§ 45.80 - Bureau of Indian Affairs Advisory Committee for Exceptional Children.

(a) The BIA Advisory Committee for Exceptional Children has been chartered under and is subject to the provisions of the Federal Advisory Committee Act, Pub. L. 92-463. The membership of the BIA Advisory Committee for Exceptional Children must be composed of persons involved in or concerned with the education of handicapped Indian children. The membership shall include, but not be limited to:

(1) Handicapped individuals.

(2) Teachers of handicapped children.

(3) Parents of handicapped children.

(4) Agency and school officials.

(5) Special education program administrators.

(b) The advisory committee shall:

(1) Advise the Secretary of Interior, through the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs, of unmet special education needs of Indian children;

(2) Comment publicly on the annual program plan and rules or regulations proposed for issuance by the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs regarding the education of handicapped Indian children attending BIA operated or funded schools and the procedures for distribution of funds under this part; and

(3) Assist the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs in developing and reporting such information and evaluation.

(c) The advisory committee shall meet as often as necessary to conduct its business.

(d) By July 1 of each year, the advisory committee shall submit an annual report of panel activities and suggestions to the Director and the Assistant Secretary—Indian Affairs. This report must be made available to the public.

(e) Official minutes must be kept on all panel meetings and shall be made available to the public upon request.

(f) All advisory committee meetings and agenda items must be publicly announced prior to the meeting, and meetings must be open to the public.

(g) Interpreters and other necessary services must be provided at committee meetings for committee members or participants.

(h) The advisory panel shall serve without compensation but will be reimbursed for travel and expenses, in compliance with current Federal travel regulations, as published by GSA, for attending meetings and performing duties.