The Florida Senate

413.84  Powers and duties.--The commission:

(1)  Shall, no later than July 1, 2000, after consulting with stakeholders and holding public hearings, develop and implement a 5-year plan to promote occupational access and opportunities for Floridians with disabilities, and to fulfill the federal plan requirements. The plan must be submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The commission may make amendments annually to the plan, which must be submitted to the Governor, the President of the Senate, and the Speaker of the House of Representatives by the first of January.

(a)  The plan must explore the use of Individual Training Accounts, as described in the federal Workforce Act of 1998, Pub. L. No. 105-220, for eligible clients. If developed, these accounts must be distributed under a written memorandum of understanding with One-Stop Career Center operators.

(b)  The plan must include an emergency response component to address economic downturns.

(c)  The plan must designate an administrative entity that will support the commission's work; provide technical assistance, training, and capacity-building assistance; help raise additional federal, state, and local funds; and promote innovative contracts that upgrade or enhance direct services to Floridians with disabilities.

(d)  The plan must require that the commission enter into cooperative agreements with community-based rehabilitation programs to be the service providers for the program; however, state career service employees shall provide all services mandated by federal law. The commission shall, as rapidly as is feasible, increase the amount of such services provided by community-based rehabilitation programs. The plan must incorporate, to the maximum extent allowed by federal and state law and regulation, all available funds for such purposes. Funds and in-kind contributions from community and private sources shall be used to enhance federal and state resources.

(e)  The plan must include recommendations regarding specific performance standards and measurable outcomes, and must outline procedures for monitoring the commission's and designated administrative entity's operations to ensure that performance data is maintained and supported by records of such entities. The commission shall consult with the Office of Program Policy Analysis and Government Accountability in the establishment of performance standards, measurable outcomes, and monitoring procedures.

(2)  Notwithstanding the provisions of part I of chapter 287, shall contract, no later than July 1, 2000, with the administrative entity designated in the plan to execute the services, functions, and programs prescribed in the plan. The commission shall serve as contract administrator. If approved by the federal Department of Education, the administrative entity may be a direct-support organization. The commission shall define the terms of the contract.

(3)  Shall work with the employer community to better define, address, and meet its business needs with qualified Floridians with disabilities.

(4)  Is responsible for the prudent use of all public and private funds provided for the commission's use, ensuring that the use of all funds is in accordance with all applicable laws, bylaws, and contractual requirements.

(5)  Shall develop an operational structure to carry out the plan developed by the commission.

(6)  May appear on its own behalf before boards, commissions, departments, or other agencies of municipal, county, state, or Federal Government.

(7)  In the performance of its duties, may undertake or commission research and studies.

(8)  Shall develop a budget, which is in keeping with the plan, for the operation and activities of the commission and functions of its designated administrative entity. The budget shall be submitted to the Governor for inclusion in the Governor's budget recommendations.

(9)  May assign staff from the office or division to assist in implementing the provisions of this act relating to the Occupational Access and Opportunity Commission.

History.--s. 28, ch. 99-240.