PUBLIC LAW 105-244 -OCT. 7, 1998 112 STAT. 1823 (e) MEETINGS. —The Commission shall meet at the call of the Chairperson. (f) QUORUM,—A majority of the members of the Commission shall constitute a quorum, but a lesser number of members may hold hearings. (g) CHAIRPERSON AND VICE CHAIRPERSON.—The Commission shall select a chairperson and vice chairperson from among the members of the Commission. SEC. 853. DUTIES OF THE COMMISSION. (a) STUDY.— (1) IN GENERAL. —The Commission shall conduct a thorough study to assess the educational software available in retail markets for secondary and postsecondary students who choose to use such software. (2) PUBLIC HEARINGS.—AS part of the study conducted under this subsection, the Commission shall hold public hearings in each region of the United States concerning the assessment referred to in paragraph (1). (3) EXISTING INFORMATION. — TO the extent practicable, in carrying out the study under this subsection, the Commission shall identify and use existing information related to the assessment referred to in paragraph (1). (b) REPORT. —Not later than 6 months after the first meeting Deadline, of the Commission, the Commission shall submit a report to the President and Congress that shall contain a detailed statement of the findings and conclusions of the Commission resulting from the study, together with the Commission's recommendations— (1) for such legislation and administrative actions as the Commission considers to be appropriate; and (2) regarding the appropriate Federal role in determining quality educational software products. (c) FACILITATION OF EXCHANGE OF INFORMATION.— In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Commission shall, to the extent practicable, facilitate the exchange of information concerning the issues that are the subject of the study among— (1) officials of the Federal Government, and State governments and political subdivisions of States; and (2) educators from Federal, State, and local institutions of higher education and secondary schools. SEC. 854. POWERS OF THE COMMISSION. (a) HEARINGS.— The Commission may hold such hearings, sit and act at such times and places, take such testimony, and receive such evidence as the Commission considers advisable to carry out the duties of the Commission. (b) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES. —The Commission may request from the head of any Federal agency or instrumentality such information as the Commission considers necessary to carry out the provisions of this part. Each such agency or instrumentality shall, to the extent permitted by law and subject to the exceptions set forth in section 552 of title 5, United States Code (commonly referred to as the Freedom of Information Act), furnish such information to the Commission upon request. (c) POSTAL SERVICES.— The Commission may use the United States mails in the same manner and under the same conditions as other departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
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