Bill > AB142

This bill extends the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program by amending the Public Utilities Code to continue the surcharge for funding telecommunications devices and services for individuals with hearing or communication disabilities until December 31, 2034. The bill requires the Public Utilities Commission to transfer surcharge revenues to the Controller for deposit into the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program Administrative Committee Fund, with a maximum annual collection of $100 million. Instead of annually reviewing and adjusting the surcharge level, the commission will now be authorized to make recommendations to the Legislature about program appropriations. The program provides various services, including free telecommunications devices for deaf or hard of hearing individuals, dual-party relay systems, specialized communication equipment for disabled subscribers, and speech-generating devices. The bill maintains the existing eligibility certification processes by licensed healthcare professionals and ensures that the program continues to adapt to evolving telecommunications technology. As an urgency statute, the bill is designed to take immediate effect to ensure continuity of essential services for individuals with communication disabilities.

Budget and Finance

Budget (Assembly)

https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/billStatusClient.xhtml?bill_id=202520260AB142