Establishing the blind information access act to require the state library to provide on-demand information access services to persons who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled.
HB 2180, the Blind Information Access Act, requires Kansas' state library to provide on-demand digital information access services (via audio, electronic text, and braille) to individuals who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or print disabled. Key provisions mandate the state librarian to contract with a service provider for these resources - including Kansas publications, news, and emergency alerts - and fund the program by transferring money annually from the Kansas Universal Service Fund to a new "Blind Information Access Fund." The bill also requires the state librarian to report annual cost estimates to the legislature and establish a dedicated fund managed by the state treasurer for these services. This legislation directly affects eligible residents with visual or print disabilities by expanding their access to digital information through state-funded services.
Bill status
in committee
1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 30, 2025
Last action Feb 19, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 1 comparison
What changed between versions
As Introduced
→
As Amended by House Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
·
2 edits
MINOR
The bill's effective date was changed from immediate publication to a specific future date of July 1, 2027, delaying when the new laws take effect. Additionally, the document header was updated to reflect that the bill has been amended by the House Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications.
TIMELINE
The effective date of the act was changed from the date of publication in the statute book to a fixed date of July 1, 2027, creating a delay in when the new provisions become active.
TECHNICAL
The bill header was updated to include the text 'Am. by HC' to indicate the bill has been amended by the House Committee.
Floor votes
How they voted
No floor votes recorded yet.
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
4
Key actions
1
Committee
2
Feb 9, 2026
Lower · Passed
Committee Report recommending bill be passed as amended by House Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
lower
Jan 30, 2025
Committee
Referred to House Committee on Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications
lower
Jan 30, 2025
Introduced
Introduced
lower
0 primary · 0 co-sponsors
Sponsors
No sponsor information available.
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