SB 24-153

Senate Bill 24-153, titled "News Access for Consumers Who Are Print-Disabled," aims to help people in Colorado who are blind or have trouble reading print by expanding news and information services available to them. This includes providing more assistive technologies, training, and support to ensure these individuals can access a wider range of resources and stay informed about local news and events. The bill also allocates $200,000 from the state's general fund for library programs and reading services to support this initiative. Governor Jared Polis signed the bill into law on June 7, 2024, making it effective immediately.

Official Summary

The act directs providers of on-demand news and information services to Coloradans who are blind or print-disabled to expand their services and increase the number of Coloradans who are blind or print-disabled who are aware of such services. The expansion of services includes providing an expanded array of information and literacy support services throughout the state, such as a variety of communication-related assistive technologies and blindness-related services; introductory training; and methods to find and use additional resources in or near communities where a person lives. Other expanded services may include information sharing, marketing of expanded services, and other methods for informing persons who are blind or print-disabled about the on-demand news and information services; support services for users to resolve technical questions; and the provision of information about communication-related assistive technologies. The state librarian is authorized to administer money in the reading services for the blind cash fund for the support of privately operated reading services. For the 2024-25 state fiscal year, the act appropriates $200,000 from the general fund to the department of education for use by library programs and reading services for the blind and print-disabled. APPROVED by Governor June 7, 2024 EFFECTIVE June 7, 2024(Note: This summary applies to this bill as enacted.)

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