new text begin DIRECTION TO COMMISSIONER OF HUMAN SERVICES; RECOMMENDATIONS TO INCREASE USE OF TECHNOLOGY. new text end

new text begin (a) The commissioner shall appoint under Minnesota Statutes, section 256.01, subdivision 6, a Minnesota Technology First Advisory Task Force to advise the commissioner on strategies to increase the use of supportive technology in services and programs the commissioner administers for persons with disabilities to enable them to live more independently in community settings, work in competitive integrated environments, participate in inclusive community activities, and increase quality of life. The advisory task force must include: new text end

new text begin (1) one representative of the Department of Human Services; new text end

new text begin (2) two representatives of the counties; new text end

new text begin (3) one representative of the Associations of Residential Resources in Minnesota; new text end

new text begin (4) one representative from the Minnesota Organization for Habilitation and Rehabilitation; new text end

new text begin (5) one representative of the Disability Law Center; new text end

new text begin (6) one representative of the Arc Minnesota; new text end

new text begin (7) one representative from STAR Services; new text end

new text begin (8) one representative from the Traumatic Brain Injury Advisory Committee; new text end

new text begin (9) one representative from NAMI Minnesota; new text end

new text begin (10) one representative from Advocating Change Together; new text end

new text begin (11) two individuals with disabilities accessing supportive technology; and new text end

new text begin (12) one parent advocate. new text end

new text begin Meetings will be held quarterly and hosted by the department. Subcommittees may be developed as necessary by the commissioner. Advisory task force meetings are subject to the Open Meeting Law under Minnesota Statutes, chapter 13D. new text end

new text begin (b) The advisory task force will provide an annual written report with recommendations to the commissioner by June 30 of each year of its existence, beginning June 30, 2020. new text end

new text begin (c) Persons with disabilities and family members of persons with disabilities are eligible for compensation for participation in this task force. new text end

new text begin (d) The advisory task force expires on June 30, 2021. new text end