Bill > A07253

This bill establishes the Accessible Electronic Information Act, which creates a program to provide electronic news and information services for blind and disabled persons in New York. The legislation authorizes a qualified not-for-profit entity to administer an electronic information service that uses high-speed computers and telecommunications technology to distribute news and other timely content to individuals who are eligible for library loan services through the Library of Congress. The bill creates a special revenue fund that will be financed by an annual assessment of up to $75,000 on telecommunications companies, including certified carriers and cable television companies that offer telephone service. The fund will support the electronic information service, which aims to help visually impaired New Yorkers access newspapers, job listings, magazines, and other print media through audio digital platforms like NFB-NEWSLINE. The bill defines "blind and disabled persons" specifically as those eligible for specialized library services and requires the Department of Public Service to administer the fund in consultation with the New York State Commission for the Blind. The act will take effect 90 days after becoming law.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A7253