HB 1157 -- Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

Sponsor:  Lampe

This bill increases the membership of the Missouri Commission for
the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, within the Department of Elementary
and Secondary Education, from nine to 19 members by adding two
members each from the Senate and the House of Representatives;
the directors of the departments of Mental Health, Social
Services, and Health and Senior Services or their designees; the
commissioners of the departments of Elementary and Secondary
Education and Higher Education or their designees; and a person
representing the Centers for Independent Living.  The terms of
members, except ex officio or General Assembly members, are
lengthened from three to four years.  The commission's duties
will include advising the Governor, General Assembly, and state
agencies on all state services for the deaf and hard of hearing.

The commission will also be required to make recommendations for
developing a statewide plan for an integrated system of training,
treatment, and services for the deaf and hard of hearing of all
ages with preliminary findings due to the General Assembly by
July 1, 2011.  The preparation for the state plan must include a
study and report on the means for delivering services that are
created, well-utilized, and well-distributed; a plan for
evaluating regional service areas; recommendations for including
higher education in developing certification or degree programs
for students specializing in deaf or hard of hearing services;
recommendations of individuals for a committee of stakeholders
that will develop best practices and treatment stardards for
mental health treatment for the deaf and hard of hearing; and
examination of barriers to the reporting of accurate information
of demographic data.

Missouri House of Representatives
95th General Assembly, 1st Regular Session
Last Updated November 17, 2009 at 9:26 am