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Committee backs update to Telecommunications Access System Act to include modern technologies
Summary
The committee voted to report favorably CS for SB 344, which updates the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 to authorize distribution of modern relay technologies and broaden advisory committee membership; proponents urged modernization citing declining landline use.
The Senate Committee on Regulated Industries on Oct. 12 reported CS for SB 344 favorably, a bill to modernize the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 (TASA) to reflect current relay and telecommunications technologies.
Sponsor Senator Ana Rodriguez told the committee the bill “seeks to modernize the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991, also known as TASA, by implementing the recommendations proposed by the Public Service Commission.” Rodriguez said the measure would authorize the TASA administrator to distribute modern technologies, add definitions for technologies not contemplated in the original law and broaden advisory committee eligibility.
An amendment (barcode 375282) offered by Senator Rodriguez and described by staff as technical was adopted with no objection. Robert Walters of Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc. and Cecil Bradley testified in support, saying the existing law is “very antiquated” and urging the committee to adopt changes so people who rely on relay services can access wireless options as landlines decline.
Following brief discussion and the adopted amendment, the committee recorded a favorable report for CS for SB 344 and sent the committee substitute on to the next legislative stage.
