Senate Bill 2840

AN ACT TO ESTABLISH A MISSISSIPPI CLEARINGHOUSE FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES (MCPD) AND PROVIDE FOR ITS MEMBERSHIP; TO PRESCRIBE THE POWERS AND DUTIES OF THE CLEARINGHOUSE; TO DIRECT CERTAIN STATE AGENCIES TO ASSIST THE MCPD; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. The following terms shall have the meaning ascribed herein, unless the context shall otherwise require:

(a) "Clearinghouse" means the Mississippi Clearinghouse for People with Disabilities.

(b) "Director" means the Director of the Mississippi Clearinghouse for People with Disabilities.

(c) "People with disabilities" means individuals who have physical, sensory, cognitive or mental characteristics such as those listed under the definition of "handicapped person" in regular 28 CFR 41.31(b) for the implementation of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended (Public Law 93-112).

SECTION 2. (1) There is created the Mississippi Clearinghouse for People with Disabilities to promote and facilitate the full participation of, and the creation and assurance of equal opportunities for, all people with disabilities.

(2) The goals and objectives of the Mississippi Clearinghouse for People with Disabilities shall include, but are not limited to, or provided in any priority order, the following:

(a) To be a comprehensive clearinghouse of information, initial point of contact and confidential case tracking service for all people with disabilities related to potential service programs (including contact points, eligibility criteria, service scope, budgets, waiting list), disability rights and relevant events.

(b) To serve as a disability minority advocate to identify the issues and concerns pertaining to the rights, needs and capabilities of all persons with disabilities, and to work to empower such individuals to take as much control of their own lives as possible.

(c) To collect, analyze and synthesize disability-related data (e.g., numbers and types of disability, in the state, their economic/school/employment/long-term care status) for use by state agencies, universities and colleges, disability organizations and private citizens.

(d) To advise the Governor, the Legislature, the Mississippi Congressional Delegation, state agencies, the business community, organized labor and other public, private groups and the general public on disability issues and concerns, and to make recommendations to address those identified matters, with emphasis on increasing opportunities for independence and employment.

(e) To coordinate and conduct public relations activities to spotlight the skills and capabilities of people with disabilities to emphasize the actual and potential contributions of people with disabilities.

(f) To establish such relationship with state agencies, especially those that serve the disability community, consumer/advocacy groups, local governments, private industry, educational institutions, labor and other private organizations, as may be needed to enhance equal opportunities for persons with disabilities.

(g) To submit an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature that reflects input from the State Department of Education, State Department of Health, State Department of Human Services, State Department of Medicaid, State Department of Mental Health, State Department of Rehabilitation Services, State Independent Living Council, Centers for Independent Living and disability support and advocacy organizations. The report will provide:

(i) Recommendations to address the unmet needs of people with disabilities in Mississippi;

(ii) An overall state government/private sector service overview of programs and services for people with disabilities in Mississippi;

(iii) Information on public and private groups which are providing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities; and

(h) To carry out activities assigned by the Clearinghouse, to further the mission of the MCPD and the quality of life of citizens with disabilities.

(3) The Mississippi Clearinghouse for People with Disabilities will be administered by the Mississippi Coalition for Citizens with Disabilities (MCCD). The director of the MCCD will serve as the MCPD Director and may employ necessary support staff not to exceed four (4) persons. The Mississippi Department of Finance and Administration is hereby authorized to contract with MCCD. The staffing of the MCPD may also be supplemented by use of interns and volunteers from the community. The Clearinghouse staff will use the following classifications for selection: The Director shall be paid per the job classification of a Division Director II per the Mississippi State Personnel Board. The Director shall have at least ten (10) years experience in nongovernmental disability advocacy, and at least five (5) years experience in disability advocacy management. Any administration staff shall meet the qualifications and be paid per job classification of a Division Director I per the Mississippi State Personnel Board. Any secretarial staff shall meet the qualifications and be paid per the job classification of an administrative assistant IV per the Mississippi State Personnel Board.

(4) The State Department of Education, State Department of Health, State Department of Human Services, State Department of Medicaid, State Department of Mental Health and State Department of Rehabilitation Services shall assist the MCPD to carry out its work. These representatives shall provide the MCPD, with data, input and resources to facilitate their planning and coordinating efforts.

SECTION 3. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after its passage.