(1) (a) The general assembly finds and declares that:

(I) An effective system of community-based services and supports is essential to enable children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live in their communities;

(II) The demand for high-quality intellectual and developmental disabilities services is expected to grow; and

(III) Persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities need a system that promotes self-direction of services and self-determination and that is designed to improve personal outcomes.

(b)

(I) The general assembly further finds and declares that state agencies should be organized in a manner that allows for improved delivery of long-term services and supports for persons and providers; and

(II) The transfer pursuant to part 1 of this article of the powers, duties, and functions relating to the programs, services, and supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities to the office for administration by the division of intellectual and developmental disabilities, created in this section, is an initial step in the process of redesigning Colorado's long-term care system.

(2) There is hereby created within the office the division of intellectual and developmental disabilities.

(3) The division shall administer the programs, services, and supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities contained in this article.

(4) Because of the unique goal of the division in administering lifelong programs, services, and supports for persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities, as part of its annual briefing to the joint budget committee, the state department shall allow sufficient briefing time devoted solely to issues relating to the division and its administration of the programs, services, and supports contained in this article.

(5) Repealed.