(2) The Oregon Telephone Assistance Program Advisory Committee is established as an advisory committee to the commission for the purposes described in subsection (4) of this section.

(3) The committee consists of the following nine members appointed by the Governor:

(a) A person who represents the Public Utility Commission who is knowledgeable about telecommunications;

(b) A person who represents the Citizens’ Utility Board;

(c) A person who represents the Oregon Health Authority;

(d) A person who represents telecommunications carriers, including cellular phone carriers;

(e) A person who represents coordinated care organizations, as defined in ORS 414.025;

(f) A person who represents individuals who are homeless;

(g) A person who represents individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing;

(h) A person who is a low income customer who receives assistance under section 6, chapter 290, Oregon Laws 1987; and

(i) A resident of this state with a background in marketing and outreach.

(4) The committee shall:

(a) Establish goals for participation by low income customers in the plan of assistance;

(b) Advise the commission on the eligibility process for participating in the plan of assistance;

(c) Advise the commission on the regulation of the plan of assistance, including:

(A) Advice on streamlining eligibility processes;

(B) Advice on improving handset activations;

(C) Advice on use of Social Security numbers and other identifying documents; and

(D) Advice on use of a comprehensive human services outreach approach to encourage participation in the plan of assistance;

(d) Review the participation rates in programs offered by other states that are similar to the plan of assistance, particularly programs that have a higher participation rate than the plan of assistance;

(e) Develop a strategic plan to increase the participation rate in the plan of assistance;

(f) Annually review the participation rate in the plan of assistance and any annual increase in the participation rate in the plan of assistance; and

(g) Make recommendations as to the use of available funds for the following activities:

(A) Marketing and outreach;

(B) Developing partnerships with low income constituency groups; and

(C) Coordinating with state agencies that serve the low income customers eligible to participate in the plan of assistance.

(5) A majority of the members of the committee constitutes a quorum for the transaction of business.

(6) Official action by the committee requires the approval of a majority of the members of the committee.

(7) The committee shall elect one of its members to serve as chairperson.

(8) The term of office of each member of the committee is four years, but a member serves at the pleasure of the Governor. Before the expiration of the term of a member, the Governor shall appoint a successor whose term begins on January 1 of the following year. A member is eligible for reappointment. If there is a vacancy for any cause, the Governor shall make an appointment to become immediately effective for the unexpired term.

(9) The committee shall meet at times and places specified by the call of the chairperson or of a majority of the members of the committee.

(10) The committee shall adopt rules necessary for the operation of the committee.

(11) Members of the committee are not entitled to compensation, but may be reimbursed for actual and necessary travel and other expenses incurred by them in the performance of their official duties in the manner and amounts provided for in ORS 292.495. Claims for expenses shall be paid out of funds appropriated to the commission for purposes of the committee.

(12) The commission shall provide staff support and perform other services for the committee as is necessary for the effective operation of the committee. [2017 c.434 §1]

Note: 759.688 and 759.689 were enacted into law by the Legislative Assembly but were not added to or made a part of ORS chapter 759 or any series therein by legislative action. See Preface to Oregon Revised Statutes for further explanation.