(a) The State Librarian may operate a telephonic reading system, fund the operation of telephonic reading systems operated by qualifying entities, or both.

(b) Pursuant to an appropriation in the annual Budget Act and in accordance with Section 270 of the Public Utilities Code, the telephonic reading system is to be funded from the Deaf and Disabled Telecommunications Program Administrative Committee Fund.

(c) As used in this section, the following terms have the following meanings, unless otherwise indicated:

(1) “Telephonic reading system” means a system operated by the State Librarian or a qualifying entity, whereby a caller can hear the reading of material such as newspapers, magazines, newsletters, broadcast media schedules, transit route and schedule information, and other reference or time-sensitive materials, as determined by the operator of the system.

(2) “Qualifying entity” means any agency, instrumentality, or political subdivision of the state or any nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to provide services to people who are blind or visually impaired.

(d) Qualifying entities that were eligible, as of January 1, 2001, to receive funds from the State Librarian relating to the operation of a telephonic reading system may continue to receive funding from the State Librarian.

(e) The State Librarian, in cooperation with qualifying entities, may expand the type and scope of materials available on telephonic reading systems in order to meet the local, regional, or world language needs of print-disabled residents of this state. The State Librarian may also expand the scope of services and availability of telephonic reading services by current methods and technologies or by methods and technologies that may be developed. The State Librarian may inform current and potential patrons of the availability of telephonic reading service through appropriate means, including, but not limited to, direct mailings, direct telephonic contact, and public service announcements.

(f) The State Librarian may enter into contracts or other agreements that he or she determines to be appropriate to provide telephonic reading services pursuant to this section.

(Amended by Stats. 2018, Ch. 865, Sec. 3. (AB 2319) Effective January 1, 2019.)