HB 1135 - Telecommunications Access System Summary

• Amends Florida's telecommunications access system statutes to align with the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act, ensuring persons with hearing loss can access Internet-based and digital communications.

• Requires the Public Service Commission to establish a recovery mechanism that mandates commercial mobile radio service providers impose a monthly surcharge on subscribers (up to 25 cents per line per month) to fund the telecommunications access system.

• Authorizes the administrator to distribute wireless mobile devices to qualified persons and requires the Commission to annually ensure public safety and health care providers comply with purchasing and operating telecommunications devices for the deaf.

• Revises the advisory committee composition to include representatives from the deaf, hard-of-hearing, speech-impaired, and dual sensory-impaired communities, as well as telecommunications companies and disability advocacy organizations.

• Takes effect July 1, 2013.