SB3211 Summary

• Increases Deaf and Hard of Hearing Commission membership from unspecified to 11 commissioners appointed by the Governor with Senate advice and consent.

• Raises minimum requirement of deaf, deafblind, or hard of hearing commissioners from 6 to 7, with specific positions including parents, sign language interpreters, educators, deafblind representatives, late-deafened representatives, service providers, and at-large members.

• Establishes Director qualifications requiring fluency in American Sign Language, bachelor's degree minimum, and 5 years' experience in deafness-related leadership or management, effective for anyone becoming Director after the bill's effective date.

• Designates the Director as the Commission's chief executive officer employed at-will by the Commission with new powers including adopting bylaws and policies, supervising staff, establishing task forces, and overseeing budgets.

• Authorizes the Commission to accept donations, grants, and bequests, and to enter into agreements and contracts with public and private entities to carry out its duties.