The board would be comprised of 11 voting and 7 non-voting members and would be charged with establishing goals and objectives for the network and adopting policies related to network development, modification and implementation including policies addressing quality of service, access, security, future expansion and a range of other issues. The current version of the bill is silent as to the need to address access barriers faced by students with disabilities. Both bills were introduced by Representative Carlson. HB1652 is a simpler version of the same bill. Both bills note that entrepreneurs with disabilities face additional expenses, including the purchase of assistive technology, in establishing new businesses.
Disability is defined as a substantial impairment that limits a major life activity.
Temporary disabilities are excluded, as are alcohol and drug addictions. The bill does not provide any funding for assistive technology or new businesses. It simply makes it easier for people with disabilities to qualify as minority contractors for the purposes of doing business with state government. HB1652 is in House Appropriations. Senate Judiciary Committee.