Human Services Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: SB-1055
AN ACT CONCERNING THE DEPARTMENT OF AGING AND DISABILITY
Title: SERVICES.
Vote Date: 3/31/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable
PH Date: 3/25/2021
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
Human Services Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
This bill seeks to make several adjustments to the statutes concerning the Department of
Aging and Disability. In Sections 1, 2, and 7 the bill merges three duplicative statutory
provisions into one. This aligns the Assistive Technology loan program for persons with
disabilities with best practice and federal guidance. Section 4 modernizes the use of
technology in a program that educates persons who are deaf or hard of hearing. Section 5 of
the bill streamlines the appointment process for the Advisory Board for Persons Who Are
Deaf or Hard of Hearing. The remaining amendments are very technical changes to existing
statutes. All of these provisions aim to maximize the Department's efficiency.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Amy Porter, Commissioner, Department of Aging and Disability Services, supports this bill.
The provisions seek to modernize statutes, to improve out-of-date processes. Commissioner
Porter explains that the new method proposed for the Assistive Technology revolving loan
program will have many benefits both for the Department and the borrowers. This bill also
proposes to allow maximum flexibility to respond to and use any changes in technology that
may occur in the future, which will expand the programs reach. By streamlining the
appointment process for the Advisory Board for Persons Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing,
members will be able to begin their active participation on the Board more quickly.
Commissioner Porter notes that other proposals within this bill are technical changes to
existing statutes.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
None expressed
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
None expressed
Reported by: Gianna Vollano Date: April 8, 2021
Page 2 of 2 SB-1055


Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 10-298, 9-20
HS Joint Favorable: 10-298, 9-20
File No. 492: 10-298, 9-20
Public Act No. 21-151: 10-298, 9-20