social, legal and political equity for
individuals with disabilities.

(2) The commission in no way shall impinge upon the authority or
responsibilities of any other existing or duly appointed commissions,
boards, councils or committees. The commission shall act as a
coordinating link between and among public and private organizations
serving disabled individuals. [1983 c.726 §§4, 8(2); 1989 c.224 §18; 1989
c.470 §3; 1989 c.657 §2] The duties of the Oregon Disabilities Commission
may include:

(1) Identifying and hearing the concerns of individuals with
disabilities;

(2) Publicizing the needs and concerns of individuals with
disabilities as they relate to the full achievement of economic, social,
legal and political equity;

(3) Advising the Department of Human Services, the Governor, the
Legislative Assembly and appropriate state agency administrators on how
state services for individuals with disabilities might be improved or
better coordinated to meet the needs of the individuals with disabilities;

(4) Advising local government agencies on matters which affect
individuals with disabilities;

(5) Submitting a report of commission activities and
recommendations to the Governor at least annually, and to the Legislative
Assembly at least biennially and nominating qualified individuals with
disabilities for appointment to boards, commissions and policy level
management and professional positions;

(6) Studying and reporting on state agency programs and budgets
that affect individuals with disabilities;

(7) Informing individuals with disabilities where they may obtain
assistance in rehabilitation and employment and about laws prohibiting
discrimination in employment as a result of disability;

(8) Cooperating with and assisting other interest groups in
rehabilitation and employment of individuals with disabilities and
encouraging public and private employers to undertake affirmative action
to assure equitable employment of individuals with disabilities;

(9) Giving impetus and assistance to local community committees and
fostering a more equitable climate for rehabilitation and equitable
employment of individuals with disabilities;

(10) Promoting a continuous program of information and education to
employers and the general public so they are aware of and sensitive to
the needs and desires of individuals with disabilities for equitable
education and training that will assure individuals with disabilities of
their full vocational potentials;

(11) Promoting a continuous information program for placement of
individuals with disabilities in suitable employment; and

(12) Coordinating and executing programs of the President's
Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, if any, and participating
with other groups in sponsoring suitable public recognition programs for
individuals with disabilities. [1983 c.726 §5; 1989 c.47 §1; 1989 c.224
§19; 1989 c.470 §4; 1989 c.657 §3; 2005 c.663 §8]The Oregon Disabilities
Commission shall monitor the progress of each institution or college in
accomplishing the elimination of barriers to access and shall be
consulted if access needs and priorities determined by the physical
access committee are significantly revised. The commission may recommend
revision if the commission believes the needs or priorities, or both,
should be changed. [1991 c.935 §4]Note: 185.155 was enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but
was not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 185 or any series therein
by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further
explanation. No
employer shall retaliate against any employee member of the Oregon
Disabilities Commission for any testimony given by the member of the
commission before the Legislative Assembly or a legislative committee.
[1983 c.726 §7; 1989 c.224 §21] The Oregon
Disabilities Commission shall meet at a place, date and hour determined
by the commission. The commission shall meet at other times and places
specified by the call of the chairperson or a majority of the members of
the commission. A majority of the members of the commission constitutes a
quorum for the transaction of business. The chairperson shall exercise
powers necessary for the performance of the functions of the office of
the chairperson as determined by the commission. [1983 c.726 §10; 1985
c.184 §3; 1987 c.80 §2; 1989 c.224 §23; 1999 c.26 §1] Members of the Oregon
Disabilities Commission shall receive compensation and expenses as
provided in ORS 292.495. Travel and per diem for state employees shall be
compensated by the commission. [1983 c.726 §11; 1989 c.224 §24](Sign Language Interpreters)The State Board of Education shall adopt by rule standards for
sign language interpreters for the deaf and hard-of-hearing in the public
schools. In developing the standards, the state board shall consult with
the advisory committee created under ORS 410.740 and the Director of
Human Services. [1991 c.365 §4; 2005 c.663 §9](1) Any public agency may contract with the Department of
Human Services for the coordination and provision of sign language
interpreter services.

(2) From funds available under subsection (1) of this section, the
department shall contract with certified sign language interpreters to
provide, for a fee established by rule of the department, sign language
interpretation services to public agencies with whom the department has a
contract for such services. [1991 c.748 §2; 2005 c.663 §10]COMMISSION ON HISPANIC AFFAIRS (1) It is declared to be the policy and intent of
the Legislative Assembly that the Commission on Hispanic Affairs is
created to work for the implementation and establishment of economic,
social, legal and political equality for Hispanics in Oregon.

(2) The commission shall make recommendations to the Governor and
shall report to each regular session of the Legislative Assembly. [1983
c.132 §1](1) The Commission on
Hispanic Affairs shall be comprised of 11 members, to include two
representatives from the Legislative Assembly, one appointed by the
President of the Senate, one appointed by the Speaker of the House of
Representatives. Nine members shall be appointed by the Governor and
confirmed by the Senate pursuant to section 4, Article III, Oregon
Constitution. To the extent possible, members appointed by the Governor
shall provide for representation from all areas of the state. All of the
members of the commission shall be residents of this state.

(2) Members appointed by the Governor shall serve three-year terms.
Legislators shall serve two-year terms.

(3) The commission members shall elect a chairperson and vice
chairperson.

(4) A majority of the members of the commission constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business.

(5) Appointments to the commission shall be made to ensure
representation of Hispanics in Oregon.

(6) Members of the commission who are not legislators shall be paid
compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495 from funds
appropriated to the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office.

(7) Members of the commission who are legislators shall be paid
compensation and expense reimbursement as provided in ORS 171.072,
payable from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly. [1983 c.132
§2; 1987 c.879 §6; 1991 c.643 §34; 2005 c.818 §6]In carrying out the duties of ORS 185.310 to
185.330, the Commission on Hispanic Affairs shall:

(1) Monitor existing programs and legislation designed to meet the
needs of the Hispanic population.

(2) Identify and research problem areas and issues affecting the
Hispanic community and recommend actions to the Governor and the
Legislative Assembly, including recommendations on legislative programs.

(3) Maintain a liaison between the Hispanic community and
government entities.

(4) Encourage Hispanic representation on state boards and
commissions. [1983 c.132 §3]COMMISSION ON BLACK AFFAIRS (1) It is declared to be the policy and intent of
the Legislative Assembly that the Commission on Black Affairs is created
to work for the implementation and establishment of economic, social,
legal and political equality for blacks in Oregon.

(2) The commission shall make recommendations to the Governor and
shall report to each regular session of the Legislative Assembly. [1983
c.161 §1](1) The Commission on Black Affairs
shall be comprised of 11 members, to include two representatives from the
Legislative Assembly, one appointed by the President of the Senate, one
appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Nine members
shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate pursuant
to section 4, Article III, Oregon Constitution. To the extent possible,
members appointed by the Governor shall provide for representation from
all areas of the state. All of the members of the commission shall be
residents of this state.

(2) Members appointed by the Governor shall serve three-year terms.
Legislators shall serve two-year terms.

(3) The commission members shall elect a chairperson and vice
chairperson.

(4) A majority of the members of the commission constitute a quorum
for the transaction of business.

(5) Appointments to the commission shall be made to ensure
representation of blacks in Oregon.

(6) Members of the commission who are not legislators shall be paid
compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495 from funds
appropriated to the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office.

(7) Members of the commission who are legislators shall be paid
compensation and expense reimbursement as provided in ORS 171.072,
payable from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly. [1983 c.161
§2; 1987 c.879 §7; 1991 c.643 §35; 2005 c.818 §7]In carrying out the duties of ORS 185.410 to
185.430, the Commission on Black Affairs shall:

(1) Monitor existing programs and legislation designed to meet the
needs of the black population.

(2) Identify and research problem areas and issues affecting the
black community and recommend actions to the Governor and the Legislative
Assembly, including recommendations on legislative programs.

(3) Maintain a liaison between the black community and government
entities.

(4) Encourage black representation on state boards and commissions.
[1983 c.161 §3]COMMISSION FOR WOMEN (1) It is declared to be the policy and
intent of the Legislative Assembly that the Commission for Women is
created to work for the implementation and establishment of economic,
social, legal and political equality for women and to maintain a
continuing assessment of the issues and needs confronting women in Oregon.

(2) The commission shall submit to the Governor at the commencement
of each biennium a report containing the concerns and issues confronting
the women of Oregon which have been identified pursuant to the terms of
ORS 185.510 to 185.550 and further identifying the programs, projects and
activities which the commission will undertake regarding those issues.
[1983 c.105 §1](1) The membership of the Commission for Women shall be
comprised of 11 members, to include two representatives from the
Legislative Assembly, one appointed by the President of the Senate, one
appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Nine members
shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate pursuant
to section 4, Article III, Oregon Constitution. To the extent possible,
members appointed by the Governor shall provide for representation from
all areas of the state. All of the members of the commission shall be
residents of this state.

(2) Members appointed by the Governor shall serve for three-year
terms. Legislators shall serve two-year terms.

(3) The Governor shall designate the chairperson of the commission
to serve for a term of one year.

(4) Members shall meet at the call of the chairperson not less than
three times annually.

(5) Consistent with Oregon law, the commission may receive and
accept funds for purposes consistent with the creation of the commission.
[1983 c.105 §2; 2005 c.818 §7a] (1) The commission may establish
ad hoc committees to study specific areas and make periodic reports to
the commission.

(2) The chairpersons of such ad hoc committees shall be appointed
by the chairperson of the commission, subject to approval by the
commission.

(3) Membership on ad hoc committees shall not be limited to members
of the commission.

(4) The period during which an ad hoc committee may function shall
be determined at the time of its creation by the commission according to
the nature of the study and project undertaken.

(5) Members of the ad hoc committees shall be designated as
consultants to the full commission. [1983 c.105 §3; 1995 c.79 §67] The Commission for Women shall:

(1)(a) Analyze the legal status of women and men under the laws of
Oregon relating to civil rights, contracts, income, property and the
family in order to assure full equality and treatment under the law;

(b) Monitor the implementation of laws affecting the legal rights
and duties of women; and

(c) Educate women about their legal rights and responsibilities
under the law.

(2)(a) Work for equal opportunity and treatment for women in
employment through an analysis of the employment policies and practices
of employers, both public and private;

(b) Evaluate the development of methods to assure fuller employment
options for women including nontraditional job opportunities, child care,
job sharing and flextime and part-time employment; and

(c) Examine methods to develop greater employment opportunities and
potentials for women with particular consideration for the needs of
minority women, older women, rural women and displaced homemakers.

(3)(a) Evaluate the progress of providing equality of educational
opportunities for women in Oregon as mandated by state and federal law;

(b) Assist efforts to inform women about nontraditional educational
and employment opportunities; and

(c) Promote the elimination of sexist and racist barriers in the
educational process, such as staffing patterns, teacher training,
curriculum and textbook selection.

(4)(a) Encourage women to pursue a variety of roles in life, both
in the community and in the family;

(b) Promote the full recognition of the contributions of women
whether in the home, as volunteers in the community or in the labor
market;

(c) Promote the valuation of work within the home at a level
comparable with work outside the home; and

(d) Investigate family relationships which are detrimental to women
and to the development of productive family life.

(5) Encourage and recommend women to serve on appointive boards and
commissions and encourage them to seek elective office.

(6) Identify and address issues which may be unique to special
categories of women including minority women, juvenile women, older
women, rural women and displaced homemakers. [1983 c.105 §5; 1995 c.79
§68; 1995 c.278 §29] (1) Members of the Commission
for Women who are not legislators shall be paid compensation and expenses
as provided in ORS 292.495 from funds appropriated to the Oregon Advocacy
Commissions Office.

(2) Members of the commission who are legislators shall be paid
compensation and expense reimbursement as provided in ORS 171.072,
payable from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly. [1983 c.105
§4; 1987 c.879 §8; 1991 c.643 §36; 2005 c.818 §8]
(1) The Commission for Women may enter into service contracts on a
competitive bid basis to public and private agencies, organizations and
individuals for the purpose of establishing and operating community child
care program information and referral services.

(2) The commission shall receive, evaluate and approve contract
proposals pursuant to subsection (1) of this section.

(3) Contract proposals shall be in such form and contain such
information as the commission shall specify.

(4) As used in this section, "child care program" means a publicly
funded or privately operated program providing care of a child for a
portion of the day, but less than 24 hours, outside of the child's own
home, but does not include any program whose primary component is
psychiatric treatment. [1985 c.462 §1; 1995 c.278 §30]COMMISSION ON ASIAN AFFAIRS(1) The Commission on Asian Affairs is
created. The commission has 11 members. Nine of the 11 members shall be
appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate under
ORS 171.562 and 171.565. The President of the Senate shall appoint one
Senator as a member of the commission, and the Speaker of the House of
Representatives shall appoint one Representative as a member of the
commission. To the extent possible, members appointed by the Governor
shall provide for representation from all areas of the state. All of the
members of the commission shall be residents of this state.

(2) The term of office is three years. Appointments to fill a
vacancy for an unexpired term shall be made by the person who made the
original appointment.

(3) The commission shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson
for a term of one year and shall determine the duties of the officers.

(4) A majority of the members of the commission constitutes a
quorum for the transaction of business.

(5) Appointments to the commission shall be made to ensure ethnic
representation of Asian Americans in Oregon.

(6) Members of the commission who are not legislators shall be paid
compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495 from funds
appropriated to the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office.

(7) Members of the commission who are legislators shall be paid
compensation and expense reimbursement as provided in ORS 171.072,
payable from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly. [1995 c.665
§1; 1999 c.493 §2; 2005 c.233 §1; 2005 c.818 §9] (1) The Commission on Asian Affairs shall:

(a) Encourage the economic development of Asian Americans within
this state.

(b) Establish an Asian Affairs Network to facilitate the work of
the commission.

(c) Identify and examine the needs of Asian American residents of
this state.

(d) Compile information relating to services available to Asian
American residents of this state, including but not limited to education
and training programs, work programs, dispute resolution programs, trade
opportunities, housing programs, health programs, mental health programs
including alcohol and drug services, and welfare programs from local,
state and federal sources and through private agencies.

(e) Develop and sponsor programs in cooperation with Asian American
groups and organizations to inform Asian American residents of this state
of services available to them.

(f) Assess all programs of state agencies operating for the benefit
of Asian American residents of this state and make recommendations to the
appropriate agencies for the improvement of those programs.

(g) Submit to the Governor at the beginning of each biennium a
report that describes the needs of Asian Americans identified under
paragraph (c) of this subsection and that specifies the programs,
projects and activities that the commission will undertake regarding
those needs.

(2) As used in this section, "Asian American" means a resident of
the United States who is of Asian ancestry. [1995 c.665 §2; 1999 c.493
§3; 1999 c.690 §2; 2003 c.244 §1; 2005 c.233 §2] The Legislative Assembly declares that
the Commission on Asian Affairs shall work for the implementation and
establishment of economic, social, legal and political equality for Asian
Americans in this state and to maintain a continuing assessment of the
issues and needs confronting Asian Americans in this state. [1999 c.493
§1]

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