BILL ANALYSIS
SB 210
Page 1
SENATE THIRD READING
SB 210 (Bowen)
As Amended March 14, 2005
Majority vote
SENATE VOTE :36-1
UTILITIES & COMMERCE 10-0
APPROPRIATIONS 13-4
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|Ayes:|Levine, Bogh, Baca, |Ayes:|Chu, Bass, Berg, |
| |Blakeslee, De La Torre, | |Calderon, Karnette, |
| |Jerome Horton, Keene | |Klehs, Leno, Nation, |
| |Montanez, Ridley-Thomas, | |Oropeza, Laird, Saldana, |
| |Wyland | |Yee, Mullin |
| | | | |
|-----+--------------------------+-----+--------------------------|
| | |Nays:|Sharon Runner, Emmerson, |
| | | |Nakanishi, Walters |
| | | | |
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SUMMARY : Extends the sunset from 2006 to 2010 on the California
Public Utilities Commission's (PUC) authority to fund the Deaf
and Disabled Telecommunications Program (DDTP).
EXISTING LAW requires PUC to:
1)Design and implement a program to provide a telecommunication
device capable of serving the needs of individuals and
organizations who are certified as either representing or
being deaf or hearing impaired at no charge beyond the basic
exchange rate.
2)Design and implement a program to provide a dual party relay
system, using third party intervention to connect individuals
who are deaf or hearing impaired with offices of organizations
that represent individuals who are deaf or hearing impaired.
3)Establish a surcharge not to exceed one half of one percent to
pay for providers of equipment and services. The PUC
surcharge authority sunsets on January 1, 2006.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown
SB 210
Page 2
COMMENTS : The purpose of this bill is to allow a successful
program that assures that the deaf and disabled have access to
suitable telecommunications equipment does not terminate in 2006
when the PUC's statutory authority to fund the programs expires.
Since the 1980's, PUC has administered programs that assist the
deaf and disabled in using telephone service. The programs are
collectively known as DDTP. The programs provide specialized
telecommunications equipment, discounted telephone rates, and a
telecommunications translator service, known as a dual-party
relay service, through which the deaf can communicate with
others.
Currently, an estimated 400,000 to 450,000 people use equipment
provided under DDTP. In the six months between July 2004 and
December 2004, DDTP connected 2.6 million calls through the
California Relay Service.
Current law authorizes PUC to establish a ratepayer surcharge of
up to one-half of one percent (0.50%) on all intrastate
telephone service to fund the DDTP programs. PUC has set the
surcharge at .30%. PUC's authority to collect this charge
expires on January 1, 2006. This bill extends PUC's authority
to collect the funds necessary to administer the DDTP program
until 2010.
Analysis Prepared by : Edward Randolph / U. & C. / (916)
319-2083
FN: 0012672