WHEREAS, the 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 mandate the creation of a statewide Independent Living Council; and

      WHEREAS, it is in the best interest of the citizens of the state of Idaho to engage in activities that will enhance the opportunities of people with disabilities to become independent, participating, and supporting members of society; and

      WHEREAS, a statewide council is necessary to assist citizens with disabilities to have a greater voice in obtaining services that are cost effective, consumer-responsive, and community-based.

      NOW, THEREFORE, I, DIRK KEMPTHORNE, Governor of the State of Idaho, by the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Idaho, do hereby establish the Statewide Independent Living Council for the State of Idaho.

I. The Council shall:

1. Develop and submit, in conjunction with the State Board of Education's Division of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Idaho Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, the Statewide Independent Living Plan mandated by section 704 of the 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973;
2. Monitor, review, and evaluate the implementation of the state plan;
3. Coordinate its activities with the State Rehabilitation Advisory Council and other councils that address the needs of specific disability populations and issues addressed pursuant to other federal laws;
4. Ensure that all regularly scheduled meetings of the Council are accessible and open to the public and that sufficient advance notice of said meetings is provided;
5. Submit periodic reports as required by law, keep such records, and afford access to such records as may be necessary to verify such reports; and
6. Follow the guidelines contained in the 1992 Amendments to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 705.

II. The Council shall be composed of members: who provide statewide representation; who represent a broad range of individuals with disabilities; who are knowledgeable about centers for independent living and independent living services; and a majority of whom are individuals with disabilities and not employed by any state agency or center for independent living. Each member of the Council shall serve for a term of three years, except that 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 such term. Members of the Council shall select a chair from among their number.

III. Membership of the Council shall include:

1. At least one director of a center for independent living chosen by the directors of centers for independent living within the state; and
2. As ex officio, nonvoting members: a representative from the Idaho Board of Education's Vocational Rehabilitation office and representatives from other state agencies (such as the Industrial Commission, the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired, etc.) that provide services for individuals with disabilities.
3. Additional members: the Council may also include other representatives from centers for independent living; parents and guardians of individuals with disabilities; advocates of and for individuals with disabilities; representatives from private businesses; representatives from organizations that provide services for individuals with disabilities; and other appropriate persons.

This Executive Order shall cease to be effective four years after its entry into force.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused to be affixed the Great Seal of the State of Idaho at the Capitol in Boise on this twenty-third day of May in the year of our Lord two thousand and two, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred twenty-fifth and of the Statehood of Idaho the one hundred eleventh.

PETE T. CENARRUSA
SECRETARY OF STATE