Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program: certification.
Vote required
Majority
Fiscal committee
No
Appropriation
No
Current location
Communications and Conveyance
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Progress
Where this bill stands in the legislative process.
- Introduced
- Passed Assembly
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Overview
This bill simplifies the process for qualifying individuals to receive telecommunications devices and equipment designed to assist people who are deaf or hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities, at no cost through the state’s utility programs. It removes the requirement for specific certifications from physicians, optometrists, or other healthcare professionals, streamlining access to these services. The bill also makes minor changes to the requirements for local publicly owned electric and gas utilities to offer low-income weatherization programs.
Key provisions
- Removes certification requirements for telecommunications devices and equipment for individuals with disabilities.
- Allows physician assistants and nurse practitioners to certify needs for specialized equipment.
- Clarifies the process for organizations representing deaf and hard of hearing individuals to receive devices.
- Updates the requirement for local publicly owned electric and gas utilities to consult with other entities regarding weatherization programs.
- Addresses the surcharge for funding the program, including annual appropriation requirements.
- Establishes a fund for the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program.
- Allows for ongoing assessment and expansion of the program to adapt to new technologies.
- Specifies that no reimbursement is required for local agencies or school districts due to the creation of a new crime.
Who is affected
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Sponsors
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1 on record
Primary sponsor
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