Title 185 · ORS Chapter 185

and the Director of Human Services. [1991 c.365 �4; 2005 c.663 �9; 2007

Citation: ORS 410.740

Section: 410.740

410.740 and the Director of Human Services. [1991 c.365 �4; 2005 c.663 �9; 2007 c.70 �51]

�� 185.230 Contract to provide sign language interpreters for state agencies; fees. (1) Any public agency may contract with the Department of Human Services for the coordination and provision of sign language interpreter services.

�� (2) From funds available under subsection (1) of this section, the department shall contract with certified sign language interpreters to provide, for a fee established by rule of the department, sign language interpretation services to public agencies with whom the department has a contract for such services. [1991 c.748 �2; 2005 c.663 �10]

COMMISSION ON HISPANIC AFFAIRS

�� 185.310 Policy; report. (1) It is declared to be the policy and intent of the Legislative Assembly that the Commission on Hispanic Affairs is created to work for the implementation and establishment of economic, social, legal and political equity for Hispanics in Oregon.

�� (2) The commission shall make recommendations to the Governor and shall report to each odd-numbered year regular session of the Legislative Assembly. [1983 c.132 �1; 2011 c.545 �32; 2021 c.290 �2]

�� 185.320 Commission on Hispanic Affairs; confirmation; term; officers; quorum; compensation and expenses. (1) The Commission on Hispanic Affairs shall be comprised of 11 members, to include two representatives from the Legislative Assembly, one appointed by the President of the Senate, one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Nine members shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate pursuant to section 4, Article III, Oregon Constitution. To the extent possible, members appointed by the Governor shall provide for representation from all areas of the state. All of the members of the commission shall be residents of this state.

�� (2) Members appointed by the Governor shall serve four-year terms. Legislators shall serve two-year terms.

�� (3) The commission members shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson.

�� (4) A majority of the members of the commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

�� (5) Appointments to the commission shall be made to ensure representation of Hispanics in Oregon.

�� (6) Members of the commission who are not legislators shall be paid compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495 from funds appropriated to the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office.

�� (7) Members of the commission who are legislators shall be paid compensation and expense reimbursement as provided in ORS 171.072, payable from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly. [1983 c.132 �2; 1987 c.879 �6; 1991 c.643 �34; 2005 c.818 �6; 2019 c.73 �2]

�� 185.330 Duties. In carrying out the duties of ORS 185.310 to 185.330, the Commission on Hispanic Affairs shall:

�� (1) Monitor existing programs and legislation designed to meet the needs of the Hispanic population.

�� (2) Identify and research problem areas and issues affecting the Hispanic community and recommend actions to the Governor and the Legislative Assembly, including recommendations on legislative programs.

�� (3) Maintain a liaison between the Hispanic community and government entities.

�� (4) Assist the Governor on the Governor�s equity-focused initiatives with policy advice, the study of long-standing community issues and the provision of community input, a community voice and leadership, as requested.

�� (5) Encourage Hispanic representation on state boards and commissions.

�� (6) Meet at least annually in a joint meeting of the Commission on Hispanic Affairs, the Commission on Black Affairs, the Commission for Women and the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs to consider and act upon issues of mutual importance to the missions and statutory duties of the commissions. [1983 c.132 �3; 2013 c.353 �1; 2021 c.290 �3]

�� 185.340 [1983 c.132 �4; repealed by 2005 c.818 �10]

�� 185.350 [2001 c.716 �6; repealed by 2005 c.818 �10]

COMMISSION ON BLACK AFFAIRS

�� 185.410 Policy; report. (1) It is declared to be the policy and intent of the Legislative Assembly that the Commission on Black Affairs is created to work for the implementation and establishment of economic, social, legal and political equity for Blacks in Oregon.

�� (2) The commission shall make recommendations to the Governor and shall report to each odd-numbered year regular session of the Legislative Assembly. [1983 c.161 �1; 2011 c.545 �33; 2021 c.290 �4]

�� 185.420 Commission on Black Affairs; confirmation; term; officers; quorum; compensation and expenses. (1) The Commission on Black Affairs shall be comprised of 11 members, to include two representatives from the Legislative Assembly, one appointed by the President of the Senate, one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Nine members shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate pursuant to section 4, Article III, Oregon Constitution. To the extent possible, members appointed by the Governor shall provide for representation from all areas of the state. All of the members of the commission shall be residents of this state.

�� (2) Members appointed by the Governor shall serve four-year terms. Legislators shall serve two-year terms.

�� (3) The commission members shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson.

�� (4) A majority of the members of the commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

�� (5) Appointments to the commission shall be made to ensure representation of Blacks in Oregon.

�� (6) Members of the commission who are not legislators shall be paid compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495 from funds appropriated to the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office.

�� (7) Members of the commission who are legislators shall be paid compensation and expense reimbursement as provided in ORS 171.072, payable from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly. [1983 c.161 �2; 1987 c.879 �7; 1991 c.643 �35; 2005 c.818 �7; 2019 c.73 �3; 2021 c.290 �5]

�� 185.430 Duties. In carrying out the duties of ORS 185.410 to 185.430, the Commission on Black Affairs shall:

�� (1) Monitor existing programs and legislation designed to meet the needs of the Black population.

�� (2) Identify and research problem areas and issues affecting the Black community and recommend actions to the Governor and the Legislative Assembly, including recommendations on legislative programs.

�� (3) Assist the Governor on the Governor�s equity-focused initiatives with policy advice, the study of long-standing community issues and the provision of community input, a community voice and leadership, as requested.

�� (4) Maintain a liaison between the Black community and government entities.

�� (5) Encourage Black representation on state boards and commissions.

�� (6) Meet at least annually in a joint meeting of the Commission on Black Affairs, the Commission on Hispanic Affairs, the Commission for Women and the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs to consider and act upon issues of mutual importance to the missions and statutory duties of the commissions. [1983 c.161 �3; 2013 c.353 �2; 2021 c.290 �6]

�� 185.440 [1983 c.161 �4; repealed by 2005 c.818 �10]

�� 185.450 [2001 c.716 �8; repealed by 2005 c.818 �10]

COMMISSION FOR WOMEN

�� 185.510 Policy; report. (1) It is declared to be the policy and intent of the Legislative Assembly that the Commission for Women is created to work for the implementation and establishment of economic, social, legal and political equity for women and to maintain a continuing assessment of the issues and needs confronting women in Oregon.

�� (2) The commission shall submit to the Governor at the commencement of each biennium a report containing the concerns and issues confronting the women of Oregon which have been identified pursuant to the terms of ORS 185.510 to 185.550 and further identifying the programs, projects and activities which the commission will undertake regarding those issues. [1983 c.105 �1; 2021 c.290 �7]

�� 185.520 Commission for Women; confirmation; term; officers; meetings; funds. (1) The membership of the Commission for Women shall be comprised of 11 members, to include two representatives from the Legislative Assembly, one appointed by the President of the Senate, one appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Nine members shall be appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate pursuant to section 4, Article III, Oregon Constitution. To the extent possible, members appointed by the Governor shall provide for representation from all areas of the state. All of the members of the commission shall be residents of this state.

�� (2) Members appointed by the Governor shall serve for four-year terms. Legislators shall serve two-year terms.

�� (3) The commission members shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson for terms of one year and shall determine the duties of the officers.

�� (4) Members shall meet at the call of the chairperson not less than three times annually.

�� (5) Consistent with Oregon law, the commission may receive and accept funds for purposes consistent with the creation of the commission. [1983 c.105 �2; 2005 c.818 �7a; 2011 c.55 �1; 2019 c.73 �4]

�� 185.530 Special study committees. (1) The Commission for Women may establish ad hoc committees to study specific areas and make periodic reports to the commission.

�� (2) The chairpersons of the ad hoc committees shall be appointed by the chairperson of the commission, subject to approval by the commission.

�� (3) Membership on ad hoc committees is not limited to members of the commission.

�� (4) The period during which an ad hoc committee may function shall be determined at the time of its creation by the commission according to the nature of the study and project undertaken.

�� (5) Members of the ad hoc committees shall be designated as consultants to the full commission. [1983 c.105 �3; 1995 c.79 �67; 2011 c.9 �12]

�� 185.540 Duties. The Commission for Women shall:

�� (1)(a) Analyze the status of women and men under the laws of Oregon relating to civil rights, contracts, income, property and the family in order to assure full equity and treatment under the law;

�� (b) Monitor the implementation of laws affecting the legal rights of women; and

�� (c) Educate women about their legal rights and responsibilities under the law.

�� (2)(a) Work for equity of opportunity and treatment for women in employment through an analysis of the employment policies and practices of employers, both public and private;

�� (b) Evaluate the development of methods to assure fuller employment options for women including nontraditional job opportunities, child care, job sharing and flextime and part-time employment; and

�� (c) Examine methods to develop greater employment opportunities and potentials for women with particular consideration for the needs of minority women, older women, rural women and displaced homemakers.

�� (3)(a) Evaluate the progress of providing equity of educational opportunities for women in Oregon as mandated by state and federal law;

�� (b) Assist efforts to inform women about nontraditional educational and employment opportunities; and

�� (c) Promote the elimination of gender, nonconforming and racist barriers in the educational process, such as staffing patterns, teacher training, curriculum and textbook selection.

�� (5)(a) Encourage women to pursue a variety of roles in life;

�� (b) Promote the full recognition of the contributions of women whether in the home, as volunteers in the community or in the labor market;

�� (c) Promote the valuation of work within the home at a level comparable with work outside the home; and

�� (d) Investigate family relationships which are detrimental to women and to the development of productive family life.

�� (6) Encourage and recommend women to serve on appointive boards and commissions and encourage them to seek elective office.

�� (7) Identify and address issues which may be unique to special categories of women including minority women, juvenile women, older women, rural women and displaced homemakers.

�� (8) Meet at least annually in a joint meeting of the Commission for Women, the Commission on Hispanic Affairs, the Commission on Black Affairs and the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs to consider and act upon issues of mutual importance to the missions and statutory duties of the commissions. [1983 c.105 �5; 1995 c.79 �68; 1995 c.278 �29; 2013 c.353 �3; 2021 c.290 �8]

�� 185.550 Compensation and expenses. (1) Members of the Commission for Women who are not legislators shall be paid compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495 from funds appropriated to the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office.

�� (2) Members of the commission who are legislators shall be paid compensation and expense reimbursement as provided in ORS 171.072, payable from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly. [1983 c.105 �4; 1987 c.879 �8; 1991 c.643 �36; 2005 c.818 �8]

�� 185.560 [1985 c.462 �1; 1995 c.278 �30; repealed by 2021 c.290 �13]

�� 185.570 [Formerly 184.940; repealed by 2005 c.818 �10]

COMMISSION ON ASIAN AND PACIFIC ISLANDER AFFAIRS

�� 185.610 Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs; confirmation; term; officers; quorum; compensation and expenses. (1) The Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs is created. The commission has 11 members. Nine of the 11 members shall be appointed by the Governor, subject to confirmation by the Senate under ORS 171.562 and 171.565. The President of the Senate shall appoint one Senator as a member of the commission, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall appoint one Representative as a member of the commission. To the extent possible, members appointed by the Governor shall provide for representation from all areas of the state. All of the members of the commission shall be residents of this state.

�� (2) The term of office is four years. Appointments to fill a vacancy for an unexpired term shall be made by the person who made the original appointment.

�� (3) The commission shall elect a chairperson and vice chairperson for a term of one year and shall determine the duties of the officers.

�� (4) A majority of the members of the commission constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

�� (5)(a) Appointments to the commission shall be made to ensure ethnic representation of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Oregon.

�� (b) For the purpose of this subsection, �Asian and Pacific Islander Americans� has the meaning given that term in ORS 185.620.

�� (6) Members of the commission who are not legislators shall be paid compensation and expenses as provided in ORS 292.495 from funds appropriated to the Oregon Advocacy Commissions Office.

�� (7) Members of the commission who are legislators shall be paid compensation and expense reimbursement as provided in ORS 171.072, payable from funds appropriated to the Legislative Assembly. [1995 c.665 �1; 1999 c.493 �2; 2005 c.233 �1; 2005 c.818 �9; 2011 c.273 �1; 2019 c.73 �5]

�� 185.620 Duties. (1) The Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs shall:

�� (a) Identify barriers to the economic development and trade opportunities of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans within this state, and advise state agencies and officials on issues related to those barriers.

�� (b) Establish an Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs Network to facilitate the work of the commission.

�� (c) Identify and examine the needs of Asian and Pacific Islander American residents of this state.

�� (d) Compile information relating to services available to Asian and Pacific Islander American residents of this state, including but not limited to education and training programs, work programs, dispute resolution programs, trade opportunities, housing programs, health programs, mental health programs including alcohol and drug services, and welfare programs from local, state and federal sources and through private agencies.

�� (e) Develop and sponsor programs in cooperation with Asian and Pacific Islander American groups and organizations to inform Asian and Pacific Islander American residents of this state of services available to them.

�� (f) Assess all programs of state agencies operating for the benefit of equity for Asian and Pacific Islander American residents of this state and make recommendations to the appropriate agencies for the improvement of those programs.

�� (g) Serve as liaison to other state boards and commissions as required by law.

�� (h) Assist the Governor on the Governor�s equity-focused initiatives with policy advice, the study of long-standing community issues and the provision of community input, a community voice and leadership, as requested.

�� (i) Submit to the Governor at the beginning of each biennium a report that describes the needs of Asian and Pacific Islander Americans identified under paragraph (c) of this subsection and that specifies the programs, projects and activities that the commission will undertake regarding those needs.

�� (j) Meet at least annually in a joint meeting of the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs, the Commission on Hispanic Affairs, the Commission on Black Affairs and the Commission for Women to consider and act upon issues of mutual importance to the missions and statutory duties of the commissions.

�� (2) As used in this section, �Asian and Pacific Islander American� means a resident of the United States who is of Asian or Pacific Islander ancestry. [1995 c.665 �2; 1999 c.493 �3; 1999 c.690 �2; 2003 c.244 �1; 2005 c.233 �2; 2011 c.273 �3; 2013 c.353 �4; 2021 c.290 �9]

�� 185.625 Additional duties. The Legislative Assembly declares that the Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs shall work for the implementation and establishment of economic, social, legal and political equity for Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in this state and to maintain a continuing assessment of the issues and needs confronting Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in this state. [1999 c.493 �1; 2011 c.273 �4; 2021 c.290 �10]

�� 185.630 [1995 c.665 �3; repealed by 2005 c.818 �10]

�� 185.640 [1995 c.665 �4; repealed by 2005 c.818 �10]

OFFICE OF IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE ADVANCEMENT

�� 185.650 Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement; director; staff; duties; rules. (1) There is established within the Department of Human Services the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement for the purpose of operating a statewide immigrant and refugee integration strategy.

�� (2) The Office of Immigrant and Refugee Advancement is under the supervision and control of a director, who is responsible for the performance of the duties, functions and powers of the office. The director shall be chosen through an open hiring process. In addition to the director, the office shall include at least the following full-time staff members:

�� (a) One staff member who focuses on community partnerships;

�� (b) One staff member who focuses on data collection and research; and

�� (c) One staff member who focuses on administrative support for the office.

�� (3) The office shall:

�� (a) Advocate for and partner with statewide immigrant and refugee programs and services that coordinate with long-term support services to meet the needs of immigrant and refugee populations in this state;

�� (b) Collect data on immigrant and refugee populations in this state for the purposes of determining the needs of the populations and tracking progress in reducing social, economic and health disparities for the populations;

�� (c) Monitor and protect data collected under this subsection and ensure that any data collected and maintained by the office is not disclosed to any person or entity not affiliated with the office;

�� (d) Track state legislation that impacts immigrant and refugee populations in this state;

�� (e) Ensure that any racial and ethnic impact statements for legislation accurately include the impact to immigrants and refugees in this state who are individuals who are Black, indigenous or other people of color;

�� (f) Advocate for resources from the federal government to support the immigrant and refugee populations;

�� (g) Monitor and, unless prohibited by federal or state law or rule, publish any investments made by the state for the benefit and support of the immigrant and refugee populations;

�� (h) Partner with other state agencies as needed to meet the objectives of the office;

�� (i) Partner with community-based organizations as needed to meet the objectives of the office; and

�� (j) Adopt rules as necessary to carry out this section. [2021 c.594 �1; 2022 c.118 �8]

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