BILL ANALYSIS
AB 1723
Page 1
CONCURRENCE IN SENATE AMENDMENTS
AB 1723 (Utilities Committee)
As Amended July 18, 2001
2/3 vote.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
|ASSEMBLY: |73-0 |(June 5, 2001) |SENATE: |33-1 |(September 13, |
| | | | | |2001) |
-----------------------------------------------------------------
Original Committee Reference: U. & C.
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 up to $800 thousand from the California
Teleconnect Fund (CTF) Trust Account to the State Library
(SL), with unused funds to revert to CTF on July 1, 2002.
These funds will provide funding for infrastructure to put
telephonic reading systems in libraries.
The Senate amendments reduce the amount of funding to the
estimated start up costs for the SL to implement the program and
clarify parameters for application of CTF funds to this program.
EXISTING LAW :
Requires CPUC to establish a rate recovery mechanism through a
surcharge on intrastate telephone service to recover the costs
for providing telecommunications devices capable of serving the
needs of deaf, hearing impaired, and disabled.
Establishes the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program
Administrative Committee (DDTPAC) to advise CPUC regarding
development, implementation, and administration of these
programs and DDTPAC Fund as a repository for the funds collected
AB 1723
Page 2
by the surcharge.
AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY , this bill provides funding from CTF
for the Telephonic Reading Systems in libraries for hearing and
print disabled individuals.
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 $500,000 to $800,000 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 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 bill would add a separate program funded through
a $185,000 allocation within the SL 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 $800 thousand, with the unused portion to
revert to 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.
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
AB 1723
Page 3
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: 0003607