CHAPTER 651
H.P. 1376 - L.D. 1964
An Act To Assist Visually Impaired Persons and Persons with Disabilities in Obtaining Information Regarding Current Events
Be it enacted by the People of the State of Maine as follows:
Sec. 1. 27 MRSA §40 is enacted to read:
§40. Accessible electronic information services
1. Definitions. As used in this section, unless the context otherwise indicates, the following terms have the following meanings.
A. "Accessible electronic information service" means news and other information, including but not limited to newspapers, provided to eligible individuals from a multistate service center using high-speed computers and telecommunications technology for interstate acquisition of content and rapid distribution in a form appropriate for use by such individuals.
B. "Eligible individuals" means blind, visually impaired or disabled individuals who are eligible for library loan services through the Library of Congress and the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped pursuant to 36 Code of Federal Regulations, Section 701.10(b).
C. "Qualified entity" means an agency, instrumentality or political subdivision of the State or a nonprofit organization that:
(1) Provides interstate access for eligible individuals to read daily newspapers through producing audio or Braille editions by computer;
(2) Obtains electronic news text either over the Internet or through direct transfer arrangements made with participating news organizations; and
(3) Provides a means of program administration and reader registration on the Internet.
2. Provision of service. The State Librarian may enter into an agreement with a qualified entity to provide an accessible electronic information service for eligible individuals. If an agreement is entered into, the State Librarian may make use of federal and other funds available for this purpose.
Sec. 2. Appropriations and allocations. The following appropriations and allocations are made.
LIBRARY, MAINE STATE
Maine State Library 0217
Initiative: Provides funds for provision of accessible electronic information services.
GENERAL FUND 2005-06 2006-07
All Other $0 $5,000
__________ __________
GENERAL FUND TOTAL $0 $5,000
Effective August 23, 2006.
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