DE HB164

Codifies the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council (DDC) in Delaware law, establishing it as required by the federal Developmental Disabilities Assistance and Bill of Rights Act of 2000.

DDC membership consists of 9 ex-officio members representing state agencies (Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Education, Vocational Rehabilitation, Developmental Disabilities Services, Medicaid, Services for Aging and Adults with Physical Disabilities, Center for Disabilities Studies, legal advocacy system, and Ability Network) plus 15 public members appointed by the Governor.

Requires that at least 5 public members be individuals with developmental disabilities, at least 5 be parents or guardians of individuals with developmental disabilities, and at least 1 be an individual with a disability who previously resided in an institution.

Assigns DDC responsibility for developing state plans, conducting advocacy and systemic change activities, determining customer satisfaction, and submitting annual reports to federal and state officials.

Establishes operational requirements including a minimum of 4 meetings per year, election of a Chair, hiring of an Executive Director, and attendance rules that presume resignation after missing 3 consecutive or 4 of 12 consecutive meetings.