SB182: Community Integration Advisory Commission; created.

SENATE BILL NO. 182
Offered January 11, 2006
Prefiled January 10, 2006
A BILL to amend the Code of Virginia by adding in Title 2.2 a chapter numbered 4.2, consisting of sections numbered 2.2-436 through 2.2-436.4, and by adding in Chapter 24 of Title 2.2 an article numbered 22, consisting of sections numbered 2.2-2462 through 2.2-2464, relating to the Community Integration and Implementation Team.
Patron-- Puller

Referred to Committee on General Laws

Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1.  That the Code of Virginia is amended by adding in Title 2.2 a chapter numbered 4.2, consisting of sections numbered 2.2-436 through 2.2-436.4, and by adding in Chapter 24 of Title 2.2 an article numbered 22, consisting of sections numbered 2.2-2462 through 2.2-2464, as follows:

CHAPTER 4.2.
COMMUNITY INTEGRATION AND IMPLEMENTATION TEAM.

§ 2.2-436. Community Integration and Implementation Team. 

The Community Integration and Implementation Team (the Team) is hereby established for the purpose of monitoring the progress of all executive branch state agencies toward community integration of Virginians with disabilities in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws so that they may enjoy the benefits of society and the freedoms of everyday life.

§ 2.2-436.1. Membership; terms; chairman.

A. The Team shall consist of 24 members. The following, or their designees, shall serve ex officio with voting privileges: Commissioner of the Department for the Blind and Vision Impaired, Superintendent of the Department of Education, Director of the Department of Housing and Community Development, Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services, Inspector General of the Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services, Director of the Department of Rail and Public Transportation, Commissioner of the Department of Rehabilitative Services, Commissioner of the Department of Social Services, Commissioner of the Department of Transportation, Commissioner of the Department of Veterans' Services, Director of the Office of Comprehensive Services for At-Risk Youth and Families, Special Advisor to the Governor for Workforce Development, Chairman of the State Council on Higher Education for Virginia, Chairman of the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities, Chancellor of the Virginia Community Colleges System, Commissioner of the Department for the Aging, Director of the Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, Commissioner of the Department of Health, Director of the Department of Professional Occupational Regulation, Executive Director of the Virginia Housing Development Authority, Executive Director of the Statewide Independent Living Council, Secretary of Commerce and Trade, Secretary of Education, and Secretary of Health and Human Resources. Members of the Team shall serve two-year terms and the Special Advisor to the Governor for Community Integration for Virginians with Disabilities, as designated by the Governor pursuant to § 2.2-436.3, shall serve as chairman of the Team.

§ 2.2-436.2. Powers and Duties of the Team.

The Team shall:

1. Develop and annually update a comprehensive and cross-governmental strategic plan, the purpose of which is to assure continued community integration of Virginians with disabilities;

2. Seek advice and input from the Community Integration Advisory Board as the strategic plan is developed;

3. Develop budget and legislative proposals that support implementations of the strategic plan; and

4. Report annually to the Governor by December 1 on the status of community integration of Virginians with disabilities.

§ 2.2-436.3. Special Advisor to the Governor for Community Integration for Virginians with Disabilities; position created.

There is hereby created in the Office of the Governor the position of Special Advisor to the Governor for Community Integration for Virginians with Disabilities. The Special Advisor shall be appointed by the Governor. The Special Advisor shall be responsible for the tasks assigned to him by law or by the Governor.

§ 2.2-436.4 Responsibilities of the Special Advisor.

The Special Advisor's responsibilities shall include, but not be limited to:

1. Help create a system to monitor the effectiveness of community integration efforts regarding Virginians with disabilities;

2. Assist agencies in implementing policies and regulatory changes needed to ensure and support community integration of Virginians with disabilities;

3. Monitor federal legislation and policy in order to maximize the Commonwealth's effective use of and access to funds that support community integration;

4. Report annually by May 31 to the Governor on the status of efforts to create opportunities that further the goal of ensuring integration of Virginians with disabilities into the community;

5. Serve as chairman of the Community Integration and Implementation Team; and

6. Employ the personnel required to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

Article 22.

Community Integration Advisory Board.

§ 2.2-2462. Community Integration Advisory Board.

A. There is established the Community Integration Advisory Board (the Board), within the meaning of § 2.2-2100 in the executive branch of state government. The Board shall consist of 21 citizen members appointed by the Governor. The membership shall consist of: 11 members with disabilities, which shall include one resident of a state mental health facility, one resident of a state mental retardation training center, and one resident of a nursing facility; four family members of Virginians with disabilities; and six members who provide services to Virginians with disabilities or who advocate for such persons or services. Upon initial appointment, seven members shall be appointed for four-year terms, seven for three-year terms, and seven for two-year terms. Thereafter, all members shall be appointed for four-year terms. Vacancies shall be filled by the Governor in the same manner as the original appointment for the unexpired portion of the term.  Each Board member shall be eligible for reappointment for a second consecutive term at the discretion of the Governor. Persons who are first appointed to initial terms of less than four years shall thereafter be eligible for reappointment to two consecutive four-year terms. In making appointments to the Board, the Governor shall ensure the Board is ethnically, geographically, and functionally diverse.

B. The Board shall elect a chairman and co-chairman from its membership. The Board shall meet at least four times a year as it deems appropriate or on the call of the chairman. A majority of the Board shall constitute a quorum.

§ 2.2-2463. Powers and duties of the Board.

The Board shall:

1. Monitor the implementation of state and federal laws concerning community integration of Virginians with disabilities;

2. Brief the Community Integration and Implementation Team (the Team) on all matters that present barriers or challenges to full community integration of Virginians with disabilities;

3. Review and advise the Team on its strategic plan; and

4. Perform other such duties as the Team deems appropriate.

§ 2.2-2464. Compensation; expenses; cooperation.

Members of the Board shall receive no compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for their actual and necessary expenses in accordance with § 2.2-2823. All agencies of the Commonwealth shall assist the Board upon request.