Senate Bill 2105 Summary

• Creates new duties for the designated state entity (vocational rehabilitation division) to establish and maintain an independent living council and manage federal and state funding for centers for independent living.

• Requires the statewide independent living council to meet federal standards under section 796d of the Rehabilitation Act, including majority membership of individuals with disabilities and at least 50% representation from centers for independent living directors.

• Establishes that the council must be independent and autonomous from the designated state entity and all other state agencies, with members serving no more than two consecutive three-year terms.

• Clarifies that centers for independent living must provide core services including information and referral, skills training, peer counseling, advocacy, and assistance with institutional transition and community integration for individuals with significant disabilities.

• Repeals the previous state plan requirement (section 50-06.5-05) and aligns state law with federal Rehabilitation Act standards for consumer control, staff composition, and service delivery standards.