Establishing the blind information access act to require the state library to provide on-demand information access services to persons who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled.
Impact
The establishment of the blind information access fund is a significant component of SB284, as it requires funds to be allocated from the Kansas Universal Service Fund to support these initiatives. The state librarian will need to report costs associated with these services to the legislature annually, ensuring fiscal accountability and transparency. As such, this bill may lead to improved services for visually impaired individuals across the state, promoting further integration and accessibility in everyday information consumption.
Summary
Senate Bill 284, known as the Blind Information Access Act, aims to enhance accessibility to information for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or print disabled. The bill mandates the state librarian to contract with an organization to deliver on-demand information access services that provide digital content through various technologies such as audio and braille. This approach seeks to ensure that these populations have timely access to essential information, encompassing local news, emergency alerts, and publications relevant to Kansas.
Contention
While the bill presents a progressive step towards inclusivity, potential points of contention could arise during discussions about budget allocations and the selection of the third-party organization that will provide these services. Stakeholders may express concerns regarding the quality of services rendered and the efficacy of the competitive bidding process outlined in the bill. Moreover, ensuring that the funds are consistently sufficient to support these initiatives could pose ongoing challenges.
Establishing the blind information access act to require the state library to provide on-demand information access services to persons who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled.
Establishing the blind information access act to require the state library to provide on-demand information access services to persons who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled.
Creating the Arkansas city area public library district act and the Udall area public library district act, requiring an election for the creation of such district and authorizing unified school districts No. 470 and 463 to levy a tax on behalf of such library district.
Establishing the blind information access act to require the state library to provide on-demand information access services to persons who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled.
Establishing the blind information access act to require the state library to provide on-demand information access services to persons who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled.
Creating the Arkansas city area public library district act and the Udall area public library district act, requiring an election for the creation of such district and authorizing unified school districts No. 470 and 463 to levy a tax on behalf of such library district.
Requesting The Legislative Reference Bureau To Cooperate With The Hawaii State Public Library System To Identify Rural And Underserved Communities In The State With A Need For Better Telecommunication Access For Residents To Participate In The State Legislative Process.
Requesting The Comptroller To Cooperate With The Hawaii State Public Library System, Office Of Planning And Sustainable Development, And Hawaii Broadband And Digital Equity Office To Identify Rural And Underserved Communities In The State With A Need For Better Telecommunication Access For Residents To Participate In The State Legislative Process.
An Act To Amend Title 26 Of The Delaware Code Relating To Telecommunications Service And Devices For Persons Who Have Deafness, Hearing Loss, Or Speech Disabilities.