Bill > HB1568

This bill creates a statewide communication access services program administered by the Missouri Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to improve accessibility for individuals who are deaf, deaf-blind, or hard of hearing. The bill defines communication access services as methods of making aurally delivered information available, including real-time translation, notetaking, captioning, and support services for deaf-blind individuals. The commission will establish a comprehensive statewide registry of communication access service providers, develop standards for these providers, and create an informational website to help businesses, agencies, and individuals connect with qualified service providers. The bill also establishes a dedicated Communication Access Services Fund to distribute grants and support these services, with the commission required to submit an annual report to the governor and general assembly detailing the program's progress, challenges, and recommendations. Additionally, the commission is tasked with providing resources to help businesses and individuals access and pay for communication access services, and is authorized to create rules and guidelines for implementing the program, with provisions to ensure transparency and accountability in the grant distribution process.

https://house.mo.gov/Bill.aspx?bill=HB1568&year=2025&code=R