BILL ANALYSIS
AB 1723
Page 1
ASSEMBLY THIRD READING
AB 1723 (Utilities Committee)
As Amended May 31, 2001
2/3 vote
UTILITIES AND COMMERCE 17-0 APPROPRIATIONS 21-0
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|Ayes:|Wright, Pescetti, |Ayes:|Migden, Bates, Alquist, |
| |Calderon, | |Aroner, Ashburn, Cedillo, |
| |Bill Campbell, John | |Corbett, Correa, Daucher, |
| |Campbell, Canciamilla, | |Goldberg, Maldonado, |
| |Cardenas, Diaz, Jackson, | |Robert Pacheco, Papan, |
| |Kelley, La Suer, Leonard, | |Pavley, Runner, Simitian, |
| |Maddox, Nation, Papan, | |Thomson, Wesson, Wiggins, |
| |Reyes, Wesson | |Wright, Zettel |
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Requires the California Public Utilities Commission
(CPUC) to design and implement a program, on or before July 1,
2002, to provide toll-free access throughout California to
telephonic reading systems for citizens with print disabilities.
Specifically, this bill :
1)Authorizes any agency, instrumentality or political
subdivision of the state or any non-profit organization in the
state to apply to CPUC for funding to establish and operate a
new telephonic reading system, and for reimbursement of
certain operational costs.
2)Appropriates $185,000 in the Budget Act of 2000 to the
California State Library for public library projects to be
used to fund operations of a telephonic reading center in each
of specified cities.
3)Appropriates $2 million from the California Teleconnect Fund
(CTF) Trust Account to the State Library, with unused funds to
revert to the CTF on July 1, 2002. These funds will provide
funding for infrastructure to put telephonic reading systems
in libraries.
EXISTING LAW :
1)Requires CPUC to establish a rate recovery mechanism through a
surcharge on intrastate telephone service to recover the costs
AB 1723
Page 2
for providing telecommunications devices capable of serving
the needs of deaf, hearing impaired, and disabled.
2)Establishes the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program
Administrative Committee to advise CPUC regarding development,
implementation, and administration of these programs and the
Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program Administrative
Committee Fund as a repository for the funds collected by the
surcharge.
FISCAL EFFECT :
1)Annual General Fund operating costs in the range of $300,000.
(This estimate is base on the costs of the six existing
systems plus costs of client outreach and staff support.)
2)Annual cost in the range of $250,000 to $500,000 to provide
statewide toll-free access for qualified individuals.
3)CPUC would incur minor costs (less than $100,000) to develop
protocols and implement the program.
COMMENTS : In addition to the existing programs currently
provided under the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program
Administrative Committee (DDTPAC), this bill would add programs
to assist print disabled individuals under those programs for
which DDTPAC advises CPUC. In addition to the programs funded
through DDTP surcharge, this measure would add a separate
program funded through a $185,000 allocation within the state
library budget, to provide toll-free access to telephonic
reading systems for citizens with print disabilities. The
initial infrastructure for the telephonic reading systems shall
be funded through an appropriation from the CTF Trust of up to $
2 million, with the unused portion to revert to the CTF on July
1, 2002.
Each telephonic reading system provided allows access with the
use of individual passwords issued only to persons who are
eligible under the criteria established by the National Library
Service for blind and physically handicapped pursuant to federal
regulations. The systems are available through public libraries
in specified cities whereby the caller can access reading
material such as newspapers, magazines, newsletters, broadcast
media schedules, transit route and schedule information and
other reference materials.
AB 1723
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DDTPAC shall review the guidelines and administration of
existing telephonic reading systems in the state and issue
recommendations to CPUC relating to the establishment of new
protocols and guidelines. These shall include
cost-effectiveness of supporting certain specific centers and
the value of the services to Californians. CPUC shall have no
liability for the content of information and shall have full
control over the level of funding of the telephonic reading
system, including cost control measures.
Analysis Prepared by : Kelly Boyd / U. & C. / (916) 319-2083
FN: 0001441