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 outline the responsibilities of the KUSF administrator, including the collection and distribution of funds to qualifying telecommunications providers and ensuring that sufficient funds are available to cover the costs of the contracted information access services. The bill also includes a deletion of certain provisions related to the KUSF and introduces a new requirement for the KUSF administrator to transfer certified funds to the blind information access fund. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2027, following its publication in the statute book.

Statutes affected:
As introduced: 66-2010
As Amended by House Committee: 66-2010