Subcommittee accepts LFC budget recommendation for Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing

The House Appropriations & Finance subcommittee on Friday accepted the Legislative Finance Committee (LFC) recommendation for the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing’s FY27 budget, after analysts and the agency described revenue uncertainty tied to telecommunications relay service receipts.

Ruby Ann Esquivel, the LFC analyst for the agency, told the panel the commission’s revenues come from three primary sources — general fund, other transfers (including federal funds), and fund balance — and that telecommunication relay service funds collected via phone bills have declined over time. Esquivel said the LFC recommendation aligns with the agency’s requested expenditure level; the only material differences versus the executive recommendation are a modest $87,100 reduction in general fund offset by an $85,100 increase in fund balance and a $19,500 difference in personal services related to health benefit backfill.

Agency leadership noted an ongoing audit and said they are tracking a Federal Communications Commission proposal that could modernize analog relay services and require additional state work. The panel also noted language in the appropriation that transfers $91,500 to the vocational rehabilitation division and $25,000 to the Sign Language Interpreting Practice Board, and that $456,400 remains earmarked for deaf and deaf‑blind support provider programs.

After the presentation the committee called the roll and, with a quorum present, Representative Pettigrew moved to accept the LFC recommendation. The motion was seconded and, with no objection, the committee approved the budget by voice vote. The committee recorded no roll‑call tally in the transcript.

The committee chair said members may flag concerns for additional review and that preliminary approvals allow the subcommittee flexibility as the budget process continues.