- Perfected -

SCS/SB 721 - This act revises the program of the Missouri Public Service Commission for telecommunications equipment for hearing and speech-impaired. The act adds definitions to expand the scope of the program to all telecommunications equipment, including voice and text.

The Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Council, as the program administrator, will provide a statewide telecommunications equipment and distribution program for persons who cannot use traditional equipment due to disability.

The act specifies qualifications of the program administrator which include appropriate expertise and experience to provide oversight, customer service and accountability. Expenditures for program administration will not exceed 20% of total program expenses. The Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Council, as the program administrator, may enter into contracts to deliver consumer support and administrative services relating to equipment distribution.

The Public Service Commission will annually request, as a separate budget item, appropriations from the deaf rely service and equipment distribution program fund to deliver dual-party relay service. The Missouri Assistive Technology Advisory Council will annually request, through a separate line item, an appropriation from the same fund to deliver the telecommunications equipment distribution program.

The Deaf Relay Service and Equipment Fund surcharge will not be increased for 2 years, subject to changes in federal requirements. After 2 years, the Council will annually adjust the Fund surcharge based upon the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations' recommendation.

The act requires means testing to efficiently allocate services.

ELIZABETH BAX