The proposed bill establishes the "Blind Information Access Act," which mandates 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. These services will include access to digital content through various formats such as audio, electronic text, and braille, covering a range of publications and emergency alerts. The bill also creates the "Blind Information Access Fund," which will be funded through transfers from the Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF) based on annual cost estimates provided by the state librarian.

Additionally, the bill amends K.S.A. 66-2010 to ensure that the KUSF administrator is responsible for transferring certified funds to the newly established Blind Information Access Fund. It removes certain provisions regarding the KUSF's financial management and confidentiality of information, while emphasizing the administrator's duty to maintain adequate funding for both telecommunications providers and the contracted information access services. The bill aims to enhance accessibility to information for individuals with disabilities and streamline the funding process for these essential services.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 66-2010