The office of Hispanic-Latino affairs is hereby created. The office shall be accountable to the commission on Hispanic-Latino affairs. The chief administrator of the office shall be the director of Hispanic-Latino affairs, who shall be appointed by and serve at the pleasure of the commission.

The director, with the approval of the commission, shall appoint such employees as are necessary to carry out the duties of the office. The employees shall serve at the pleasure of the director.

The office shall compile and provide information to the commission about, and advise it on, solutions to the problems of Spanish-speaking people. The office shall execute the tasks assigned to it by the commission which shall include, but not be limited to, the following:

(A) Serve as a clearinghouse to review and comment on all proposals to meet the needs of Spanish-speaking people that are submitted to it by public and private agencies;

(B) Apply for and accept grants and gifts from governmental and private sources to be administered by the office or subcontracted to local agencies;

(C) Monitor and evaluate all programs subcontracted to local agencies by the commission;

(D) Endeavor to assure that Spanish-speaking people have access to decision-making bodies in all state and local governmental departments and agencies;

(E) Submit a full written annual report of its activities, accomplishments, and recommendations to the commission;

(F) Establish advisory committees on special subjects as needed to facilitate and maximize community participation in the operation of the commission. The committees shall be composed of persons representing community organizations and charitable institutions, public officials, and such other persons as the office determines.

(G) Establish with state and local governments and private business and industry relationships that promote and assure equal opportunity for Spanish-speaking people in government, education, and employment.

Effective Date: 12-02-1996.