Chapter 690 Oregon Laws 1999

Session Law

 

AN ACT

 

SB 950

 

Relating to Asian American Heritage Month; creating new provisions; and amending ORS 185.620 and 358.595.

 

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

 

      SECTION 1. (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 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 2. ORS 185.620 is amended to read:

      185.620. (1) The Commission on Asian Affairs shall:

      (a) Promote trade and tourism between this state and the countries of the Pacific Rim.

      (b) Encourage the economic development of Asian Americans within this state, the United States and abroad.

      (c) Serve as a representative of this state in domestic and foreign markets regarding the trade, tourism and economic development of Asian Americans.

      (d) Establish an Asian Affairs Network to facilitate the work of the commission.

      (e) Develop and sponsor programs and services in cooperation with the Economic Development Department, the Oregon State Lottery Commission, Asian American groups and organizations and Oregon corporations and businesses to promote trade, tourism and economic development between this state and other domestic and foreign markets.

      (f) Identify, design and implement programs and services necessary to promote economic development in this state, the United States and abroad.

      (g) Identify and examine the needs of Asian American residents of this state.

      (h) 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.

      (i) 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.

      (j) Assess all programs of state agencies designed to promote economic development or operating for the benefit of Asian American residents of this state and make recommendations to the appropriate agencies for the improvement of those programs.

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

      [(k)] (L) Report biennially to the Governor and the Legislative Assembly and recommend appropriate action on all matters of concern:

      (A) Regarding economic development between the State of Oregon and the countries of the Pacific Rim;

      (B) Regarding the trade and tourism of Asian Americans within this state, the United States and abroad; and

      (C) Generally to Asian American residents of this state.

      (2) As used in this section, "Asian American" means a resident of the United States who is of Asian ancestry.

      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 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 July 14, 1999

 

Filed in the office of Secretary of State July 14, 1999

 

Effective date October 23, 1999

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