State librarian would arrange information services for disabled readers

The state librarian would estimate the service cost and certify that amount for transfer from the Kansas universal service fund. The transfer would cover the estimated cost of the contracted information access services. The money would go into the blind information access fund for the librarian to use on the services. Spending from that fund would require approval under appropriation acts. The librarian would report and certify the estimate by November 1 each year. The administrator would transfer it in 12 equal monthly payments during the following calendar year.

After receiving the certified amount, the state librarian would enter into or renew a contract for on-demand information access services. The services would be for people who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or print disabled, and would provide digital content such as publications, breaking news, and local emergency weather alerts through audio, electronic text, braille-reading technology, or related services. Spending from the blind information access fund would require approval under appropriation acts. The contract would be entered into or renewed after the librarian receives the certified amount.