(20 ILCS 3932/1) Sec. 1. Short title. This Act may be cited as the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission Act. (Source: P.A. 89-680, eff. 1-1-97.)

(20 ILCS 3932/5) Sec. 5. Definitions. As used in this Act, unless the context requires otherwise: "Chairperson" means the Chairperson of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission. "Commission" means the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission. "Director" means the Director of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission. "Vice-Chairperson" means the Vice-Chairperson of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission. (Source: P.A. 89-680, eff. 1-1-97.)

(20 ILCS 3932/10) Sec. 10. Commission. The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission is created as an executive agency of State government. The Commission shall be composed of 11 members, governed by a chairperson, and headed by a director. (Source: P.A. 89-680, eff. 1-1-97.)

(20 ILCS 3932/15) Sec. 15. Commission membership. (a) The Commission shall be composed of 11 voting members appointed by the Governor from residents of the State whose position, knowledge, or experience enables them to reasonably represent the concerns, needs, and recommendations of deaf or hard of hearing persons. At a minimum, 6 voting members of the Commission shall be persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. The Chairperson of the Commission shall be elected from the Commission's membership by a simple majority vote of the total membership of the Commission. The Vice-Chairperson of the Commission shall be elected from the Commission's membership by a simple majority vote of the total membership of the Commission. (b) The Governor shall consider nominations made by advocacy groups for the deaf and hard of hearing and community-based organizations. (c) Of the initial members appointed by the Governor, 3 shall be appointed to terms of one year, 4 shall be appointed to terms of 2 years, and 4 shall be appointed to terms of 3 years. Thereafter, all members shall be appointed for terms of 3 years. No member shall serve more than 2 consecutive terms. A member shall serve until his or her successor is appointed and qualified. (d) Initial members' terms of office shall be chosen by lot at the initial meeting of the Commission. (e) Vacancies in Commission membership shall be filled in the same manner as initial appointments. Appointments to fill vacancies occurring before the expiration of a term shall be for the remainder of the unexpired term. (f) Members shall not receive compensation for their services but shall be reimbursed for their actual expenses incurred in the performance of their duties plus up to $50 per day for any actual loss of wages incurred in the performance of their duties. (g) Total membership consists of the number of voting members, as defined in this Section, excluding any vacant positions. A quorum shall consist of a simple majority of total membership and shall be sufficient to conduct the transaction of business of the Commission unless stipulated otherwise in the by-laws of the Commission. (h) The Commission shall meet at least quarterly. (Source: P.A. 93-647, eff. 6-1-04.)

(20 ILCS 3932/20) Sec. 20. Director. The Director of the Commission shall be hired, supervised, evaluated, and terminated by the Commission. The Director shall carry out the policies, programs, and activities of the Commission. The Director shall employ, in accordance with the provisions of the Illinois Personnel Code, manage, and organize the staff of the Commission as he or she deems appropriate. (Source: P.A. 93-647, eff. 6-1-04.)

(20 ILCS 3932/25) Sec. 25. Powers and duties of the Commission. The Commission shall be a coordinating and advocating body that acts on behalf of the interests of persons in Illinois who are deaf or hard of hearing, including children, adults, senior citizens, and those with any additional disability. The Commission shall submit an annual report of its activities to the Governor and the General Assembly on January 1st of each year. The Commission shall: (1) Make available and provide an educational and

informational program through printed materials, workshop and training sessions, presentations, demonstrations, and public awareness events about hearing loss for citizens in Illinois and for public and private entities. The program shall include, but not be limited to, information concerning information and referral services, lending libraries, service and resource availability, the interpreter registry, accessibility and accommodation issues, assistive technology, empowerment issues, obligations of service providers and employers, educational options, and current federal and State statutes, regulations, and policies regarding hearing loss.

(2) Cooperate with public and private agencies and

local, State, and federal governments to coordinate programs for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

(3) Provide technical assistance, consultation, and

training support to start and enhance existing programs and services for persons who are deaf or hard of hearing.

(4) Evaluate and monitor State programs delivering

services to deaf and hard of hearing persons to determine their effectiveness; identify and promote new services or programs whenever necessary; and make recommendations to public officials about changes necessary to improve the quality and delivery of services, programs, and activities and about future financial support to continue existing programs and establish new programs.

(5) Monitor State funded programs delivering services

to persons who are deaf or hard of hearing to determine the extent that promised and mandated services are delivered.

(6) Review, evaluate, and participate in the

development of proposed and amended statutes, rules, regulations, and policies relating to services, programs, and activities for deaf and hard of hearing persons and make recommendations on existing statutes, rules, regulations, and policies to the Governor, General Assembly, and State agencies.

(7) Promote cooperation among State and local

agencies providing educational programs for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.

(8) Establish rules and regulations related to

evaluation, certification, licensure, and training standards of interpreters for deaf and hard of hearing persons.

(Source: P.A. 93-647, eff. 6-1-04.)

(20 ILCS 3932/30) Sec. 30. Rules and regulations. The Commission shall promulgate rules and regulations to implement this Act in accordance with the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act. (Source: P.A. 93-647, eff. 6-1-04.)

(20 ILCS 3932/905) Sec. 905. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted). (Source: P.A. 89-680, eff. 1-1-97; text omitted.)

(20 ILCS 3932/910) Sec. 910. (Amendatory provisions; text omitted). (Source: P.A. 89-680, eff. 1-1-97; text omitted.)

(20 ILCS 3932/999) Sec. 999. Effective date. This Act takes effect January 1, 1997. (Source: P.A. 89-680, eff. 1-1-97.)