LB1180 LB1180
2024 2024
LEGISLATURE OF NEBRASKA
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH LEGISLATURE
SECOND SESSION
LEGISLATIVE BILL 1180
Introduced by Wishart, 27.
Read first time January 12, 2024
Committee: Transportation and Telecommunications
1 A BILL FOR AN ACT relating to telecommunications; to amend section
2 86-314, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska; to change provisions
3 of the Telecommunications Relay System Act relating to standards
4 established by the commission; and to repeal the original section.
5 Be it enacted by the people of the State of Nebraska,
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LB1180 LB1180
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1 Section 1. Section 86-314, Reissue Revised Statutes of Nebraska, is
2 amended to read:
3 86-314 (1) The commission shall establish standards, procedures, and
4 training specifications for the telecommunications relay system and shall
5 supervise its operation. The telecommunications relay system shall assure
6 prompt and accurate relay of all messages seven days per week, twenty-
7 four hours per day, including holidays, to all deaf, hard of hearing, or
8 speech-impaired persons living in Nebraska who possess specialized
9 telecommunications equipment. Any person using the telecommunications
10 relay system shall not be charged for access to such system other than
11 charges billed for instate and out-of-state long-distance telephone
12 service. The telecommunications relay system shall at least provide the
13 following telephone services: (a) Statewide instate calls with charges
14 for long-distance calls billed to the person making the call in a manner
15 which the commission determines will recover the cost of long-distance
16 calls to the system; (b) out-of-state calls with charges billed to the
17 person making the call; and (c) emergency calls.
18 (2) The commission shall establish standards and criteria and shall
19 determine the eligibility of qualified deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-
20 impaired persons applying for specialized telecommunications equipment.
21 The eligible standards and criteria shall include the following: (a) That
22 two persons residing at the same address Only one person per household
23 may each be a recipient of the telecommunications equipment; (b) an
24 applicant shall reside in a household that has telephone service; (c) a
25 recipient of equipment may not reapply for assistance more than once
26 every three five years; and (d) a nursing home or institution resident is
27 eligible for specialized telecommunications equipment only if he or she
28 has personal telephone service.
29 (3) The commission may approve applications for specialized
30 telecommunications equipment if they meet the guidelines established by
31 the commission.
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1 (4) The commission shall adopt and promulgate rules and regulations
2 necessary for implementation of the Telecommunications Relay System Act
3 and guidelines for the specialized telecommunications equipment program.
4 The commission may enter into contracts with other agencies or private
5 organizations, which may include the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of
6 Hearing, to operate the telecommunications relay system and the
7 specialized telecommunications equipment program.
8 (5) The Public Service Commission may administratively fine pursuant
9 to section 75-156 any person who violates the act.
10 Sec. 2. Original section 86-314, Reissue Revised Statutes of
11 Nebraska, is repealed.
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Statutes affected: Introduced: 86-314