Directs establishment and administration of a statewide program for telephone access for all New Yorkers, including the hearing and visually impaired

Title of bill

An act to amend the public service law, in relation to telephone access for all New Yorkers

Purpose

The purpose of this bill is to ensure equitable access to basic telephone service for people with disabilities.

Summary of provisions

This bill would direct the Department of Public Service to implement a program that provides equitable access to basic telecommunication services to all people who are deaf, hard of hearing, severely speech impaired, or deaf-blind. The bill includes criteria for eligibility and criteria for affordable technology for those who are financially able.

The costs of this program are estimated by the Chairman of the Commission prior to the start of each fiscal year and become a part of the Public Service Commission's costs and expenses in § 18-a of the Public Service Law. The bill would also provide for the distribution of such telecommunications devices, including those that incorporate new technologies, to people with disabilities. Further, the bill limits eligibility for equipment to those people with disabilities who are five years of age or older. Finally, the bill requires that the Department utilize the assistance of and cooperate with community based organizations and to convene a citizens advisory committee on telephone access which shall, in conjunction with the Department, annually report on the progress of the program to the Governor, the Assembly Speaker and the Senate Majority Leader.

Justification

Telecommunications services provide a rapid and essential link between the general public and critical services such as police, fire and medical assistance. Currently, there are approximately 1.6 million New Yorkers who are deaf or hard of hearing who are not entitled to the same basic telephone services that non disabled people can obtain easily. No deaf, deaf-blind or hard of hearing citizen of New York State should be denied equal access to our telecommunications network. This group of individuals has been forced to purchase special devices to make telephone service a reality to them. This bill would provide that all people, regardless of disability, have access to basic telecommunications services. There are 11 states that provide similar programs utilizing a surcharge on all telephone customers.

Legislative history

2003-2004 S.5998 Referred to Energy and Telecommunications 2007-2008 S.2164 Referred to Energy and Telecommunications

Fiscal implications

None.

Effective date

Immediate.