Chapter 727 Oregon Laws 2011

AN ACT

HB 3391

Relating to military families; and declaring an emergency.

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

SECTION 1. (1) The Task Force on Military Families is established, consisting of at least nine members appointed by the Governor as follows:

(a) At least one parent of a member of the military or one parent of a veteran;

(b) At least one family member of a person who was killed in action during an armed conflict while serving in the Armed Forces of the United States;

(c) At least one family member of a person who has been awarded the Purple Heart for wounds received in combat;

(d) At least one adolescent dependent of a veteran who was a member of the Oregon National Guard;

(e) At least one spouse of a member of the military or a veteran;

(f) At least one representative of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs; and

(g) At least one representative of the Oregon National Guard who works on issues relating to military families.

(2) In selecting the members of the task force, the Governor shall strive to include members representing:

(a) All geographic areas of this state;

(b) All branches of the military; and

(c) Active duty, Oregon National Guard and reserve units.

(3) The term of each member of the task force is four years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a successor. A member is eligible for reappointment. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the unexpired term. A member may not be appointed to serve more than two consecutive terms on the task force.

(4) The task force shall:

(a) Review and evaluate proposals for legislation relating to military families;

(b) Provide witnesses to testify before the Legislative Assembly;

(c) Conduct meetings with military families throughout this state;

(d) Prepare materials and conduct outreach to assist in bridging the gap between military and civilian sectors;

(e) Educate the public about the needs of military families; and

(f) Identify, review and propose community-based initiatives, programs, tools and resources to assist military families.

(5) A majority of the voting members of the task force constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

(6) Official action by the task force requires the approval of a majority of the voting members of the task force.

(7) The task force shall elect one of its members to serve as chairperson.

(8) The task force shall meet at times and places specified by the call of the chairperson or of a majority of the voting members of the task force.

(9) The task force may establish subcommittees of its members as it determines to be necessary to assist the task force in the performance of its duties.

(10) The task force may adopt rules necessary for the operation of the task force.

(11) The Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Oregon Military Department shall provide staff support to the task force.

(12) Members of the task force are not entitled to compensation, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred by them in the performance of their official duties in the manner and amounts provided for in ORS 292.495. Claims for expenses shall be paid out of funds appropriated to the Department of Veterans’ Affairs and the Oregon Military Department for purposes of the task force.

(13) All agencies of state government, as defined in ORS 174.111, are directed to assist the task force in the performance of its duties and, to the extent permitted by laws relating to confidentiality, to furnish such information and advice as the members of the task force consider necessary to perform their duties.

SECTION 2. This 2011 Act being necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health and safety, an emergency is declared to exist, and this 2011 Act takes effect on its passage.

Approved by the Governor August 5, 2011

Filed in the office of Secretary of State August 8, 2011

Effective date August 5, 2011

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