Bill > SB46

This bill establishes the Blind Information Access Act, which requires the state librarian to contract with an organization to provide on-demand information access services for individuals who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or print disabled. The services will include access to digital content through audio, electronic text, and braille-reading technologies, covering Kansas-specific, national, and international publications, breaking news sources, and localized emergency weather alerts. The state librarian must estimate the annual cost of these services and submit a report to the legislature and state corporation commission. The Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF) will transfer funds to a newly created Blind Information Access Fund in 12 equal monthly installments, which the state librarian will use to contract with a service provider. The bill also amends existing telecommunications regulations to facilitate these fund transfers and requires the state librarian to promote these information access services to eligible individuals. The goal is to improve access to information for people with visual or print-related disabilities by leveraging telecommunications and internet services.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://kslegislature.gov/li/b2025_26/measures/sb46/