NY A00939 | 2009-2010 | General Assembly
Status
Spectrum: Bipartisan Bill
Status: Introduced on January 7 2009 - 25% progression, died in committee
Action: 2010-06-01 - held for consideration in corporations, authorities and commissions
Pending: Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [HTML]
Status: Introduced on January 7 2009 - 25% progression, died in committee
Action: 2010-06-01 - held for consideration in corporations, authorities and commissions
Pending: Assembly Corporations, Authorities and Commissions Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [HTML]
Summary
Legislative findings and intent. The legislature finds and declares all of the following: Thousands of citizens in New York have disabilities (including blindness or visual impairment) that prevent them from using conventional print material. The state fulfills an important responsibility by providing books and magazines prepared in Braille, audio, and large-type formats made available to eligible blind and disabled persons. The technology, transcription methods, and means of distribution used for these materials are labor-intensive and cannot support rapid dissemination to individuals in rural and urban areas throughout the state. Lack of direct and prompt access to information included in newspapers, magazines , newsletters, schedules, announcements, and other time-sensitive materials, limits educational opportunities, literacy, and full participation in society by blind and disabled persons. This limitation can best be overcome through use of high-speed computer and telecommunication technology, combined with customized software, providing a practical and cost-effective means to convert electronic text-based information (including daily newspapers) into synthetic speech suitable for statewide distribution with modern telecommunications technology. Low cost interstate telecommunications rates make distribution of electronic text-based information to eligible users both efficient and cost-effective for the state. Federal funds have been used to develop the technology and infrastructure needed for statewide toll-free access to daily newspapers and other timely information of local, state, and national interest through a service known as NFB-NEWSLINE, providing an efficient and cost-effective means of reader registration, content acquisitions, and interstate telecommunications support. Use of this accessible electronic information service will enhance the state's current efforts to meet the needs of blind and disabled citizens for access to information which is otherwise available in print, thereby reducing isolation and supporting full integration and equal access for such individuals. This act shall be known and may be cited as the "accessible electronic information act".
Title
An act to amend the public service law and the state finance law, in relation to enacting the accessible electronic information act
Sponsors
History
| Date | Chamber | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 2010-06-01 | held for consideration in corporations, authorities and commissions | |
| 2010-01-06 | referred to corporations, authorities and commissions | |
| 2009-01-07 | referred to corporations, authorities and commissions |
