44-1138. Kansas employment first oversight commission; membership; duties.

468 words·~2 min read·/ks/chapter-44/44-1138

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(a)There is hereby established a Kansas employment first oversight commission consisting of seven members. The commission shall consist of the following members who shall serve for a three-year term:

(1)Four members who are persons with a disability or who are knowledgeable of disability issues and who are not state employees, of whom:

(A)One shall be appointed by the speaker of the house of representatives;

(B)one shall be appointed by the minority leader of the house of representatives;

(C)one shall be appointed by the president of the senate; and

(D)one shall be appointed by the minority leader of the senate;

(2)three members shall be appointed by the governor as follows:

(A)One member who is experienced with employment service programs;

(B)one member who has disability employment experience; and

(C)one member with business employment experience.

(b)The governor shall designate one member to convene and organize the first meeting of the commission at which the commission shall elect a chairperson and a vice-person* from among its members. The commission shall meet at least four times a year and, additionally, whenever called by the chairperson. A quorum shall consist of four members. All actions of the commission shall be taken by a majority of the members of the commission.

(c)Each member of the commission shall be paid mileage and other expenses as provided by K.S.A. 75-3212 , and amendments thereto.

(d)The focus of the commission shall be on increasing the number of Kansans with disabilities in competitive integrated employment. To increase the number of Kansans with disabilities achieving competitive integrated employment, the commission shall work collaboratively with state agencies that provide services specifically to assist Kansans with disabilities to become employed, and privately owned or operated organizations, non-profit organizations and community-based organizations that receive moneys from the state or federal government, or both, to provide services and support that assist individuals with disabilities to obtain, maintain or regain competitive and integrated employment. In addition the commission may promote and educate state agencies and stakeholders regarding the employment first initiative.

(e)At the commencement of each regular session of the legislature, the commission, in the form of an annual report, may make recommendations to the governor, legislature and state agencies on strategies to increase the number of Kansans with disabilities in competitive integrated employment. The lead agency shall cause the report to be published on the internet on the lead agency's web site.

(f)The governor shall select from the cabinet agencies the lead agency responsible for compiling data and coordinating the preparation of the annual report at the direction of the commission. The activities of the commission and lead agency pursuant to this section shall be done within existing grants and resources.