216A.155 - DUTIES.
216A.155 DUTIES.
The commission shall:
1. Advise the governor and the general assembly on issues
confronting Asian and Pacific Islander persons in this state,
including the unique problems of non-English-speaking immigrants and
refugees.
2. Advise the governor and the general assembly of administrative
and legislative changes necessary to ensure Asian and Pacific
Islander persons access to benefits and services provided to people
in this state.
3. Recommend to the governor and the general assembly any
revisions in the state's affirmative action program and other steps
necessary to eliminate underutilization of Asian and Pacific Islander
persons in the state's workforce.
4. Recommend legislation to the governor and the general assembly
designed to improve the economic and social condition of Asian and
Pacific Islander persons in this state.
5. Serve as a conduit to state government for organizations of
Asian and Pacific Islander persons in this state.
6. Serve as a referral agency to assist Asian and Pacific
Islander persons in securing access to state agencies and programs.
7. Serve as a liaison with federal, state, and local governmental
units, and private organizations on matters relating to the Asian and
Pacific Islander persons in this state.
8. Perform or contract for the performance of studies designed to
suggest solutions to the problems of Asian and Pacific Islander
persons in the areas of education, employment, human rights, health,
housing, social welfare, and other related areas.
9. Implement programs designed to solve the problems of Asian and
Pacific Islander persons when authorized by law.
10. Publicize the accomplishments of Asian and Pacific Islander
persons and their contributions to this state.
11. Work with other state and federal agencies and organizations
to develop small business opportunities and promote economic
development for Asian and Pacific Islander persons.
12. Supervise development of an Asian and Pacific Islander trade
primer, outlining Asian and Pacific Islander customs, cultural
traditions, and business practices, including language usage for use
by Iowa's export community.
13. Cooperate with other state and federal agencies and
organizations to develop improved state trade relations with Asian
and Pacific Islander countries.
14. Adopt rules, with stakeholder input, pursuant to chapter 17A,
to develop a mechanism to ensure the qualifications of interpreters
for Asian and Pacific Islander persons and maintain and provide a
list of those deemed qualified to Iowa courts, administrative
agencies, social service agencies, and health agencies, as requested.
Section History: Recent Form
2004 Acts, ch 1020, §7; 2008 Acts, ch 1086, §1