Bill > SB766

This bill establishes a comprehensive statewide communication access services program through the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (MCDHH). The program aims to create a statewide registry of communication access service providers who can assist individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing, including professionals who offer services like real-time translation, notetaking, captioning, and support for deaf-blind individuals. The commission will be responsible for collaborating with agencies to ensure service availability, establishing provider standards, creating an informational website with the registry, helping businesses and agencies connect with service providers, and providing resources for funding these services. The bill also creates a dedicated "Communication Access Services Fund" to support the program, which can receive appropriations, gifts, and donations, with funds specifically designated for distributing grants to individuals, businesses, and agencies to help access communication services. Additionally, the commission must submit an annual report to the governor and general assembly detailing the program's progress, challenges, and recommendations. The bill requires the MCDHH to develop rules for implementing the program, with those rules subject to legislative review and oversight.