Current through Pa Acts 2024-53, 2024-56 through 2024-92
Section 3205 - Statewide Independent Living Council(a) Council established.-- There shall be established a Statewide Independent Living Council, which shall be the same council established under Title VII of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. The council shall be independent of State agencies, shall adopt bylaws governing its operations and shall meet at least quarterly.(b) Manner of appointment of members.--Members of the council shall be appointed by the Governor. The Governor shall select members from recommendations of representatives of organizations with governing boards in which at least 51% are persons with disabilities. The board shall be representative of a broad range of individuals with disabilities. The council shall be composed of members appointed to provide Statewide representation, represent a broad range of disabilities and ensure knowledge about centers for independent living and services and programs provided.(c) Members.--(1) The council shall include a majority of individuals with disabilities who are not State employees and at least 50% of the directors of the centers for independent living within this Commonwealth chosen by the directors of centers for independent living in this Commonwealth.(2) The ex officio, nonvoting members shall consist of a representative from the designated State agency and representatives from other State agencies that provide services for individuals with disabilities.(3) In addition to the members provided for in paragraphs (1) and (2), the Governor may appoint additional members who may be:(i) other representatives from centers for independent living;(ii) parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities;(iii) representatives of advocacy organizations;(iv) representatives from private businesses;(v) representatives from organizations that provided services for individuals with disabilities; and(vi) other appropriate individuals.(d) Chairperson.--The council shall select a chairperson from among the membership of the council.(e) Term of office.--No member of the council may serve more than two consecutive three-year terms, except:(1) a member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring prior to the expiration of the term for which a predecessor was appointed shall be appointed for the remainder of the predecessor's term; and(2) the terms of service of the members initially appointed shall provide for the expiration of terms on a staggered basis.(f) Vacancies.--Any vacancy occurring in the membership of the council shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment. The vacancy shall not affect the power of the remaining members to execute the duties of the council.1994, Dec. 12, P.L. 1023, No. 139, § 5, imd. effective.