Researcher: JP Page 1 3/28/22
OLR Bill Analysis
SB 198
AN ACT CONCERNING THE ADVISORY BOARD FOR PERSONS
WHO ARE DEAF, HARD OF HEARING OR DEAFBLIND.
SUMMARY
This bill modifies the Advisory Board for Persons Who are Deaf,
Hard of Hearing or Deafblind by eliminating from its membership the
governor’s liaison to the disability community. In doing so, it reduces
the advisory board’s (1) membership from 11 to 10 and (2) chairpersons
from three to two.
Under current law, the board’s three chairpersons are the aging and
disability services commissioner, the governor’s liaison to the disability
community, and one board member chosen by a majority of the board.
The bill instead requires the advisory board to elect two chairpersons
from among its members.
By law, the advisory board (1) monitors services, (2) periodically
meets with relevant executive branch agency heads to discuss best
practices and gaps in services, (3) refers complaints to Disability Rights
Connecticut, and (4) makes recommendations to the governor and the
Human Services Committee.
EFFECTIVE DATE: July 1, 2022
COMMITTEE ACTION
Human Services Committee
Joint Favorable
Yea 20 Nay 0 (03/17/2022)