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1999 SESSION

992848138
HOUSE BILL NO. 2498
Offered January 21, 1999
A BILL to amend and reenact § 2.1-373.02 of the Code of Virginia, relating to the Commonwealth Council on Aging.
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Patron-- Brink
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Referred to Committee on Rules
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Be it enacted by the General Assembly of Virginia:

1. That § 2.1-373.02 of the Code of Virginia is amended and reenacted as follows:

§ 2.1-373.02. Commonwealth Council on Aging created; purpose; membership; terms; duties.

A. There is hereby created in the executive branch the Commonwealth Council on Aging, hereinafter referred to as the Council. The purpose of the Council shall be to promote an efficient, coordinated approach by state government to meeting the needs of older Virginians. The Council shall be composed of persons selected from the Commonwealth at large without regard to political affiliation but with due consideration of geographical representation. Appointees shall be selected for their ability, and all appointments shall be of such nature as to aid the work of the Council and to inspire the highest degree of cooperation and confidence.

B. The Council shall consist of nineteen twenty-three voting members appointed as follows: one member from each of the eleven congressional districts of the Commonwealth appointed by the Governor subject to confirmation by a majority of each House of the General Assembly at its next regular session; four six at-large members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Delegates; and four six at-large members appointed by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections. The Council shall also include the following nonvoting, ex officio members: the Commissioner of the Department for the Aging, the Director of the Department of Medical Assistance Services, the Commissioner of Social Services and the Secretary of Health and Human Resources, or their designees. For initial appointments made by the Governor, the terms shall be as follows: five members shall serve four-year terms, four members shall serve three-year terms and two members shall serve two-year terms. For initial appointments made by the Speaker of the House of Delegates, two three members shall be appointed for four-year terms and two three members shall be appointed to for two-year terms. For the initial appointments by the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections, two three members shall be appointed for four-year terms and two three members shall be appointed for two-year terms. Thereafter, all appointments shall be for four-year terms.

In making initial appointments, the Governor, the Speaker of the House, and the Senate Committee on Privileges and Elections shall give due consideration to the appointment of members of the current Governor's Advisory Board on Aging.

Appointments to fill vacancies shall be for the unexpired term. No person having served on the Council for two consecutive terms shall be eligible for reappointment to the Council for two years thereafter.

C. The Council shall elect a chairman and a vice-chairman from among its members and shall appoint a secretary and such other officers as it deems necessary and prescribe their duties and terms of office.

D. The duties of the Council shall be as follows:

1. Examine the needs of older Virginians and ways in which state government can most effectively and efficiently assist in meeting those needs;

2. Advise the Governor and General Assembly on aging issues and aging policy for the Commonwealth;

3. Advise the Governor on any proposed regulations deemed by the Director of the Department of Planning and Budget to have a substantial and distinct impact on older Virginians. Such advice shall be provided in addition to other regulatory reviews required by the Administrative Process Act;

4. Advocate and develop the Commonwealth's planning for meeting the needs of the growing number of older Virginians; and

5. Advise the Governor and General Assembly regarding the activities of the Department.

E. The Council is authorized to apply for and expend such grants, gifts, or bequests from any source as may become available in connection with its duties under this section, and is authorized to comply with such conditions and requirements as may be imposed in connection therewith.