DE SB248

Replaces existing hearing/speech impaired telephone service requirements with a new program providing telecommunications service for persons with deafness, hearing loss, or speech disabilities using analog communication devices.

Designates the Delaware Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing to administer the program with graduated enrollment of no more than 10 new users per month on a first-come, first-served basis.

Assigns the Department of Technology and Information to provide a statewide telecommunications relay service allowing persons with disabilities to communicate through attendants or equipment with persons having normal hearing and speech.

Establishes a special fund supported by a monthly surcharge of up to $0.04 per subscriber line imposed on residential, business, wireless, and nontraditional communications service providers, with Lifeline and wholesale services exempted.

Takes effect January 1, 2013, and allows providers to recover actual incremental billing costs or receive a 1% collection allowance against surcharges remitted to the Department of Finance.