MI HB4714

Establishes the Commission on Behavioral Health for Deaf, Deafblind, and Hard of Hearing within the Department of Health and Human Services to direct the division on behavioral health matters for these populations.

Commission shall consist of 13 members appointed by the governor including the division director, 2 deaf persons, 2 deafblind persons, 2 hard of hearing persons, 1 parent of a child under 21 receiving behavioral health services, and 5 members knowledgeable in related fields with at least 3 fluent in American Sign Language.

Members serve 3-year terms except initial appointees (5 for 3 years, 4 for 2 years, 4 for 1 year), with 7 members constituting a quorum and meetings required at least twice annually.

Commission meetings shall comply with the Open Meetings Act and all records subject to the Freedom of Information Act.

Department of Health and Human Services shall provide administrative support, office space, staff assistance, and annual appropriations; bill takes effect 90 days after enactment and is contingent on enactment of House Bill 4713.