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Committee backs bill to form Technology Study Committee to advance assistive tech for people with disabilities
Summary
HB 27‑00 would establish a Technology Study Committee to study assistive technology and report to the legislature by Oct. 1, 2027. Supporters, including disability‑services advocates, said Technology First approaches could improve independence and long‑term cost efficiency; the committee adopted an amendment and returned the bill with a due‑pass recommendation.
The Science and Technology Committee on Jan. 27 returned House Bill 27‑00 as amended with a due‑pass recommendation. The bill would create a Technology Study Committee to meet twice a year to study assistive technology and related supports for people with disabilities, and would require a report to the governor and legislative leaders by Oct. 1, 2027.
Representative Janine Connolly, sponsor of the amended bill, said stakeholder input and summer work shaped the changes. "We feel like we can do a lot of good with it," she said, citing examples of assistive devices that let nonverbal individuals communicate and work. Sam Shepherd, founder and CEO of 3DA and a longtime advocate, urged passage and described Technology First as a framework that considers technology before other support options to promote independence and inclusion.
Members asked whether a fiscal note existed; staff said no fiscal note was attached. Several legislators praised the bill’s potential to help people with disabilities access assistive devices and to realize cost efficiencies through technologies such as remote supports. The committee adopted a Connolly amendment adjusting membership and duties, then voted 8‑0 to return the bill with a due‑pass recommendation.
The bill will continue to the House floor for further consideration and potential appropriation discussions.
