AK SB80

Amends AS 42.05.296 to modernize terminology by replacing "telephone" with "telecommunications" and "impaired" with "disabled" throughout the statute.

Requires the Public Utilities Commission to adopt regulations ensuring telecommunications utilities provide services to deaf, hard of hearing, and speech disabled subscribers that enable communication with persons of normal hearing.

Mandates regulations provide for cost recovery through surcharges applied to each telecommunications service, with the commission holding hearings to determine the most cost-effective service delivery method.

Expands eligibility for telecommunications services to include individuals certified as deaf, hard of hearing, or speech disabled by a licensed physician, speech-language pathologist, audiologist, or Department of Health and Social Services, and organizations representing or serving such persons.

Effective date: July 1, 2018.