hb 0326

CHAPTER 177

HB 326-FN-A - FINAL VERSION

AN ACT relative to the continuation of the New Hampshire task force on deafness and hearing loss and making an appropriation therefor.

SPONSORS: Rep. Wendelboe, Belk 2

This bill expands the membership and duties of the New Hampshire task force on deafness and hearing loss. It also makes an appropriation to the governor's commission on disability to support Northeast Deafness and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc.

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Matter which is either (a) all new or (b) repealed and reenacted appears in regular type.

AN ACT relative to the continuation of the New Hampshire task force on deafness and hearing loss and making an appropriation therefor.

Be it Enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court convened:

177:1 Purpose. The New Hampshire task force on deafness and hearing loss, established in 2000, 234, determined that the needs of the deaf and hard of hearing community are complex and will require sustained effort to address, including ongoing support for effective interpreter referral services. The task force also determined that access to qualified interpreters in executive, legislative, and judicial proceedings is a significant concern in the administration of justice and the execution of other critical government functions. The task force has not had the opportunity to include several key state agencies in its discussions of those issues. The task force has identified additional steps that should be taken over the next year to ensure that the work it has begun will continue. It is the intent of the general court that each state department make use of interpreters, utilizing interpreter referral services through Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc. or other qualified deaf and hard of hearing consumer governed organizations, to facilitate the scheduling of appropriately qualified interpreters for citizens who are deaf or hard of hearing.

177:2 New Subparagraphs; Task Force Established; Membership Enlarged. Amend 2000, 234:2, I by inserting after subparagraph (l) the following new subparagraphs:

177:3 New Paragraphs; Task Force Duties Expanded. Amend 2000, 234:4 by inserting after paragraph V the following new paragraphs:

VI. Advise and support the enhancement of interpreter referral and related services offered to state agencies, businesses, and other entities that interact with citizens who are deaf and hard of hearing through Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc. or other qualified deaf and hard of hearing consumer governed organizations.

VII. Consider how Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc., or other qualified deaf and hard of hearing consumer governed organizations can assist state agencies, particularly those involved in the administration of justice, to fulfill their obligations to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing, consistent with state and federal law.

VIII. Encourage all state departments to utilize the interpreter referral services made available through Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc. or other qualified deaf and hard of hearing consumer governed organizations.

177:4 New Section; Extension of Task Force; Final Report. Amend 2000, 234 by inserting after section 5 the following new section:

234:5-a Extension of Task Force; Final Report. The task force shall remain in effect until November 1, 2001, and its members shall continue to serve until November 1, 2001. The task force shall submit its final report and recommendations, including proposals for legislation, to the governor and council, the speaker of the house, and the president of the senate on or before November 1, 2001.

177:5 Appropriation. To foster the stability and effectiveness of the newly established Northeast Deaf and Hard of Hearing Services, Inc., or other qualified deaf and hard of hearing consumer governed organizations, an appropriation in the amount of $10 is made for each year of the biennium to the governor's commission on disability for the purpose of supporting the designated non-profit organization's development and to assist it in securing contracts, private and public grants, and other funding sources for the organization's continued operation. The governor is authorized to draw a warrant for said sum out of any money in the treasury not otherwise appropriated.