HB 1052: PUC; Telecommunications Access; Universal Service Program; Universal Service Fund; Print Disabilities; Time-Sensitive Information
- Session Year: 2025-2026
- House: House
- Latest Version Date: 2025-04-25
Current Status:
In Progress
(2025-06-09: Act 202, on 06/09/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1303).)
Introduced
In Committee
First Chamber
In Committee
Second Chamber
Final Decking
Enacted
What does this bill do?
The bill lets the Public Utilities Commission use the state Universal Service Fund to provide free telephone access to time‑sensitive information for people with print disabilities, including those who are blind or visually impaired. It caps spending for that purpose at $150,000, defines time‑sensitive information to include government notices, emergency alerts, job opportunities, and daily newspapers, and lets the commission decide how much telecom companies must contribute to the fund.
The summary is provided by generative AI which can make mistakes. For original language, please view the details in the table below.
Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission, under the Universal Service Program, may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide free telecommunications access to time-sensitive information for individuals with print disabilities. (CD1)
Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission, under the Universal Service Program, may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide free telecommunications access to individuals with print disabilities. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD2)
Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission, under the Universal Service Program, may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide free telecommunications access to individuals with print disabilities. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)
Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission under the Universal Service Program may provide, and may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide, free telecommunications access to individuals with print disabilities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission under the Universal Service Program may provide, and may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide, free telecommunications access to certain individuals with a print disability.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1052 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
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C.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
In 1995, the legislature established the universal service program, the purpose of which, in relevant part, is to help customers with disabilities access and maintain a basic set of essential telecommunications services as determined by the commission. By law, all telecommunications carriers are required to contribute to this program. However, the universal service program is currently inactive with no funds available in the universal service fund. Moreover, the public utilities commission lacks clear legislative authority to develop a program addressing print disability through the universal service fund and does not have budget authorization to expend funds for this purpose.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to provide clearer authorization and guidance for the public utilities commission to implement and manage the universal service program effectively, using funds from the universal service fund.
SECTION 2. Section 269-41, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§269-41[]]
Universal service program; establishment; purpose; principles. There is established the universal
service program. The purpose of this
program is to:
(1) Maintain affordable, just, and reasonable rates for basic residential telecommunications service, as defined by the commission;
(2) Assist customers located in the areas of the State that have high costs of essential telecommunications service, low-income customers, and customers with disabilities, in obtaining and maintaining access to a basic set of essential telecommunications services as determined by the commission. The commission may expand or otherwise modify relevant programs, such as the lifeline program under section 269-16.5;
(3) Ensure that consumers in all
communities are provided with access, at reasonably comparable rates, to all
telecommunications services [which] that are used by a majority
of consumers located in metropolitan areas of the State. The commission shall provide for a reasonable
transition period to support the statewide deployment of these advanced
telecommunications services, including[,] but not limited to[,]
the use of strategic community access points in public facilities, such
as education, library, and health care facilities;
(4) Ensure that consumers are given the
information necessary to make informed choices among the alternative
telecommunications carriers and services; [and]
(5) Promote affordable access throughout
the State to enhanced government information and services, including education,
health care, public safety, and other government services[.]; and
(6) Ensure access to essential telecommunications services for individuals with print disabilities, including providing free, print-disability-friendly telephonic access to time-sensitive information for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. For the purposes of this paragraph, "time-sensitive information" includes state and government information, public notices, emergency alerts, job opportunities, and daily newspapers.
The commission shall administer the universal service program, including the establishment of criteria by which the purposes of the program are met."
SECTION 3. Section 269-42, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsections (a) and (b) to read:
"(a) There is established outside of the state
treasury a special fund to be known as the universal service fund to be
administered by the commission to implement the policies and goals of universal
service[.] through the universal service program. The fund shall consist of contributions from
the sources identified in subsections (e) and (f). Interest earned from the balance of the fund
shall become a part of the fund. The
commission shall adopt rules regarding the distribution of moneys from the fund
including reimbursements to carriers for providing reduced rates to low-income,
elderly, residents of underserved or rural areas, or other subscribers, as
authorized by the commission.
(b) The commission may use available funds in the fund to provide free telephonic access to time-sensitive information for individuals with print disabilities; provided that the amount of funds expended from the fund for this purpose shall not exceed $150,000. The commission may allow distribution of funds from the fund directly to customers based upon a need criteria established by the commission."
2. By amending subsection (f) to read:
"(f) The commission shall designate the method by which the contributions under subsection (e) shall be calculated and collected. The commission shall consider basing contributions solely on the gross operating revenues from the retail provision of intrastate telecommunications services offered by the telecommunications carriers subject to the contribution. The commission may determine the percentage of telecommunications fees to be contributed to the universal service fund."
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
Report Title:
PUC; Telecommunications Access; Universal Service Program; Universal Service Fund; Print Disabilities; Time-Sensitive Information
Description:
Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission, under the Universal Service Program, may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide free telecommunications access to time-sensitive information for individuals with print disabilities. (CD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1052 |
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THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 2 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
In 1995, the legislature established the universal service program, the purpose of which, in relevant part, is to help customers with disabilities access and maintain a basic set of essential telecommunications services as determined by the commission. By law, all telecommunications carriers are required to contribute to this program. However, the universal service program is currently inactive with no funds available in the universal service fund. Moreover, the public utilities commission lacks clear legislative authority to develop a program addressing print disability through the universal service fund and does not have budget authorization to expend funds for this purpose.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to provide clearer authorization and guidance for the public utilities commission to implement and manage the universal service program effectively, using funds from the universal service fund.
SECTION 2. Section 269-41, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§269-41[]]
Universal service program; establishment; purpose; principles. There is established the universal
service program. The purpose of this
program is to:
(1) Maintain affordable, just, and reasonable rates for basic residential telecommunications service, as defined by the commission;
(2) Assist customers located in the areas of the State that have high costs of essential telecommunications service, low-income customers, and customers with disabilities, in obtaining and maintaining access to a basic set of essential telecommunications services as determined by the commission. The commission may expand or otherwise modify relevant programs, such as the lifeline program under section 269-16.5;
(3) Ensure that consumers in all
communities are provided with access, at reasonably comparable rates, to all
telecommunications services [which] that are used by a majority
of consumers located in metropolitan areas of the State. The commission shall provide for a reasonable
transition period to support the statewide deployment of these advanced
telecommunications services, including[,] but not limited to[,]
the use of strategic community access points in public facilities, such
as education, library, and health care facilities;
(4) Ensure that consumers are given the
information necessary to make informed choices among the alternative
telecommunications carriers and services; [and]
(5) Promote affordable access throughout
the State to enhanced government information and services, including education,
health care, public safety, and other government services[.]; and
(6) Ensure access to essential telecommunications services for individuals with print disabilities, including providing free, print-disability-friendly telephonic access to time-sensitive information for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. For the purposes of this paragraph, "time-sensitive information" includes state and government information, public notices, emergency alerts, job opportunities, and daily newspapers.
The commission shall administer the universal service program, including the establishment of criteria by which the purposes of the program are met."
SECTION 3. Section 269-42, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsections (a) and (b) to read:
"(a) There is established outside of the state
treasury a special fund to be known as the universal service fund to be
administered by the commission to implement the policies and goals of universal
service[.] through the universal service program. The fund shall consist of contributions from
the sources identified in subsections (e) and (f). Interest earned from the balance of the fund
shall become a part of the fund. The
commission shall adopt rules regarding the distribution of moneys from the fund
including reimbursements to carriers for providing reduced rates to low-income,
elderly, residents of underserved or rural areas, or other subscribers, as
authorized by the commission.
(b) The commission may use available funds in the fund to provide free telephonic access to time-sensitive information for individuals with print disabilities; provided that the amount of funds expended from the fund for this purpose shall not exceed $150,000. The commission may allow distribution of funds from the fund directly to customers based upon a need criteria established by the commission."
2. By amending subsection (f) to read:
"(f) The commission shall designate the method by which the contributions under subsection (e) shall be calculated and collected. The commission shall consider basing contributions solely on the gross operating revenues from the retail provision of intrastate telecommunications services offered by the telecommunications carriers subject to the contribution. The commission may determine the percentage of telecommunications fees to be contributed to the universal service fund."
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
PUC; Telecommunications Access; Universal Service Program; Universal Service Fund; Print Disabilities
Description:
Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission, under the Universal Service Program, may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide free telecommunications access to individuals with print disabilities. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD2)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1052 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
S.D. 1 |
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
In 1995, the legislature established the universal service program, the purpose of which, in relevant part, is to help customers with disabilities access and maintain a basic set of essential telecommunications services as determined by the commission. By law, all telecommunications carriers are required to contribute to this program. However, the universal service program is currently inactive with no funds available in the universal service fund. Moreover, the public utilities commission lacks clear legislative authority to develop a program addressing print disability through the universal service fund and does not have budget authorization to expend funds for this purpose.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to provide clearer authorization and guidance for the public utilities commission to implement and manage the universal service program effectively, using funds from the universal service fund.
SECTION 2. Section 269-41, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§269-41[]]
Universal service program; establishment; purpose; principles. There is established the universal
service program. The purpose of this
program is to:
(1) Maintain affordable, just, and reasonable rates for basic residential telecommunications service, as defined by the commission;
(2) Assist customers located in the areas of the State that have high costs of essential telecommunications service, low-income customers, and customers with disabilities, in obtaining and maintaining access to a basic set of essential telecommunications services as determined by the commission. The commission may expand or otherwise modify relevant programs, such as the lifeline program under section 269-16.5;
(3) Ensure that consumers in all
communities are provided with access, at reasonably comparable rates, to all
telecommunications services [which] that are used by a majority
of consumers located in metropolitan areas of the State. The commission shall provide for a reasonable
transition period to support the statewide deployment of these advanced
telecommunications services, including[,] but not limited to[,]
the use of strategic community access points in public facilities, such
as education, library, and health care facilities;
(4) Ensure that consumers are given the
information necessary to make informed choices among the alternative
telecommunications carriers and services; [and]
(5) Promote affordable access throughout
the State to enhanced government information and services, including education,
health care, public safety, and other government services[.]; and
(6) Ensure access to essential telecommunications services for individuals with print disabilities, including providing free, print-disability-friendly telephonic access to time-sensitive information for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. For the purposes of this paragraph, "time-sensitive information" includes state and government information, public notices, emergency alerts, job opportunities, and daily newspapers.
The commission shall administer the universal service program, including the establishment of criteria by which the purposes of the program are met."
SECTION 3. Section 269-42, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsections (a) and (b) to read:
"(a) There is established outside of the state
treasury a special fund to be known as the universal service fund to be
administered by the commission to implement the policies and goals of universal
service[.] through the universal service program. The fund shall consist of contributions from
the sources identified in subsections (e) and (f). Interest earned from the balance of the fund
shall become a part of the fund. The
commission shall adopt rules regarding the distribution of moneys from the fund
including reimbursements to carriers for providing reduced rates to low-income,
elderly, residents of underserved or rural areas, or other subscribers, as
authorized by the commission.
(b) The commission may use available funds in the fund to provide free telephonic access to time-sensitive information for individuals with print disabilities; provided that the amount of funds expended from the fund for this purpose shall not exceed $ . The commission may allow distribution of funds from the fund directly to customers based upon a need criteria established by the commission."
2. By amending subsection (f) to read:
"(f) The commission shall designate the method by which the contributions under subsection (e) shall be calculated and collected. The commission shall consider basing contributions solely on the gross operating revenues from the retail provision of intrastate telecommunications services offered by the telecommunications carriers subject to the contribution. The commission may determine the percentage of telecommunications fees to be contributed to the universal service fund."
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 2050.
Report Title:
PUC; Telecommunications Access; Universal Service Program; Universal Service Fund; Print Disabilities
Description:
Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission, under the Universal Service Program, may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide free telecommunications access to individuals with print disabilities. Takes effect 7/1/2050. (SD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1052 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
H.D. 1 |
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|
STATE OF HAWAII |
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|
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A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
In 1995, the legislature established the universal service program, the purpose of which, in relevant part, is to help customers with disabilities access and maintain a basic set of essential telecommunications services as determined by the commission. By law, all telecommunications carriers are required to contribute to this program. However, the universal service program is currently inactive with no funds available in the universal service fund. Moreover, the public utilities commission lacks clear legislative authority to develop a program addressing print disability through the universal service fund and does not have budget authorization to expend funds for this purpose.
Accordingly, the purpose of this Act is to provide clearer authorization and guidance for the public utilities commission to implement and manage the universal service program effectively, using funds from the universal service fund.
SECTION 2. Section 269-41, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§269-41[]]
Universal service program; establishment; purpose; principles. There is established the universal
service program. The purpose of this
program is to:
(1) Maintain affordable, just, and reasonable rates for basic residential telecommunications service, as defined by the commission;
(2) Assist customers located in the areas of the State that have high costs of essential telecommunications service, low-income customers, and customers with disabilities, in obtaining and maintaining access to a basic set of essential telecommunications services as determined by the commission. The commission may expand or otherwise modify relevant programs, such as the lifeline program under section 269-16.5;
(3) Ensure that consumers in all
communities are provided with access, at reasonably comparable rates, to all
telecommunications services [which] that are used by a majority
of consumers located in metropolitan areas of the State. The commission shall provide for a reasonable
transition period to support the statewide deployment of these advanced
telecommunications services, including[,] but not limited to[,]
the use of strategic community access points in public facilities, such
as education, library, and health care facilities;
(4) Ensure that consumers are given the
information necessary to make informed choices among the alternative
telecommunications carriers and services; [and]
(5) Promote affordable access throughout
the State to enhanced government information and services, including education,
health care, public safety, and other government services[.]; and
(6) Ensure access to essential telecommunications services for individuals with print disabilities, including providing free, print-disability-friendly telephonic access to time-sensitive information for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. For the purposes of this paragraph, "time-sensitive information" includes state and government information, public notices, emergency alerts, job opportunities, and daily newspapers.
The commission shall administer the universal service program, including the establishment of criteria by which the purposes of the program are met."
SECTION 3. Section 269-42, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended as follows:
1. By amending subsections (a) and (b) to read:
"(a) There is established outside of the state
treasury a special fund to be known as the universal service fund to be
administered by the commission to implement the policies and goals of universal
service[.] through the universal service program. The fund shall consist of contributions from
the sources identified in subsections (e) and (f). Interest earned from the balance of the fund
shall become a part of the fund. The
commission shall adopt rules regarding the distribution of moneys from the fund
including reimbursements to carriers for providing reduced rates to low-income,
elderly, residents of underserved or rural areas, or other subscribers, as
authorized by the commission.
(b) The commission may use available funds in the fund to provide free telephonic access to time-sensitive information for individuals with print disabilities; provided that the amount of funds expended from the fund for this purpose shall not exceed $ . The commission may allow distribution of funds from the fund directly to customers based upon a need criteria established by the commission."
2. By amending subsection (f) to read:
"(f) The commission shall designate the method by which the contributions under subsection (e) shall be calculated and collected. The commission shall consider basing contributions solely on the gross operating revenues from the retail provision of intrastate telecommunications services offered by the telecommunications carriers subject to the contribution. The commission may determine the percentage of telecommunications fees to be contributed to the universal service fund."
SECTION 4. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 5. This Act shall take effect on July 1, 3000.
Report Title:
PUC; Telecommunications Access; Universal Service Programs; Universal Service Fund; Print Disabilities
Description:
Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission under the Universal Service Program may provide, and may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide, free telecommunications access to individuals with print disabilities. Effective 7/1/3000. (HD1)
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
|
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
H.B. NO. |
1052 |
|
THIRTY-THIRD LEGISLATURE, 2025 |
|
|
|
STATE OF HAWAII |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
||
|
|
||
A BILL FOR AN ACT
RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:
In 1995, the legislature established the universal service program, the purpose of which, in relevant part, is to help customers with disabilities access and maintain a basic set of essential telecommunications services as determined by the commission. Under section 269-42(e), Hawaii Revised Statutes, all telecommunications carriers are required to contribute to this program. However, the universal service program is currently inactive with no funds available in the universal service fund. Moreover, the public utilities commission lacks clear legislative authority to develop a program addressing print disability through the universal service fund and it does not have budget authorization to expend funds for this purpose.
The purpose of this Act, therefore, is to provide clearer authorization and guidance for the public utilities commission to implement and manage the universal service program effectively, using funds from the universal service fund.
SECTION 2. Section 269-41, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
"[[]§269-41[]]
Universal service program; establishment; purpose; principles. There is established the universal
service program. The purpose of the
program is to:
(1) Maintain affordable, just, and reasonable rates for basic residential telecommunications service, as defined by the commission;
(2) Assist customers located in the areas of the State that have high costs of essential telecommunications service, low-income customers, and customers with disabilities, in obtaining and maintaining access to a basic set of essential telecommunications services as determined by the commission. The commission may expand or otherwise modify relevant programs, such as the lifeline program under section 269-16.5;
(3) Ensure that consumers in all
communities are provided with access, at reasonably comparable rates, to all
telecommunications services [which] that are used by a majority
of consumers located in metropolitan areas of the State. The commission shall provide for a reasonable
transition period to support the statewide deployment of these advanced
telecommunications services, including, but not limited to, the use of
strategic community access points in public facilities such as education,
library, and health care facilities;
(4) Ensure that consumers are given the
information necessary to make informed choices among the alternative
telecommunications carriers and services; [and]
(5) Promote affordable access throughout
the State to enhanced government information and services, including education,
health care, public safety, and other government services[.]; and
(6) Ensure access to essential telecommunications services for individuals with print disabilities, including providing free, print-disability-friendly telephonic access to time-sensitive information for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. For the purposes of this paragraph, "time-sensitive information" includes state and government information, public notices, emergency alerts, job opportunities, and daily newspapers.
The commission shall administer the universal service program, including the establishment of criteria by which the purposes of the program are met."
SECTION 3. Section 269-42, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended to read as follows:
1. By amending subsections (a) and (b) to read as follows:
"(a) There is established outside of the state
treasury a special fund to be known as the universal service fund to be
administered by the commission to implement the policies and goals of universal
service[.] through the universal service program. The fund shall consist of contributions from
the sources identified in subsections (e) and (f). Interest earned from the balance of the fund
shall become a part of the fund. The
commission shall adopt rules regarding the distribution of moneys from the fund
including reimbursements to carriers for providing reduced rates to low-income,
elderly, residents of underserved or rural areas, or other subscribers, as
authorized by the commission.
(b) The commission may use available funds in the fund to provide free telephonic access to time-sensitive information for individuals with print disabilities; provided that the amount of funds expended from the fund for this purpose shall not exceed $ . The commission may allow distribution of funds from the fund directly to customers based upon a need criteria established by the commission."
2. By amending subsection (f) to read as follows:
"(f) The commission shall designate the method by which the contributions under subsection (e) shall be calculated and collected. The commission shall consider basing contributions solely on the gross operating revenues from the retail provision of intrastate telecommunications services offered by the telecommunications carriers subject to the contribution. The commission may determine the percentage of telecommunications fees to be contributed to the universal service fund."
SECTION 3. Statutory material to be repealed is bracketed and stricken. New statutory material is underscored.
SECTION 4. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.
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INTRODUCED BY: |
_____________________________ |
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BY REQUEST |
Report Title:
PUC; Telecommunications Access; Print Disabilities
Description:
Clarifies that the Public Utilities Commission under the Universal Service Program may provide, and may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide, free telecommunications access to certain individuals with a print disability.
The summary description of legislation appearing on this page is for informational purposes only and is not legislation or evidence of legislative intent.
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Date
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Status
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|---|---|
| Jun 9, 2025 | Act 202, on 06/09/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1303). |
| Jun 9, 2025 | Act 202, 06/09/2025 (Gov. Msg. No. 1303). |
| May 1, 2025 | Transmitted to Governor. |
| May 2, 2025 | Received notice of passage on Final Reading in House (Hse. Com. No. 821). |
| May 1, 2025 | Received notice of Final Reading (Sen. Com. No. 888). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading as amended in CD 1 with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick excused (2). |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Passed Final Reading, as amended (CD 1). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . 0 No(es): none. 0 Excused: none. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice (as amended CD 1) 04-30-25 |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee as amended CD 1 (Conf. Com. Rep. No. 166). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Forty-eight (48) hours notice Wednesday, 04-30-25. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Reported from Conference Committee (Conf Com. Rep. No. 166) as amended in (CD 1). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | The Conference Committee recommends that the measure be Passed, with Amendments. The votes were as follows: 3 Ayes: Representative(s) Matayoshi, Takenouchi, Iwamoto; Ayes with reservations: none; 0 Noes: none; and 1 Excused: Representative(s) Pierick. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | The Conference committee recommends that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes of the Senate Conference Managers were as follows: 3 Aye(s): Senator(s) Fukunaga, Kanuha, Aquino; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Awa. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Received notice of change in Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 882). |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Senate Conferees Changed: Senator Aquino added as Co-Chair. Senator Hashimoto discharged as Co-Chair. |
| Apr 25, 2025 | Conference committee meeting to reconvene on 04-25-25 3:50 PM; Conference Room 224. |
| Apr 24, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Friday 04-25-25 2:30PM in conference room 224. |
| Apr 23, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Thursday 04-24-25 2:30PM in conference room 224. |
| Apr 22, 2025 | Conference Committee Meeting will reconvene on Wednesday 04-23-25 2:30PM in conference room 224. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Bill scheduled for Conference Committee Meeting on Tuesday, 04-22-25 2:30PM in conference room 224. |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Received notice of change in Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 849). |
| Apr 21, 2025 | Senate Conferees Changed: Senator Fukunaga added as Chair. Senator Keohokalole discharged as Chair. |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Received notice of Senate conferees (Sen. Com. No. 828). |
| Apr 17, 2025 | Senate Conferees Appointed: Keohokalole Chair; Hashimoto, Kanuha Co-Chairs; Awa. |
| Apr 15, 2025 | Received notice of appointment of House conferees (Hse. Com. No. 732). |
| Apr 14, 2025 | House Conferees Appointed: Matayoshi, Takenouchi Co-Chairs; Iwamoto, Pierick. |
| Apr 11, 2025 | Received notice of disagreement (Hse. Com. No. 704). |
| Apr 10, 2025 | House disagrees with Senate amendment (s). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Returned from Senate (Sen. Com. No. 721) in amended form (SD 2). |
| Apr 8, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). Ayes, 25; Aye(s) with reservations: none . Noes, 0 (none). Excused, 0 (none). Transmitted to House. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | 48 Hrs. Notice 04-08-25. |
| Apr 4, 2025 | Reported from WAM (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1712) with recommendation of passage on Third Reading, as amended (SD 2). |
| Apr 1, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in WAM were as follows: 12 Aye(s): Senator(s) Dela Cruz, Moriwaki, Aquino, Elefante, Hashimoto, Inouye, Kanuha, Kidani, Kim, Lee, C., Wakai, Fevella; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) DeCoite. |
| Mar 27, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM will hold a public decision making on 04-01-25 10:01AM; Conference Room 211 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Report adopted; Passed Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referred to WAM. |
| Mar 21, 2025 | Reported from CPN/HHS (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 1339) with recommendation of passage on Second Reading, as amended (SD 1) and referral to WAM. |
| Mar 19, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in HHS were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) San Buenaventura, Aquino, Hashimoto, Keohokalole; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Fevella. |
| Mar 19, 2025 | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes in CPN were as follows: 4 Aye(s): Senator(s) Keohokalole, Fukunaga, McKelvey, Awa; Aye(s) with reservations: none ; 0 No(es): none; and 1 Excused: Senator(s) Richards. |
| Mar 14, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS/CPN has rescheduled its public hearing to 03-19-25 9:30AM; CR 229 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 13, 2025 | The committee(s) on CPN/HHS has scheduled a public hearing on 03-19-25 8:30AM; Conference Room 229 & Videoconference. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Referred to CPN/HHS, WAM. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Passed First Reading. |
| Mar 4, 2025 | Received from House (Hse. Com. No. 141). |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Passed Third Reading with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Pierick, Templo, Ward excused (4). Transmitted to Senate. |
| Feb 28, 2025 | Reported from FIN (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 935), recommending passage on Third Reading. |
| Feb 21, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED. The votes were as follows: 13 Ayes: Representative(s) Yamashita, Takenouchi, Grandinetti, Holt, Hussey, Keohokapu-Lee Loy, Kitagawa, Kusch, Lamosao, Miyake, Morikawa, Templo, Reyes Oda; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 3 Excused: Representative(s) Lee, M., Alcos, Ward. |
| Feb 19, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by FIN on Friday, 02-21-25 12:00PM in House conference room 308 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Feb 11, 2025 | Passed Second Reading as amended in HD 1 and referred to the committee(s) on FIN with none voting aye with reservations; none voting no (0) and Representative(s) Cochran, Ward excused (2). |
| Feb 11, 2025 | Reported from CPC (Stand. Com. Rep. No. 422) as amended in HD 1, recommending passage on Second Reading and referral to FIN. |
| Feb 4, 2025 | The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS. The votes were as follows: 8 Ayes: Representative(s) Matayoshi, Chun, Ilagan, Ichiyama, Iwamoto, Marten, Tam, Pierick; Ayes with reservations: none; Noes: none; and 2 Excused: Representative(s) Kong, Lowen. |
| Jan 31, 2025 | Bill scheduled to be heard by CPC on Tuesday, 02-04-25 2:00PM in House conference room 329 VIA VIDEOCONFERENCE. |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Referred to CPC, FIN, referral sheet 3 |
| Jan 23, 2025 | Introduced and Pass First Reading. |
| Jan 21, 2025 | Pending introduction. |
|
Date
|
Description
|
Location
|
Votes
|
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 30, 2025 | Final Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 8, 2025 | Third Reading | Senate Floor |
Passed |
|
| Apr 1, 2025 | The committee(s) on WAM recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Ways and Means |
Passed |
|
| Mar 19, 2025 | The committee(s) on HHS recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services |
Passed |
|
| Mar 19, 2025 | The committee(s) on CPN recommend(s) that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection |
Passed |
|
| Feb 28, 2025 | Third Reading | House Floor |
Passed |
|
| Feb 21, 2025 | The committee on FIN recommend that the measure be PASSED, UNAMENDED | House Standing Committee on Finance |
Passed |
|
| Feb 4, 2025 | The committee on CPC recommend that the measure be PASSED, WITH AMENDMENTS | House Standing Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce |
Passed |
This list shows positions taken on this bill by organizations on the date displayed, which is linked to the original source.
Positions by individuals are not included.
|
Organization
|
Position
|
Date
|
|---|---|---|
| Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs - Division of Consumer Advocacy | *** Support | Mar 31, 2025 |
| Department of Human Services | ** Support | |
| Division of Consumer Advocacy | *** Support | Feb 4, 2025 |
| Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities | *** Support | Mar 31, 2025 |
| National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii | ** Support | |
| National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii | ** Support | |
| National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii | *** Support | Mar 31, 2025 |
| Public Utilities Commission | *** Support | Feb 21, 2025 |
| Public Utilities Commission | ** Support |
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REP. NO. 166
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 1052
H.D. 1
S.D. 2
C.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madam and Sir:
Your Committee on Conference on the disagreeing vote of the House of Representatives to the amendments proposed by the Senate in H.B. No. 1052, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM,"
having met, and after full and free discussion, has agreed to recommend and does recommend to the respective Houses the final passage of this bill in an amended form.
The purpose of this measure is to provide clear authorization and guidance for the Public Utilities Commission to implement and manage, through the Universal Service Program, the provision of essential telecommunications services to time-sensitive information for individuals with print disabilities.
Your Committee on Conference has amended this measure by changing the effective date to upon approval.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the managers of your Committee on Conference that is attached to this report, your Committee on Conference is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1052, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Final Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1052, H.D. 1, S.D. 2, C.D. 1.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the managers:
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ON THE PART OF THE SENATE |
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ON THE PART OF THE HOUSE |
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____________________________ CAROL FUKUNAGA Chair |
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____________________________ SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI Co-Chair |
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____________________________ DRU KANUHA Co-Chair |
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____________________________ JENNA TAKENOUCHI Co-Chair |
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____________________________ HENRY J.C. AQUINO Co-Chair |
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STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1712
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 1052
H.D. 1
S.D. 2
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committee on Ways and Means, to which was referred H.B. No. 1052, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to clarify that the Public Utilities Commission, under the Universal Service Program, may use moneys from the universal service fund to provide free telecommunications access for persons with print disabilities.
Your Committee received written comments in support of this measure from the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission; Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Division of Consumer Advocacy; Department of Human Services; Hawaii State Council on Developmental Disabilities; National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii; and five individuals.
Your Committee received written comments on this measure from one individual.
Your Committee finds that providing clear legislative authority for the Public Utilities Commission to provide free telecommunications access for persons with print disabilities, and to use the universal service fund for this purpose, will help ensure that persons with print disabilities continue to have access to state and local government information, public notices, emergency alerts, job opportunities, and other time-sensitive information.
Your Committee has amended this measure by specifying that the amount of funds expended for purposes of providing free telephonic access to time-sensitive information for individuals with print disabilities shall not exceed $150,000, as recommended by the Public Utilities Commission.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Ways and Means that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1052, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Third Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1052, H.D. 1, S.D. 2.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Ways and Means,
|
|
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________________________________ DONOVAN M. DELA CRUZ, Chair |
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|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 1339
Honolulu, Hawaii
RE: H.B. No. 1052
H.D. 1
S.D. 1
Honorable Ronald D. Kouchi
President of the Senate
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Sir:
Your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Health and Human Services, to which was referred H.B. No. 1052, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM,"
beg leave to report as follows:
The purpose and intent of this measure is to clarify that the Public Utilities Commission, under the Universal Service Program, may use funds from the Universal Service Fund to provide free telecommunications access to individuals with print disabilities.
Your Committees received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Department of Human Services, State Council on Developmental Disabilities, Public Utilities Commission, National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii, and one individual.
Your Committees find that access to essential telecommunications services is vital for individuals with developmental disabilities, particularly those with print disabilities and individuals who are blind or visually impaired. Your Committees also recognize the importance of providing timely and essential information to all community members in an accessible format.
Your Committees further find, pursuant to Act 247, Session Laws of Hawaii 2023, the Public Utilities Commission administers a program called the Third Party Provider to Offer Assistive Services for the Print Disabled, also known as the Print Disability Assistance Program (PDAP). Under the PDAP, the Public Utilities Commission provides assistive services for the print disabled and expands the services offered through the Hoopono Services for the Blind, administered by the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation of the Department of Human Services. Ensuring the timely delivery of crucial information such as emergency alerts, job notifications, daily newspapers, and other information pertinent to the individual helps enable those individuals to live independently. Accordingly, this measure will affirm the State's commitment to digital accessibility while ensuring equitable access to telecommunications for all individuals regardless of disability status.
Your Committees have amended this measure by inserting an effective date of July 1, 2050, to encourage further discussion.
As affirmed by the records of votes of the members of your Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Health and Human Services that are attached to this report, your Committees are in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1052, H.D. 1, as amended herein, and recommend that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1052, H.D. 1, S.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Ways and Means.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committees on Commerce and Consumer Protection and Health and Human Services,
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________________________________ JOY A. SAN BUENAVENTURA, Chair |
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________________________________ JARRETT KEOHOKALOLE, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 935
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 1052
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Finance, to which was referred H.B. No. 1052, H.D. 1, entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee received testimony in support of this measure from the Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs; Department of Human Services; Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities; Public Utilities Commission; and National Federation of the Blind of Hawaii.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Finance that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1052, H.D. 1, and recommends that it pass Third Reading.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Finance,
|
|
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____________________________ KYLE T. YAMASHITA, Chair |
|
|
|
|
STAND. COM. REP. NO. 422
Honolulu, Hawaii
, 2025
RE: H.B. No. 1052
H.D. 1
Honorable Nadine K. Nakamura
Speaker, House of Representatives
Thirty-Third State Legislature
Regular Session of 2025
State of Hawaii
Madame:
Your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce, to which was referred H.B. No. 1052 entitled:
"A BILL FOR AN ACT RELATING TO THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROGRAM,"
begs leave to report as follows:
Your Committee finds that Act 225, Session Laws of Hawaii 1995, established the Universal Service Program, the purpose of which, in part, is to help customers with disabilities access and maintain a basic set of essential telecommunications services as determined by the Public Utilities Commission. Despite existing law requiring telecommunications carriers to contribute to the Program, the Program is currently inactive with no funds available. Furthermore, there is a lack of clear legislative authority for the Public Utilities Commission to develop a program addressing print disabilities. This measure resolves these issues by adding language to clearly authorize the Public Utilities Commission to develop a program for persons with print disabilities and authorizing the use of funds for this purpose.
Your Committee has amended this measure by:
(1) Changing the effective date to July 1, 3000, to encourage further discussion; and
(2) Making technical, nonsubstantive amendments for the purposes of clarity, consistency, and style.
As affirmed by the record of votes of the members of your Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce that is attached to this report, your Committee is in accord with the intent and purpose of H.B. No. 1052, as amended herein, and recommends that it pass Second Reading in the form attached hereto as H.B. No. 1052, H.D. 1, and be referred to your Committee on Finance.
Respectfully submitted on behalf of the members of the Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce,
|
|
|
____________________________ SCOT Z. MATAYOSHI, Chair |
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Date
|
Testimony PDF
|
|---|---|
| Mar 31, 2025 | HB1052_SD1_TESTIMONY_WAM_04-01-25_.PDF |
| Mar 18, 2025 | HB1052_HD1_TESTIMONY_HHS-CPN_03-19-25_.PDF |
| Feb 21, 2025 | HB1052_HD1_TESTIMONY_FIN_02-21-25_.PDF |
| Feb 4, 2025 | HB1052_TESTIMONY_CPC_02-04-25_.PDF |
Discussed in Hearing
1MIN
Conference Committee
57SEC
Conference Committee
2MIN
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
53SEC
Conference Committee
1MIN
Conference Committee
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Commerce and Consumer Protection
2MIN
Senate Standing Committee on Health and Human Services
Bill Author
Bill Co-Author(s):