MN SF4478

Increases Commission of the Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard of Hearing membership from seven to ten appointed members at large, plus one member each from up to five advisory committees.

Requires at least 50 percent of voting members be deaf, deafblind, or hard-of-hearing, and includes representation from parents or guardians, county and regional human services, and private service providers.

Specifies four state commissioners (education, health, human rights, and employment and economic development) and the director of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Services Division serve as ex officio, nonvoting members.

Limits voting members to no more than three consecutive full terms and 12 years in total service.

Requires annual selection by January 31 of a chair and vice-chair to serve one-year terms.