SB 46 Kansas Senate · 2025-2026 Regular Session

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.

SB 46, the Blind Information Access Act, requires the Kansas state library to provide on-demand digital information services (including books, news, and emergency alerts) via audio, text, and braille to residents who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind, or print-disabled. It mandates the state librarian to contract with a service provider and establish a dedicated funding stream by transferring annual amounts from the Kansas Universal Service Fund to a new "Blind Information Access Fund." The bill specifies that these services must cover Kansas publications, national content, and real-time emergency alerts, with funding secured through existing telecommunications user fees. This creates a permanent, state-funded mechanism for accessible information without new tax obligations.
Bill status died 1 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2025
Committee Review
Floor Vote
Governor
Introduced Jan 21, 2025 Last action Apr 10, 2026