SENATE BILL 143

49th legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - second session, 2010

INTRODUCED BY

Nancy Rodriguez

AN ACT

RELATING TO DEAF SERVICES; MANDATING EXECUTIVE BRANCH OFFICES TO DEVELOP STANDARDS AND PROCEDURES FOR ENSURING EFFECTIVE MEANS OF COMMUNICATION WITH DEAF INDIVIDUALS; MANDATING EMPLOYMENT OF LIAISONS FOR DEAF INDIVIDUALS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

     Section 1. COMMUNICATION ADEQUACY--DEAF LIAISON REQUIRED.--All executive branch offices shall develop standards and procedures for ensuring that all departments and agencies under their control shall provide effective means of communication for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. These standards and procedures shall include the employment of a deaf liaison in each executive department and agency. The deaf liaison shall be an individual who is familiar with and proficient in deaf culture and modes of communication and who shall provide a point of entry to that agency or department for deaf individuals.

- 2 -