Chapter 244 Oregon Laws 2003

AN ACT

SB 584

Relating to Asian American Heritage Month; amending ORS 185.620, 187.210 and 358.595.

Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:

SECTION 1. ORS 185.620 is amended to read:

185.620. (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.

(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) In conjunction with the Oregon Heritage Commission, coordinate statewide celebrations [during the fourth week] of Asian American Heritage Month.

(h) Support the Economic and Community Development Department in its efforts to promote trade, tourism and economic development among this state, the United States and Asian countries.

(i) 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 United States who is of Asian ancestry.

SECTION 2. ORS 187.210 is amended to read:

187.210. (1)(a) May of each year shall be known as Asian American Heritage Month.

(b) As used in this section, “Asian American” has the meaning given that term in ORS 185.620.

(2) The Governor shall issue a proclamation calling upon the people of this state to use the [fourth week] month of May to celebrate the contributions to the state by Asian Americans in the arts, sciences, commerce and education.

(3)(a) The State Board of Education is encouraged to develop and adopt a curriculum to promote awareness of the contributions to the state by Asian Americans in the arts, sciences, commerce and education.

(b) During school hours throughout [the fourth week of] Asian American Heritage Month, school districts may designate time for instruction and appropriate activities in commemoration of the lives, history and achievements of Asian Americans in Oregon history.

SECTION 3. ORS 358.595 is amended to read:

358.595. The Oregon Heritage Commission is designated the primary agency for coordination of heritage activities and shall coordinate its activities with public and private organizations that express an interest in the heritage of Oregon. The commission shall:

(1) Prepare and adopt an Oregon Heritage Plan to address coordination for the identification, curation, restoration and interpretation of heritage resources.

(2) Increase efficiency and avoid duplication among the various interest groups that seek to preserve heritage resources.

(3) Coordinate a comprehensive inventory of state-owned cultural properties and make the inventory available to the public.

(4) In conjunction with the Economic and Community Development Department encourage tourism activities relating to heritage resources.

(5) Coordinate statewide anniversary celebrations.

(6) In conjunction with the Commission on Asian Affairs, coordinate statewide celebrations [during the fourth week] of Asian American Heritage Month.

Approved by the Governor June 6, 2003

Filed in the office of Secretary of State June 9, 2003

Effective date January 1, 2004

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