RELATING TO THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING; CLARIFYING THE MEMBERSHIP AND APPOINTMENT OF THE COMMISSION FOR DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING PERSONS.

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

Section 1. Section 28-11B-1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1991, Chapter 72, Section 1) is amended to read:

"28-11B-1. COMMISSION FOR DEAF AND HARD-OF-HEARING PERSONS CREATED.--

A. There is created the "commission for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons", consisting of seven members, a majority of whom are deaf or hard-of-hearing persons, including three ex-officio members and four members appointed by the governor without regard for party affiliation, with the advice and consent of the senate. Terms of appointed members shall be for six years, expiring on December 31 of odd-numbered years, in accordance with the staggered terms of the appointed members holding office on the effective date of this 1999 amendment.

B. Ex-officio members are:

(1) the president of the New Mexico association for the deaf or his designee;

(2) the superintendent of the New Mexico school for the deaf or his designee; and

(3) the director of the vocational rehabilitation division of the state department of public education or his designee who shall be knowledgeable in the area of deafness.

C. Appointed members are:

(1) a parent of a deaf or hard-of-hearing child;

(2) a professional person who is deaf or hard of hearing;

(3) a deaf or hard-of-hearing person who resides in southern New Mexico; and

(4) a deaf or hard-of-hearing person who resides in northern New Mexico.

D. A majority of the members of the commission for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons constitutes a quorum for transaction of business. The commission shall elect a chairman from its membership.

E. Members of the commission for deaf and hard-of-hearing persons shall be compensated as provided in the Per Diem and Mileage Act and shall receive no other compensation, perquisite or allowance.

F. Commission members who are serving upon the effective date of this 1999 act shall serve out the terms to which they were appointed."