Bipartisan legislation authored by Senator Torrey Westrom that makes several non-controversial modifications to the Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind and Hard-of-Hearing Minnesotans unanimously passed the Minnesota Senate on Monday, April 23. The changes modify the name of the commission, in addition to modifying procedures to solve chronic board vacancies and streamline functions.

“The Commission of Deaf, DeafBlind, and Hard-of-Hearing is a key resource for state agencies, local units of government, and private businesses in increasing communications access and providing equal opportunities,” said Senator Westrom. “These commonsense changes will increase the commission’s efficiency and better allow it to serve the 20% of Minnesotans statewide who are deaf, deafblind and/or hard of hearing.”

After passing the Senate on a vote of 67-0, the bill now heads to the floor of the Minnesota House.