(1) (a) (I) There is hereby created the Colorado commission for the deaf and hard of hearing grant program subcommittee, referred to in this section as the "subcommittee", consisting of five members, for the purpose of recommending to the commission approval or disapproval of applications for the grant program. The commission shall appoint four members to the subcommittee as follows:

(A) One person who has knowledge and awareness of the issues faced by deaf persons;

(B) One person who has knowledge and awareness of the issues faced by hard-of-hearing persons; and

(C) Two representatives from the deaf and hard-of-hearing community.

(II) This subsection (1)(a) is repealed, effective September 1, 2018.

(a.5)

(I) There is hereby created the Colorado commission for the deaf, hard of hearing, and deafblind grant program committee, referred to in this section as the "committee", consisting of five members, for the purpose of recommending to the commission approval or disapproval of applications for the grant program.

(II) The commission shall appoint four members to the committee as follows:

(A) One person who is deaf;

(B) One person who is deafblind;

(C) One person who is hard of hearing; and

(D) One representative of the public at large.

(III) This subsection (1)(a.5) is effective September 1, 2018, and applies to appointments to the committee on or after September 1, 2018. All initial appointments in accordance with this subsection (1)(a.5) must be made by September 30, 2018.

(b) In addition to the appointed committee members, the director shall serve as an ex-officio member of the committee.

(c) In appointing members to the committee, the commission shall choose persons who have knowledge and awareness of innovative strategies that address challenges faced by the deaf, hard-of-hearing, and deafblind community.

(d) The appointed members of the committee shall serve three-year terms; except that, of the members first appointed, one of the members shall serve a two-year term and two of the members shall serve one-year terms. The commission shall choose those members who shall serve the initial shortened terms. If a vacancy arises in one of the appointed positions, the commission shall appoint a replacement to fill the vacancy for the remainder of the term.

(e) Members of the committee shall serve without compensation but are entitled to be reimbursed out of available appropriations for all actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties.

(f) The committee may meet via electronic communication when necessary.

(2) The committee shall review all applications received pursuant to section 26-21-107.5. Based on criteria established by the commission, the committee shall recommend to the commission those applications to approve, with recommended grant amounts, and those to disapprove.

(3) The commission shall review and may follow the recommendations of the committee for approval or disapproval of applications for the grant program and for grant amounts. If the commission disagrees with the recommendations of the committee, the executive director of the department shall have final decision-making authority to approve or disapprove the applications and to set the grant amounts.