Sec. 12. Notwithstanding IC 4-6-2, the commission has the following powers, duties, and functions:
(1) Establish and maintain all necessary offices.
(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.