Sec. 12. Notwithstanding IC 4-6-2, the commission has the following powers, duties, and functions:

(1) Establish and maintain all necessary offices.

Terms Used In Indiana Code 12-28-1-12

  • advocacy: means speaking for, pleading for, supporting, advising, espousing the rights of, or interceding on behalf of individuals with developmental disabilities, individuals with a mental illness, or individuals seeking or receiving vocational rehabilitation services before public or private agencies, organizations, institutions, or individuals serving individuals with a developmental disability or individuals with a mental illness or providing vocational rehabilitation services. See Indiana Code 12-28-1-2
  • Bequest: Property gifted by will.
  • commission: refers to the Indiana protection and advocacy services commission established by this chapter. See Indiana Code 12-28-1-3
  • Devise: To gift property by will.
  • Gift: A voluntary transfer or conveyance of property without consideration, or for less than full and adequate consideration based on fair market value.
  • Property: includes personal and real property. See Indiana Code 1-1-4-5
  • services: refers to Indiana protection and advocacy services. See Indiana Code 12-28-1-4
  • vocational rehabilitation services: refers to services available under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (29 U. See Indiana Code 12-28-1-5
(2) Provide legal and other advocacy services throughout Indiana to individuals or organizations on matters related to the protection of the legal and human rights of individuals with a developmental disability, individuals with a mental illness, and individuals who are seeking or receiving vocational rehabilitation services.

(3) Enter into contractual relationships and sue and be sued in the name of the services.

(4) Apply for, solicit, and accept contributions or grants of money, property, or services made by gift, devise, bequest, grant, or other means from any source that the commission considers best to assist the services in performing its purpose.

(5) Provide information and referral services.

(6) Adopt rules under IC 4-22-2 to do the following:

(A) Establish and operate local protection and advocacy service units.

(B) Operate the service.

(C) Perform the commission’s duties.

(7) Ensure full participation in the electoral process in individuals with disabilities, including registering to vote, casting a vote, and accessing polling places, in accordance with 52 U.S.C. § 21061 through 52 U.S.C. § 21062.

[Pre-1992 Revision Citation: 16-13-19-5.]

As added by P.L.2-1992, SEC.22. Amended by P.L.209-2003, SEC.201; P.L.99-2007, SEC.135; P.L.100-2012, SEC.34; P.L.128-2015, SEC.235.