Chapter 1046 Oregon Laws 1999

Session Law

AN ACT

SB 765

Relating to state residential school for children with autism.

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

SECTION 1. (1) There is created the Caring for Oregon's Children with Autism Task Force consisting of 10 members. Members shall be persons who are familiar with the educational needs of children with autism. One member shall be a member of the Legislative Assembly selected jointly by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Nine members shall be appointed by the Governor and shall include:

(a) Four parents of children with autism;

(b) A member of the governing body of a school district;

(c) A representative of the Department of Education;

(d) A representative of an education service district;

(e) A special education director of a school district; and

(f) A representative of a regional autism program.

(2) The task force shall:

(a) Review the Department of Education autism implementation plan and other relevant information and make legislative recommendations regarding the development and implementation of a continuum of educational services for children with autism, including but not limited to a state residential school for children with autism. The task force recommendations shall include but not be limited to:

(A) Potential funding sources;

(B) Selected site or sites;

(C) Scope of services provided, including consideration of age and severity of disability; and

(D) Existing or proposed curricula.

(b) File a report with the appropriate Senate or joint interim committee with jurisdiction over education containing specific legislative recommendations according to the provisions of ORS 192.230 to 192.250 not later than July 1, 2000.

(3) The task force is subject to the provisions of ORS 171.605 to 171.635 and has the authority contained in ORS 171.505 and 171.510. Notwithstanding the provisions of ORS 171.206 and subsection (2)(c) of this section, the task force may file its written report at any time within 30 days after its final meeting, or at such later time as the appointing authorities may designate.

(4) The Department of Education shall provide staff necessary for the performance of the functions of the task force. The task force shall use the services of permanent legislative staff to the greatest extent practicable.

(5) A member of the Legislative Assembly appointed to the task force shall be entitled to an allowance as authorized by ORS 171.072 from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly. Other members of the task force are not entitled to compensation and expenses and shall serve on the task force on a volunteer basis.

(6) All agencies, departments and officers of this state are directed to assist the task force in the performance of its functions and to furnish such information and advice as the members of the task force consider necessary to perform their functions.

(7) The task force may accept contributions of funds and assistance from the United States, its agencies or from any other source, public or private, and agree to conditions thereon not inconsistent with the purposes of the task force. All such funds are to aid in financing the functions of the task force and shall be deposited in the General Fund of the State Treasury to the credit of separate accounts for the task force and shall be disbursed for the purpose for which contributed in the same manner as funds appropriated for the task force.

(8) Official action by the task force established pursuant to this section shall require the approval of a majority of the members. All legislation recommended by official action of the task force must indicate that it is introduced at the request of the task force. Such legislation shall be prepared in time for presession numbering and presession filing pursuant to ORS 171.130, for presentation to the regular session of the Seventy-first Legislative Assembly.

Approved by the Governor September 1, 1999

Filed in the office of Secretary of State September 1, 1999

Effective date October 23, 1999

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