S.P. 293 - L.D. 944
Resolve, Establishing a Commission to Study the Funding and Distribution of Teletypewriters and Other Telecommunications Equipment for People with Disabilities
Sec. 1. Commission established. Resolved: That the Commission to Study the Funding and Distribution of Teletypewriters and Other Telecommunications Equipment for People with Disabilities, referred to in this resolve as the "commission," is established; and be it further
Sec. 2. Commission membership. Resolved: That the commission consists of the following 13 members:
1. One member of the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate;
2. One member of the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives;
3. One member jointly appointed by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House;
4. One representative of the Public Advocate;
5. One representative of the Public Protection Division within the Office of the Attorney General;
6. One representative of a deaf advocacy organization, appointed by the Governor;
7. One representative of a disability advocacy organization, appointed by the Governor;
8. Three representatives of telephone companies providing phone service within the State including one representative of independent telephone companies, appointed by the Governor; and
9. Three members of the general public who currently use or plan to use teletypewriters or special telecommunications equipment for persons with disabilities, appointed by the Governor; and be it further
Sec. 3. Convening of commission. Resolved: That all appointments must be made no later than 30 days after the effective date of this resolve. The Chair of the Legislative Council shall call the first meeting within 14 days after all appointments are made. The commission shall elect a chair from among its members; and be it further
Sec. 4. Duties. Resolved: That the commission shall study the following:
1. The current use and distribution of teletypewriters and other telecommunications equipment for persons with disabilities in the State, including the current loaner program;
2. The use and distribution of teletypewriters and other telecommunications equipment for persons with disabilities in other states, including, but not limited to, the financing of teletypewriters and other telecommunications equipment and the type of equipment currently being used;
3. The compliance requirements of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 regarding the use of teletypewriters and other telecommunications equipment;
4. How to purchase specialized customer premise equipment or SCPE, such as artificial larynges, signaling devices, amplified handsets, large number dial overlays, direct telephone dialing, telebraille, teletypewriters or telecommunications equipment for persons with disabilities, and other devices that provide access to telephone networks for people with hearing, speech, vision or mobility impairments;
5. Establishing a system of administration and record keeping, as well as distribution, repair and replacement of SCPE units for certified subscribers; and
6. Establishing a funding mechanism for expansion of the program that will include use of additional equipment; and be it further
Sec. 5. Report. Resolved: That the commission shall prepare a written report of its findings and submit the report, together with any necessary implementing legislation, to the Second Regular Session of the 118th Legislature by January 1, 1998. If the commission requires an extension, it may apply to the Legislative Council, which may grant the extension; and be it further
Sec. 6. Staff assistance. Resolved: That the commission shall request staff assistance from the Legislative Council; and be it further
Sec. 7. Compensation. Resolved: That the legislative members of the commission are entitled to per diem and reimbursement for travel and other necessary expenses upon application to the Legislative Council. The Executive Director of the Legislative Council shall administer the commission's budget; and be it further
Sec. 8. Meetings. Resolved: That the commission may meet up to 4 times; and be it further
Sec. 9. Appropriation. Resolved: That the following funds are appropriated from the General Fund to carry out the purposes of this resolve.
1997-98
LEGISLATURE
Commission to Study the Funding and Distribution of Teletypwriters and Other Telecommunications Equipment for People with Disabilities
Personal Services $660
All Other 2,350
Provides funds for the per diem and expenses of legislative members, contracted interpreter services and miscellaneous costs of the Commission to Study the Funding and Distribution of Teletypwriters and Other Telecommunications Equipment for People with Disabilities.
LEGISLATURE __________
TOTAL $3,010
Effective September 19, 1997, unless otherwise indicated.
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