2007 Oregon Code - Chapter 185 :: Chapter 185 - Oregon Disabilities Commission - Commissions on Hispanic Affairs - Black Affairs and Asian Affairs - Commission for Women
Chapter 185 —
2007 EDITION
STATE COMMISSIONS
EXECUTIVE BRANCH; ORGANIZATION
185.005Â Â Â Â
185.010Â Â Â Â Administrator
of office
185.020Â Â Â Â Assistance
of Bureau of Labor and Industries
185.025Â Â Â Â
(Generally)
185.110Â Â Â Â Definitions
for ORS 185.110 to 185.230
185.130Â Â Â Â Oregon
Disabilities Commission; qualifications
185.140Â Â Â Â Advisory
function
185.150Â Â Â Â Duties
185.155Â Â Â Â Monitoring
of progress of institutions of higher education and colleges in eliminating
barriers to access
185.170Â Â Â Â Retaliation
for legislative testimony prohibited
185.190Â Â Â Â Meetings;
quorum; duties of chairperson
185.200Â Â Â Â Compensation
and expenses
(Sign Language Interpreters)
185.225Â Â Â Â Standards
for sign language interpreters in public schools; rules
185.230Â Â Â Â Contract
to provide sign language interpreters for state agencies; fees
COMMISSION ON HISPANIC AFFAIRS
185.310Â Â Â Â Policy
185.320Â Â Â Â Commission
on Hispanic Affairs; confirmation; term; officers; quorum; compensation and
expenses
185.330Â Â Â Â Duties
COMMISSION ON BLACK AFFAIRS
185.410Â Â Â Â Policy
185.420Â Â Â Â Commission
on Black Affairs; confirmation; term; officers; quorum; compensation and
expenses
185.430Â Â Â Â Duties
COMMISSION FOR WOMEN
185.510Â Â Â Â Policy;
report
185.520Â Â Â Â Commission
for Women; confirmation; term; officers; meetings; funds
185.530Â Â Â Â Special
study committees
185.540Â Â Â Â Duties
185.550Â Â Â Â Compensation
and expenses
185.560Â Â Â Â Service
contracts for child care information and referral
COMMISSION ON ASIAN AFFAIRS
185.610Â Â Â Â Commission
on Asian Affairs; confirmation; term; officers; quorum; compensation and
expenses
185.620Â Â Â Â Duties
185.625Â Â Â Â Additional
duties
     185.005
     (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]
     185.010
Administrator of office. (1)
The Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office shall be staffed by an administrator,
who is responsible for the performance of the duties, functions and powers of
the office.
     (2) A board consisting of the chairpersons
of the commissions served by the office and the Commissioner of the Bureau of
Labor and Industries shall establish the qualifications for and appoint 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 board described in subsection (2) of this section 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; 2007 c.814 §1]
     185.015 [2005 c.818 §3; repealed by 2007 c.814 §3]
     185.020
Assistance of Bureau of Labor and Industries. In performing powers and duties under ORS 185.005 to 185.025, the
Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office may utilize the administrative assistance of
the Bureau of Labor and Industries. The office shall pay to the bureau a
proportionate share of the cost of such administrative services, such share to
be fixed by biennial negotiation between the office and the bureau. [2005 c.818
§4; 2007 c.814 §2]
     185.025
     (2) The Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office,
and the commissions served by the office, may accept contributions of funds and
assistance from the
(Generally)
     185.110
Definitions for ORS 185.110 to 185.230. 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
     (3) “Individual with a disability” means
anyone who:
     (a) Has a physical or mental impairment
which substantially limits one or more of the individualÂ’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 person who is hard of hearing,
translate proceedings or conversations and accurately repeat and translate the
statements of a person who is hard of hearing. [1983 c.726 §1; 1989 c.224 §15;
1991 c.365 §1; 2005 c.663 §13; 2007 c.70 §49]
     185.120 [1983 c.726 §2; 1989 c.224 §16; 1989 c.657 §1;
repealed by 2005 c.663 §14]
     185.130
     (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]
     185.140
Advisory function. (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 individuals with
disabilities 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
individuals with disabilities. [1983 c.726 §§4, 8(2); 1989 c.224 §18; 1989
c.470 §3; 1989 c.657 §2; 2007 c.70 §50]
     185.150
Duties. 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 PresidentÂ’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]
     185.155
Monitoring of progress of institutions of higher education and colleges in
eliminating barriers to access.
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.
     185.160 [1983 c.726 §6; 1989 c.224 §20; 2001 c.716 §21;
repealed by 2005 c.663 §14]
     185.165 [1991 c.748 §3; repealed by 2001 c.716 §30]
     185.170
Retaliation for legislative testimony prohibited. 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]
     185.180 [1983 c.726 §§8(1), 9; 1989 c.47 §2; 1989
c.224 §22; repealed by 2005 c.663 §14]
     185.190
Meetings; quorum; duties of chairperson. 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]
     185.200
Compensation and expenses.
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)
     185.220 [1991 c.365 §3; repealed by 2005 c.663 §14]
     185.225
Standards for sign language interpreters in public schools; rules. The State Board of Education shall adopt by
rule standards for sign language interpreters for persons in the public schools
who are deaf or hard of hearing. 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; 2007 c.70 §51]
     185.230
Contract to provide sign language interpreters for state agencies; fees. (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
     185.310
Policy. (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
     (2) The commission shall make
recommendations to the Governor and shall report to each regular session of the
Legislative Assembly. [1983 c.132 §1]
     185.320
Commission on Hispanic Affairs; confirmation; term; officers; quorum; compensation
and expenses. (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
     (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]
     185.330
Duties. 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]
     185.340 [1983 c.132 §4; repealed by 2005 c.818 §10]
     185.350 [2001 c.716 §6; repealed by 2005 c.818 §10]
COMMISSION ON
BLACK AFFAIRS
     185.410
Policy. (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
     (2) The commission shall make
recommendations to the Governor and shall report to each regular session of the
Legislative Assembly. [1983 c.161 §1]
     185.420
Commission on Black Affairs; confirmation; term; officers; quorum; compensation
and expenses. (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
     (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]
     185.430
Duties. 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]
     185.440 [1983 c.161 §4; repealed by 2005 c.818 §10]
     185.450 [2001 c.716 §8; repealed by 2005 c.818 §10]
COMMISSION
FOR WOMEN
     185.510
Policy; report. (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
     (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
     185.520
Commission for Women; confirmation; term; officers; meetings; funds. (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
     185.530
Special study committees.
(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]
     185.540
Duties. 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
     (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]
     185.550
Compensation and expenses.
(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]
     185.560
Service contracts for child care information and referral. (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
childÂ’s own home, but does not include any program whose primary component is
psychiatric treatment. [1985 c.462 §1; 1995 c.278 §30]
     185.570 [Formerly 184.940; repealed by 2005 c.818 §10]
COMMISSION ON
ASIAN AFFAIRS
     185.610
Commission on Asian Affairs; confirmation; term; officers; quorum; compensation
and expenses. (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
     (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]
     185.620
Duties. (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
     185.625
Additional duties. 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]
     185.630 [1995 c.665 §3; repealed by 2005 c.818 §10]
     185.640 [1995 c.665 §4; repealed by 2005 c.818 §10]
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