BACKGROUND
There is an existing state program to address the telecommunications needs of communications impaired persons. The program is referred to as the Telecommunications Access Minnesota Program. The program has two principal components: (1) a telecommunications relay service; and (2) a telecommunications equipment distribution program. The program is financed by a surcharge on customer access lines of no more than 20 cents per month. This bill makes mostly modernizing and technical changes to the telecommunications access Minnesota program
Section 1 makes mostly technical changes to definitions. Subdivision 19A provides that telecommunications devices must provide functionally equivalent telecommunication service to a communications impaired person to that for a person who is not so impaired.
Section 2 clarifies that more than one vendor may be contracted to operate the telecommunications relay service. Specifies that telecommunication devices will be furnished based on an individual’s assessed needs.
Section 3 makes technical changes.
Section 4 repeals a requirement that a telephone company provide free outside wiring to certain communications impaired persons.
Section 5 makes conforming changes to the ability to have multiple relay service vendors and makes further technical changes.
Section 6 and 7 make technical changes.
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