Establishes a visor card for the deaf and hard of hearing

1 Co-sponsor

• David Koon

BILL NUMBER:A10583

Title of bill

An act to amend the vehicle and traffic law, in relation to establishing visor communication cards for the deaf and hard of hear- ing; and to amend the state finance law, in relation to establishing the New York state deaf and hard of hearing fund

Purpose

This bill will create distinctive visor communication cards for deaf and hard of hearing individuals in New York State.

Summary of specific provisions

Section 1 amends the vehicle and traf- fic law by adding a new section 404-x establishing a visor communication card for the New York state deaf and hard of hearing. Such e card will he issued by the DMV and will detail appropriate procedures for assist- ing a deaf of hard of hearing driving during a traffic stop. A fee shall be assessed for obtaining this card.

Section 2. The state finance law is amended by adding a new section 97-gggg, which states that all funds collected to purchase visor commu- nication cards will be deposited into a newly rounded "New York State deaf and hard of hearing fund" Funds in this account will be used for programs dealing with deaf and hard of hearing persons in New York State. The state shall also be authorized to obtain grants, gifts or benefits for the fund; and also, the legislature is authorized to make appropriations into the fund at its discretion. Further, to offset the cost of production of these cards, the DMV may extract upwards of $5,000 from the fund.

Section 3 states that this act shall take effect in 180 days after being signed into law.

Justification

Distinctive visor communication cards for the deaf and hard of hearing will allow for the easy identification of such drivers while traveling on roadways across the state. Visor communication cards will grant emergency personnel and law enforcement officers the ability to identify hard of hearing or deaf individuals when approaching such vehicles. It is important that law enforcement officers and emergency personnel are aware that such motorists may not hear verbal commands, nor respond as anticipated. Visor communication cards will allow for a person involved in a traffic stop or an accident to better communicate with law enforcement and emergency personnel.

This bill also establishes the "New York State deaf and Hard of Hearing fund". All monies collected from this bill will go into this fund that will help to fund programs dedicated to deaf and hard of hearing persons in New York State, minus the cost of producing these visor communication cards.

Prior legislative history

New legislation

Fiscal implications

Provided, however, that one year after the effec- tive date of this section, funds in the amount of five thousand dollars,

or so much there of as may be available, shall be allocated from such fund to the department to offset costs associated with the production of such visor communication cards. Funds collected to purchase visor commu- nication cards will be deposited into a newly founded "New York State deaf and Hard of Hearing fund, established in the joint custody of the Department of Taxation and the Comptroller."

Effective date

This act shall take effect immediately; provided, however, that effective immediately, the addition, amendment and/or repeal of any rule or regulation necessary for the implementation of this act on its effective date are authorized and directed to be made and completed on or before such effective date.