Enrolled Bill Summary

            Senate Bill 1441 amends the Public Utility Regulatory Act to expand the specialized telecommunications assistance program to include persons with disabilities that impair their ability to effectively access the telephone network, in addition to persons with speech and hearing impairments previously included. The act authorizes the Public Utility Commission to contract for a special feature for the state's telecommunications relay access services if the commission determines the feature will benefit the communication of persons with a hearing or speech impairment, the installation will be of benefit to the state, and the feature will make the relay access service available to a greater number of users. The act adds requirements relating to the selection of a service carrier. It authorizes the commission and the Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to jointly adopt rules that identify devices and services eligible for vouchers under the specialized telecommunications assistance program. It also adds and amends provisions relating to vouchers for basic specialized services to provide telephone network access from a home or business.