Bill > HB53

This bill amends Delaware's telecommunications service law to expand the scope and capabilities of the Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing's special fund for assisting residents with deafness, hearing loss, or speech disabilities. The bill broadens the fund's purpose to include providing a wider range of assistive devices beyond traditional communication equipment, such as alarm clocks, baby monitors, doorbells, smoke detectors, and emergency response kits. The Office is now authorized to employ staff to administer the program, provide public education, and manage resources. The bill introduces new financial restrictions, limiting administrative and staffing expenses to 15% of the fund's annual revenue and requiring the maintenance of a three-month financial reserve. Additionally, the bill mandates an annual report detailing program activities, including the number of applications received, approved, and denied, total funds spent, and a breakdown of distributed devices. The goal is to improve communication and emergency preparedness support for Delaware residents with hearing or speech-related disabilities by creating a more comprehensive and transparent assistance program.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://legis.delaware.gov/BillDetail?LegislationId=141884