2023 Illinois Compiled Statutes › Chapter 410 - PUBLIC HEALTH › 410 ILCS 55/ - Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf Act.

(410 ILCS 55/0.01) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4200)
Sec. 0.01. 
		Short title. 
		This Act may be cited as the
Telecommunication Devices for the Deaf Act.
(Source: P.A. 86-1324.)
(410 ILCS 55/1) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4201)
Sec. 1. 
		
		The General Assembly finds that many citizens of this State who
are unable to utilize telephone services in a regular manner due to hearing
impairments are able to communicate through the use of telecommunication devices.
Hence, it is the purpose of this Act to require that telecommunication
devices for the deaf be installed.
(Source: P.A. 81-531.)
(410 ILCS 55/2) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4202)
Sec. 2. 
		As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:
(a) "Telecommunication device for the deaf" means a teletypewriter or
other instrument for telecommunication in which speaking or hearing is not
required for communication.
(b) "Public Safety Agency" means any unit of local government or special
purpose district within the State which has authority to provide firefighting,
police, or other emergency services.
(c) "Department" means the Department of Human
Services.
(d) "Major public transportation site" means any airport or railroad
station in the State providing commercial rail or airline service to the
general public, that serves and is located within 20 miles of a municipality
with a population of 25,000 or more, except for any facility under the
jurisdiction of the Commuter Rail Division created by the Regional
Transportation Authority Act or the Chicago Transit Authority created by
the Metropolitan Transit Authority Act.
(e) "General traveling public" are individuals making use of the
commercial rail and airline services which are provided at major public
transportation sites.
(Source: P.A. 89-507, eff. 7-1-97.)
(410 ILCS 55/3) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4203)
Sec. 3. 
		
		A telecommunication device for the deaf shall be installed before
January 1, 1990, in the sheriff's office in the county seat of each
county in the State, and in one or more public safety agencies in each
municipality with a population in excess of 10,000 inhabitants.  Each
public safety agency, not within a municipality with more than 10,000
inhabitants, shall share the cost of the telecommunication device with the
county and each public safety agency within a municipality with more than
10,000 inhabitants shall share the cost of the telecommunication device
with such municipality.
(Source: P.A. 86-629.)
(410 ILCS 55/3.1) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4203.1)
Sec. 3.1. 
		
		By July 1, 1986, a telecommunication device for the deaf shall
be purchased, leased or otherwise obtained by the operating authority, and
shall be clearly and appropriately marked, available, and
maintained, at the
expense of the operating authority, in each building or terminal used by
the general public at every major public transportation site.  Such device
shall be kept available for use by the general traveling public.
(Source: P.A. 85-201.)
(410 ILCS 55/5) (from Ch. 111 1/2, par. 4205)
Sec. 5. 
		
		The Department is authorized to adopt rules and regulations relating
to the installation, maintenance and use of the telecommunication devices
at major public transportation sites.
The Attorney General shall investigate any complaint or reported
violation of this Act and, where necessary, take actions necessary to
ensure compliance.
(Source: P.A. 86-629.)