(a)  There is established within the general fund the emergency and public communication access restricted receipt account, which shall be referred to as the EPCA account. The purpose of this account is to fund emergency communication and enhance public communication access for deaf and hard of hearing people, in accordance with § 39-1-42(d). In addition, the account shall be used to enhance emergency communication systems to alert deaf and hard of hearing people to any type of emergencies within the state.

Ask a legal question, get an answer ASAP!
Click here to chat with a lawyer about your rights.

(b)  The account shall be used to purchase and install public communication access equipment and products at public sites for deaf and hard of hearing citizens.

(c)  The commission is authorized to establish, administer and promote its emergency and public communication access program.

(d)  The commission is authorized to make purchases specifically for the EPCA program and empowered to receive donations and grants from sources including, but not limited to, the federal government, governmental and private foundations, and corporate and individual donors; these donations and grants to be deposited in the EPCA account.

(e)  The commission is authorized to promulgate rules and regulations that will set forth how the commission shall utilize the EPCA account. In preparing rules and regulations regarding emergency communications, the commission shall confer with applicable departments and agencies.