Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program.

The California Senate Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review proposes extending the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program's funding mechanism through 2034, modifying how the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) manages program resources. The legislation maintains the annual surcharge cap of $100 million while establishing new protocols for fund administration.

Under the amended framework, the PUC must transfer collected surcharges directly to the State Controller for deposit into the program's Administrative Committee Fund. The bill removes the PUC's authority to independently adjust surcharge levels based on program needs and fund balances. Instead, the commission would provide recommendations to the Legislature regarding appropriations from the Administrative Committee Fund.

The measure retains existing program elements, including the provision of telecommunications devices and relay systems for deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals at no additional cost beyond basic exchange rates. Local agencies face no reimbursement requirements under the bill, though violations of PUC directives continue to constitute criminal offenses. As an urgency statute, the legislation would take effect immediately upon enactment to prevent any interruption in services.