Florida 2025 Regular Session Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 4 D · 1 R cosponsors

HB 435 — Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991

Last action — Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/SB 344 (Ch. 2025-148)

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  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed House
  4. 4
    Passed Senate
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill died with 2025 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.

This bill is no longer active — its legislative session has ended, so there is no live prognosis. It would have to be reintroduced in the current session to move again.

Summary

Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991; Revises administrative powers & duties of PSC in overseeing telecommunications access system, procedures for distribution of specialized telecommunications devices, & composition of advisory committee.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

540 added · 505 removed

540 line(s) added, 505 removed.

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F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 A bill to be entitled An act relating to the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991;
F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 A bill to be entitled An act relating to the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991;
amending s.
427.708, F.S.;
authorizing the central communications office of each county sheriff's department to purchase and continually operate at least one telecommunications device for the deaf;
Page 1 of 19 CODING:
Section 1.
Present paragraphs (e) through (i) of subsection (3) of section 427.702, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as paragraphs (f) through (j), respectively, a new Page 1 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 Section 1.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 paragraph (e) is added to that subsection, and subsections (1) and (2) and paragraphs (a) and (d) and present paragraphs (g) and (h) of subsection (3) of that section are amended, to read:
Present paragraphs (e) through (i) of subsection (3) of section 427.702, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as paragraphs (f) through (j), respectively, a new paragraph (e) is added to that subsection, and subsections (1) and (2) and paragraphs (a) and (d) and present paragraphs (g) and (h) of subsection (3) of that section are amended, to read:
(d) The telecommunications system is intended to provide access to a basic communications network between all persons, and that many persons who have a hearing impairment or speech impairment currently have no access to the basic Page 2 of 19 CODING:
(d) The telecommunications system is intended to provide access to a basic communications network between all persons, and that many persons who have a hearing impairment or speech impairment currently have no access to the basic telecommunications system.
(e) Persons who do not have a hearing impairment or speech impairment are generally excluded from access to the basic telecommunications system to communicate with persons who have a Page 2 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 telecommunications system.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 hearing impairment or speech impairment without the use of specialized telecommunications devices.
(e) Persons who do not have a hearing impairment or speech impairment are generally excluded from access to the basic telecommunications system to communicate with persons who have a hearing impairment or speech impairment without the use of specialized telecommunications devices.
(b)(h) Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that the telecommunications companies providing telephone services within the state shall provide telecommunications relay services on or before July 25, 1993, to persons with hearing loss or speech impairment who are hearing impaired or speech impaired within their certificated Page 3 of 19 CODING:
(b)(h) Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act mandates that the telecommunications companies providing telephone services within the state shall provide telecommunications relay services on or before July 25, 1993, to persons with hearing loss or speech impairment who are hearing impaired or speech impaired within their certificated territories in a manner that meets or exceeds the requirements of regulations to be prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission.
(2) It is The declared purpose of this part is to Page 3 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 territories in a manner that meets or exceeds the requirements of regulations to be prescribed by the Federal Communications Commission.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 establish a system whereby the residents citizens of this state with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind Florida who are hearing impaired, speech impaired, or dual sensory impaired have access to basic telecommunications services at a cost no greater than that paid by other telecommunications services customers, and whereby the cost of both the specialized telecommunications equipment necessary to ensure that such residents citizens who are hearing impaired, speech impaired, or dual sensory impaired have such access to basic telecommunications services and the provision of telecommunications relay service is borne by all the telecommunications customers in this of the state.
(2) It is The declared purpose of this part is to establish a system whereby the residents citizens of this state with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind Florida who are hearing impaired, speech impaired, or dual sensory impaired have access to basic telecommunications services at a cost no greater than that paid by other telecommunications services customers, and whereby the cost of both the specialized telecommunications equipment necessary to ensure that such residents citizens who are hearing impaired, speech impaired, or dual sensory impaired have such access to basic telecommunications services and the provision of telecommunications relay service is borne by all the telecommunications customers in this of the state.
(d) That the telecommunications access system includes the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices necessary for persons with hearing loss or hearing impaired, speech Page 4 of 19 CODING:
(d) That the telecommunications access system includes the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices necessary for persons with hearing loss or hearing impaired, speech impairment impaired, or who are deafblind dual sensory impaired persons to access basic telecommunications services.
(e) That the telecommunications access system provides access to specialized communications technology capable of using Page 4 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 impairment impaired, or who are deafblind dual sensory impaired persons to access basic telecommunications services.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 existing or future devices or equipment necessary for persons with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind to access telecommunications services.
(e) That the telecommunications access system provides access to specialized communications technology capable of using existing or future devices or equipment necessary for persons with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind to access telecommunications services.
Present subsections (2), (3) through (6), (7), (8), and (9), (10), (11), (12), and (13) through (17) of section Page 5 of 19 CODING:
Present subsections (2), (3) and (4), (5) and (6), (7) and (8), (9), (10), (11), (12), and (13) through (17) of section 427.703, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as subsections (3), (5) and (6), (9) and (10), (12) and (13), (16), (19), (18), (20), and (22) through (26), respectively, new subsections (2), (4), (7), (8), (11), (14), (15), (17), and (21) Page 5 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 427.703, Florida Statutes, are redesignated as subsections (3), (5) through (8), (10), (11), and (12), (15), (14), (16), and (18) through (22), respectively, new subsections (2), (4), (9), (13), and (17) are added to that section, and subsection (1) and present subsections (4), (6), (10), (11), (12), (14), and (16) of that section are amended, to read:
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 are added to that section, and subsection (1) and present subsections (4), (6), (10), (11), (12), (14), and (16) of that section are amended, to read:
(4) "Communications service" means a service provided to Page 6 of 19 CODING:
(4) "Communications service" means a service provided to subscribers through wireline telecommunications equipment, interconnected VoIP, or CMRS.
(6)(4) "Deafblind" "Dual sensory impaired" means having Page 6 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 subscribers through wireline telecommunications equipment, interconnected VoIP, or CMRS.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 both a permanent hearing impairment and a permanent visual impairment and includes dual sensory impairment deaf/blindness.
(6)(4) "Deafblind" "Dual sensory impaired" means having both a permanent hearing impairment and a permanent visual impairment and includes dual sensory impairment deaf/blindness.
(7) "Deaf service center" means a center that serves, within a defined region, individuals with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind, by distributing equipment and providing services on behalf of the administrator.
(8)(6) "Hearing loss impaired" or "having a hearing impairment" means deaf, late-deafened, or hard of hearing and, for purposes of this part, includes being dual sensory impaired.
(8) "Deaf service center director" means an individual who serves as the director for a deaf service center and is responsible for ensuring that individuals with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind are qualified to receive equipment or services in accordance with ss.
(9) "Interconnected voice over Internet protocol" or "interconnected VoIP" means a service that does all of the following:
427.701-427.708, based on their impairment by attesting to such impairment as provided for in the procedures developed by the administrator.
(10)(6) "Hearing loss impaired" or "having a hearing impairment" means deaf, late-deafened, or hard of hearing and, for purposes of this part, includes being dual sensory impaired.
(11) "Interconnected voice-over-Internet protocol" or "interconnected VoIP" means a service that does all of the following:
(d) Allows subscribers to receive calls from and place calls to the public switched telephone network.
(d) Allows subscribers to receive calls from and place Page 7 of 20 CODING:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 calls to a public switched telephone network.
(13) "Specialized communications technology" means mobile devices, tablet computers, software, or applications that can be used to provide communications services to a hearing impaired, speech impaired, or deafblind person.
(14) "Regional distribution center" means an entity, including, but not limited to, a deaf service center or a provider of audiology services, which has contracted with the administrator to distribute equipment and provide services to qualified individuals with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind.
(15)(10)"Speech impaired" or "having a speech impairment" Page 7 of 19 CODING:
(15) "Regional distribution center director" means an individual qualified by the administrator who serves as the director for a regional distribution center and meets the standards for ensuring that individuals with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind are qualified to receive equipment or services in accordance ss.
427.701-427.708 on their impairment by attesting to such impairment as provided for in the procedures developed by the administrator.
(17) "Specialized communications technology" means mobile devices, tablet computers, software, or applications that can be used to provide communications services to a hearing impaired, speech impaired, or deafblind person.
(19)(10) "Speech impaired" or "having a speech impairment" means having a permanent loss of verbal communication ability that which prohibits normal usage of a standard telephone handset.
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hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 means having a permanent loss of verbal communication ability which prohibits normal usage of a standard telephone handset.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 (18)(11) "Specialized telecommunications device" means a TDD, a volume control handset, a ring signaling device, or any other customer premises telecommunications equipment that can be specifically designed or used to provide basic access to communications telecommunications services for a person with hearing loss or speech impairment or who is deafblind hearing impaired, speech impaired, or dual sensory impaired person.
(14)(11) "Specialized telecommunications device" means a TDD, a volume control handset, a ring signaling device, or any other customer premises telecommunications equipment that can be specifically designed or used to provide basic access to communications telecommunications services for a person with hearing loss or speech impairment or who is deafblind hearing impaired, speech impaired, or dual sensory impaired person.
(20)(12) "Surcharge" means an additional charge which is to be paid by local exchange telecommunications company subscribers pursuant to the cost recovery mechanism established under s.
(16)(12) "Surcharge" means an additional charge which is to be paid by local exchange telecommunications company subscribers pursuant to the cost recovery mechanism established under s.
(17) "Telecommunications access system" means the system administered, as defined in this section, and includes the administration of the telecommunications relay service system and the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices and specialized communications technologies pursuant to this act and rules and regulations established by the commission.
(21) "Telecommunications access system" means the system administered pursuant to this section, and includes the administration of the telecommunications relay service system and the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices and specialized communications technologies pursuant to ss.
(19)(14) "Telecommunications device for the deaf," or "TDD," or "text device" means a mechanism that which is connected to a communications network standard telephone line, operated by means of a keyboard, and used to transmit or receive signals through telephone lines or other communications service Page 8 of 19 CODING:
427.701-427.708 and rules and regulations established by the commission.
(23)(14) "Telecommunications device for the deaf," or "TDD," or "text device" means a mechanism that which is connected to a communications network standard telephone line, operated by means of a keyboard, and used to transmit or receive signals through telephone lines or other communications service facilities.
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hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 facilities.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 (25)(16) "Telecommunications relay service" means any telecommunications transmission service that allows a person with hearing loss who is hearing impaired or speech impairment speech impaired to communicate by wire or radio in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of a person who does not have hearing loss or speech impairment is not hearing impaired or speech impaired.
(21)(16) "Telecommunications relay service" means any telecommunications transmission service that allows a person with hearing loss who is hearing impaired or speech impairment speech impaired to communicate by wire or radio in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of a person who does not have hearing loss or speech impairment is not hearing impaired or speech impaired.
Subsection (1), paragraph (a) of subsection (3), paragraph (a) of subsection (4), and subsections (5) through (9) of section 427.704, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
Subsection (1), paragraph (a) of subsection (3), paragraphs (a), (b), and (e) of subsection (4), and subsections (5) through (9) of section 427.704, Florida Statutes, are amended to read:
The telecommunications access system must shall provide for the purchase and distribution of specialized telecommunications devices, equipment, specialized communications technology, and the Page 9 of 19 CODING:
The telecommunications access system must shall provide for the purchase and distribution of specialized telecommunications devices, equipment, specialized communications technology, and the establishment of a statewide single provider telecommunications Page 10 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 establishment of a statewide single provider telecommunications relay service system that which operates continuously.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 relay service system that which operates continuously.
(d) Ensure that the telecommunications relay service Page 10 of 19 CODING:
(d) Ensure that the telecommunications relay service system complies with regulations adopted by the Federal Page 11 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 system complies with regulations adopted by the Federal Communications Commission to implement Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 Communications Commission to implement Title IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
This section does not apply to specialized telecommunications devices using standard telephone lines.
This paragraph does not apply to specialized telecommunications devices using standard telephone lines.
The appropriateness and accessibility of the proposed Page 11 of 19 CODING:
The appropriateness and accessibility of the proposed telecommunications relay service for the residents citizens of Page 12 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 telecommunications relay service for the residents citizens of this the state, including persons with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind who are hearing impaired or speech impaired.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 this the state, including persons with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind who are hearing impaired or speech impaired.
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1.
Require all local exchange telecommunications companies Page 13 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 1.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 to impose a monthly surcharge on all local exchange telecommunications company subscribers on an individual access line basis, except that such surcharge may shall not be imposed upon more than 25 basic telecommunications access lines per account bill rendered.
Require all local exchange telecommunications companies to impose a monthly surcharge on all local exchange telecommunications company subscribers on an individual access line basis, except that such surcharge may shall not be imposed upon more than 25 basic telecommunications access lines per account bill rendered.
(5) The commission shall require each local exchange telecommunications company to begin assessing and collecting the surcharge in the amount of 5 cents per access line per month on bills rendered on or after July 1, 1991, for remission to the administrator for deposit in the operational fund.
(b) The commission shall determine the amount of the surcharge based upon the amount of funding necessary to accomplish the purposes of this act and provide the services on an ongoing basis;
Each local exchange telecommunications company shall remit moneys collected to the administrator.
however, in no case shall the amount exceed 15 25 cents per line per month.
On August 15, 1991, each local exchange telecommunications company shall begin remitting the moneys collected to the administrator on a monthly basis and in a Page 13 of 19 CODING:
(e) From the date of implementing the surcharge, the commission shall review the amount of the surcharge at least annually and shall order changes in the amount of the surcharge as necessary to assure available funds for the provision of the telecommunications access system established herein.
Where the Page 14 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 manner as prescribed by the commission.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 review of the surcharge determines that excess funds are available, the commission may order the suspension of the surcharge for a period that which the commission deems appropriate.
The commission may not increase the surcharge when excess funds are available.
(5) The commission shall require each local exchange telecommunications company to begin assessing and collecting the surcharge in the amount of 5 cents per access line per month on bills rendered on or after July 1, 1991, for remission to the administrator for deposit in the operational fund.
Each local exchange telecommunications company shall remit moneys collected to the administrator.
On August 15, 1991, each local exchange telecommunications company shall begin remitting the moneys collected to the administrator on a monthly basis and in a manner as prescribed by the commission.
(7) The commission shall require the administrator to submit financial statements for the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices and for specialized communications technology and for the telecommunications relay service to the commission quarterly, in the manner prescribed by the commission.
(7) The commission shall require the administrator to Page 15 of 20 CODING:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 submit financial statements for the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices and for specialized communications technology and for the telecommunications relay service to the commission quarterly, in the manner prescribed by the commission.
The reports must, at a minimum, briefly outline the status of developments in the telecommunications access system, Page 14 of 19 CODING:
The reports must, at a minimum, briefly outline the status of developments in the telecommunications access system, the number of persons served, the call volume, revenues and expenditures, the allocation of the revenues and expenditures between provision of specialized telecommunications devices and specialized communications technologies to individuals and operation of statewide relay service, other major policy or operational issues, and proposals for improvements or changes to the telecommunications access system.
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 the number of persons served, the call volume, revenues and expenditures, the allocation of the revenues and expenditures between provision of specialized telecommunications devices and specialized communications technologies to individuals and operation of statewide relay service, other major policy or operational issues, and proposals for improvements or changes to the telecommunications access system.
427.705 Administration of the telecommunications access system.— (1) Consistent with the provisions of this act and rules and regulations established by the commission, the administrator shall:
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words underlined are additions.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 427.705 Administration of the telecommunications access system.— (1) Consistent with the provisions of this act and rules and regulations established by the commission, the administrator shall:
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(4) In contracting for the provision of distribution of specialized telecommunications devices, outreach services, and training of recipients, the administrator shall consider contracting with organizations that provide services to persons with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind who are hearing impaired or speech impaired.
(5) The administrator shall provide for the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices to persons qualified to receive such equipment in accordance with the provisions of this act.
The administrator shall establish procedures for the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices and shall Page 17 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 (4) In contracting for the provision of distribution of specialized telecommunications devices, outreach services, and training of recipients, the administrator shall consider contracting with organizations that provide services to persons with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind who are hearing impaired or speech impaired.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 solicit the advice and counsel and consider the recommendations of the advisory committee in establishing such procedures.
(5) The administrator shall provide for the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices to persons qualified to receive such equipment in accordance with the provisions of this act.
The administrator shall establish procedures for the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices and shall solicit the advice and counsel and consider the recommendations of the advisory committee in establishing such procedures.
The licensed physician, audiologist, speech- language pathologist, hearing aid specialist, state-certified Page 16 of 19 CODING:
The licensed physician, audiologist, speech- language pathologist, hearing aid specialist, state-certified teacher of the hearing impaired, or state-certified teacher of the visually impaired providing statements which attest to such impairments shall work within their individual scopes of practice according to their education and training.
The deaf service center directors, regional distribution center directors, and appropriate state and federal agencies shall attest to such impairments as provided for in the procedures developed by the administrator.
(b) Establish characteristics and performance standards for specialized telecommunications devices and specialized communications technologies determined to be necessary, and for Page 18 of 20 CODING:
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 teacher of the hearing impaired, or state-certified teacher of the visually impaired providing statements which attest to such impairments shall work within their individual scopes of practice according to their education and training.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 the selection of equipment to be purchased for distribution to qualified recipients.
The deaf service center directors, regional distribution center directors, and appropriate state and federal agencies shall attest to such impairments as provided for in the procedures developed by the administrator.
(b) Establish characteristics and performance standards for specialized telecommunications devices and specialized communications technologies determined to be necessary, and for the selection of equipment to be purchased for distribution to qualified recipients.
The committee shall be composed of no more than 10 persons and shall include, to the extent Page 17 of 19 CODING:
The committee shall be composed of no more than 10 persons and shall include, to the extent practicable, persons recommended by organizations representing, the following groups:
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 practicable, persons recommended by organizations representing, the following groups:
(e) The elderly Two representatives of telecommunications companies.
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words underlined are additions.
hb435-01-c1 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S CS/HB 435 2025 (e) The elderly Two representatives of telecommunications companies.
(2) The advisory committee shall provide the expertise, experience, and perspective of persons with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind who are hearing impaired or speech impaired to the commission and to the administrator Page 18 of 19 CODING:
(2) The advisory committee shall provide the expertise, experience, and perspective of persons with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind who are hearing impaired or speech impaired to the commission and to the administrator during all phases of the development and operation of the telecommunications access system.
Words stricken are deletions;
words underlined are additions.
hb435-00 F L O R I D A H O U S E O F R E P R E S E N T A T I V E S HB 435 2025 during all phases of the development and operation of the telecommunications access system.
Subsection (1) of section 427.708, Florida Statutes, is amended to read:
427.708 Certain public safety and health care providers required to purchase and operate TDD's.— (1) The central communications office of each county sheriff's department shall purchase and continually operate at least one telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) TDD.
Section 7.
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hb435-00
hb435-01-c1
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How this bill changes current law

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AI-generated reading aid from the bill's amendatory text — verify against the official bill.

The bill updates definitions, findings, and the responsibilities of the Florida Public Service Commission regarding telecommunications access for individuals with hearing and speech impairments, specifically enhancing the administrative framework and service provisions.

  • 427.702

    (e) → Persons who do not have a hearing impairment or speech impairment are generally excluded from access to the basic telecommunications system to communicate with persons who have a hearing impairment or speech impairment without the use of specialized telecommunications devices.

    Adds a finding regarding the exclusion of persons without impairments from accessing basic telecommunications.

  • 427.702

    It is The declared purpose of this part is to → It is the declared purpose of this part to

    Clarifies and corrects the language regarding the purpose of the act.

  • 427.702

    citizens of this state with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind Florida who are hearing impaired, speech impaired, or dual sensory impaired have access to basic telecommunications services → citizens of this state who are hearing impaired, speech impaired, or dual sensory impaired have access to basic telecommunications services

    Streamlines language for clarity regarding the access rights of individuals with impairments.

  • 427.703

    (2) "Commercial mobile radio service" or "CMRS" means a mobile radio communications service, provided for profit, which is interconnected to the public switched network and is available to the public or to such classes of eligible users as to be effectively available to a substantial portion of the public. The term does not include services that do not provide access to 911 service, communication channels suitable only for data transmission, wireless roaming services or other nonlocal radio access line services, or private telecommunications systems. → "Commercial mobile radio service" or "CMRS" means a mobile radio communications service, provided for profit, which is interconnected to the public switched network and is available to the public or to such classes of eligible users as to be effectively available to a substantial portion of the public.

    Clarifies the definition of CMRS by removing specific exclusions from the definition, making it clearer.

  • 427.703

    "Deafblind" "Dual sensory impaired" means having both a permanent hearing impairment and a permanent visual impairment and includes dual sensory impairment deaf/blindness. → "Dual sensory impaired" means having both a permanent hearing impairment and a permanent visual impairment and includes dual sensory impairment.

    Modifies the language in the definition to improve clarity and remove redundancy.

  • 427.703

    "Hearing loss impaired" or "having a hearing impairment" means deaf, late-deafened, or hard of hearing and, for purposes of this part, includes being dual sensory impaired. → "Hearing loss impaired" or "having a hearing impairment" means deaf, late-deafened, or hard of hearing and includes being dual sensory impaired.

    Clarifies the definition to omit unclear phrasing.

  • 427.703

    (6) "Hearing loss impaired" or "having a hearing impairment" means deaf, late-deafened, or hard of hearing and, for purposes of this part, includes being dual sensory impaired. → "Hearing loss impaired" or "having a hearing impairment" means deaf, late-deafened, or hard of hearing and includes being dual sensory impaired.

    Clarifies and simplifies the definition without changing the substantive meaning.

  • 427.703

    "Administrator" means a corporation not for profit incorporated pursuant to the provisions of chapter 617 and designated by the Florida Public Service Commission to administer the telecommunications access system relay service system and the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices pursuant to the provisions of this act and rules and regulations established by the commission. → "Administrator" means a corporation not for profit designated by the Florida Public Service Commission to administer the telecommunications access system relay service and the distribution of specialized telecommunications devices pursuant to this act and established rules.

    Shortens the definition for 'Administrator' while retaining essential elements.

  • 427.703

    (7) "Deaf service center" means a center that serves, within a defined region, individuals with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind, by distributing equipment and providing services on behalf of the administrator.

    Reorganizes definitions, no specific text change provided.

  • 427.703

    (8) "Deaf service center director" means an individual who serves as the director for a deaf service center and is responsible for ensuring that individuals with hearing loss or speech impairment or who are deafblind are qualified to receive equipment or services in accordance with ss. 427.701-427.708, based on their impairment by attesting to such impairment as provided for in the procedures developed by the administrator.

    Reorganizes definitions, no specific text change provided.

  • 427.706

    the advisory committee appointed to assist the commission with implementing the act.

    Adds a requirement for an advisory committee to assist with act implementation.

Action History

  1. Laid on Table, companion bill(s) passed, see CS/CS/SB 344 (Ch. 2025-148)

  2. Added to Second Reading Calendar

  3. Bill released to House Calendar

  4. Reported out of Commerce Committee

  5. Favorable by Commerce Committee

  6. Added to Commerce Committee agenda

  7. Now in Commerce Committee

  8. Referred to Commerce Committee

  9. 1st Reading (Committee Substitute 1)

  10. CS Filed

  11. Laid on Table under Rule 7.18(a)

  12. Reported out of Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee

  13. Favorable with CS by Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee

  14. Added to Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee agenda

  15. 1st Reading (Original Filed Version)

  16. Now in Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee

  17. Referred to Commerce Committee

  18. Referred to Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee

  19. Filed

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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2 sponsors · 4 co-sponsors · 158 not signed on

Sponsors (2)

Co-sponsors (4)

Not signed on (158)

158 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 158 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Favorable (Commerce Committee)

Passed 24 Yea · 0 Nay · 3 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 17002
Democrat 7001
Total 24003
% of votes cast 89%0%0%11%
How each member voted (27)
Member Party Vote
Chambliss, Kevin D. Democrat Yea
Daniels, Kimberly Democrat Not Voting
Eskamani, Dr. Anna V. Democrat Yea
Franklin II, Gallop Democrat Yea
Hunschofsky, Christine Democrat Yea
Rayner, Michele K. Democrat Yea
Robinson, Felicia Simone Democrat Yea
Spencer, Leonard Democrat Yea
Benarroch, Yvette Republican Yea
Booth, Erika Republican Yea
Borrero, David Republican Yea
Brannan III, Robert Charles "Chuck" Republican Yea
Buchanan, James Republican Yea
Duggan, Wyman Republican Not Voting
Esposito, Tiffany Republican Yea
Giallombardo, Mike Republican Yea
Gossett-Seidman, Peggy Republican Yea
LaMarca, Chip Republican Yea
Maggard, Randall Scott "Randy" Republican Yea
Oliver, Vanessa Republican Yea
Porras, Juan Carlos Republican Yea
Salzman, Michelle Republican Yea
Shoaf, Jason Republican Not Voting
Sirois, Tyler I. Republican Yea
Smith, David Republican Yea
Tramont, Chase Republican Yea
Yeager, Bradford Troy "Brad" Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Favorable With Committee Substitute (Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee)

Passed 16 Yea · 0 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 12001
Democrat 4001
Total 16002
% of votes cast 89%0%0%11%
How each member voted (18)
Member Party Vote
Chambliss, Kevin D. Democrat Yea
Edmonds, Jervonte "Tae" Democrat Not Voting
Eskamani, Dr. Anna V. Democrat Yea
Franklin II, Gallop Democrat Yea
Skidmore, Kelly Democrat Yea
Abbott, Shane G. Republican Yea
Berfield, Kimberly Republican Yea
Chamberlin, Ryan Republican Yea
Chaney, Linda Republican Yea
Conerly, William "Bill" Republican Yea
Griffitts Jr., Philip Wayne "Griff" Republican Yea
LaMarca, Chip Republican Yea
Persons-Mulicka, Jenna Republican Yea
Redondo, Mike Republican Yea
Shoaf, Jason Republican Not Voting
Smith, David Republican Yea
Tramont, Chase Republican Yea
Yarkosky, Taylor Michael Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

technology
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Frequently asked questions

What does HB 435 do?
Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991; Revises administrative powers & duties of PSC in overseeing telecommunications access system, procedures for distribution of specialized telecommunications devices, & composition of advisory committee.
Who sponsors HB 435?
HB 435 is sponsored by Redondo, Mike (Republican), Joseph, Dotie (Democrat), Gottlieb, Michael "Mike" (Democrat), Chambliss, Kevin D. (Democrat), Tant, Allison (Democrat), and Economic Infrastructure Subcommittee.
What is the current status of HB 435?
This bill died with 2025 Regular Session. It reached “In Committee” and never advanced before the session ended, so it can no longer move — a new version would have to be reintroduced in the current session.
Where can I track HB 435?
Track HB 435 free on One Click Politics — get push/email alerts when it moves.

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