<enum>I</enum><header>Communications Access</header> <section commented="no" id="HCDD0B839C40844FFAA58480965B92D66"><enum>101.</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/153">47 U.S.C. 153</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph commented="no" id="H6669B3D4CCEF4180BA00B09168C024F9"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H976DDC5CD7EF4BCDB9E900B244AA561" style="OLC"> <paragraph commented="no" id="H356F2E95543C4A2681341C72A9698F69"><enum>(53)</enum><header>Disability</header><text>The term <term>disability</term> has the meaning given such term under section 3(2)(A) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/12102">42 U.S.C. 12102(2)(A)</external-xref>), as such section may be amended from time to time.</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H60CA6213E7164E6786006B66731600DC"><enum>(54)</enum><header>Interconnected VoIP service</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>interconnected VoIP service</term> has the meaning given such term by section 9.3 of the Commission’s rules (47 CFR 9.3).</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H32DE167CED544B179512C24C5305001F"><enum>(55)</enum><header>IP-enabled communication service</header> <subparagraph id="HB84DD434990748C5B130D54F863B032E"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The term <term>IP-enabled communication service</term> means a transmission service between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user’s choosing, using the Internet protocol (or a successor protocol) if such transmission is for the purpose of enabling bilateral or multilateral voice, text, or video communication, utilization of interactive voice response or voice mail systems, or other similar communications-based applications, and uses—</text> <clause id="H75C5F9B44378447388E11429002E7B05"><enum>(i)</enum><text>an Internet connection from the user’s location; and</text> </clause><clause id="H47C8ABA168BF4BA9942847A2C165F01B"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>customer premises equipment that is compatible with the Internet protocol (or a successor protocol).</text> </clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8C38A107F0164CEEA352DF6DD001EB8"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such term includes any service that is an interconnected VoIP service.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H21C53CC3E1E840FC948819890818D4B5"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by reordering paragraphs (1) through (52) and the paragraphs added by paragraph (1) of this section in alphabetical order based on the headings of such paragraphs, and renumbering such paragraphs as so reordered.</text> </paragraph></section><section id="H0899B8CAFE8C4AE8B441A8CC3EC8BFFD"><enum>102.</enum><header>Hearing aid compatibility</header> <subsection id="HF29F81C4AF9B49369800ACAA5DA1598F"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 710(b)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/610">47 U.S.C. 610(b)(1)</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H24C7853234674668B03CDDE031E2B16"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking <quote>and</quote> at the end of subparagraph (A);</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H5AEEC034867A489D994707D91C2E00A7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by inserting <quote>and</quote> after the comma at the end of subparagraph (B); and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H13AEBC57A2194C5C8033BBA9D033B71"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA688ECE5E8AC4A078400FBE3C3AE6C86" style="OLC"> <subparagraph id="H00D3D5CCCB9E4937B341F448E47BE9B" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>all customer premises equipment used to provide an IP-enabled communication service that provides voice communication via a built-in speaker (typically held to the ear) and that are manufactured in the United States (other than for export) more than one year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, or are shipped in interstate commerce in the United States more than one year after such date,</text> </subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HCDDFD8598EEB433AB2F9813E3381B18"><enum>103.</enum><header>Relay services</header> <subsection id="HEE9CB1F302B54884BB83A3029400A504"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definition</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Paragraph (3) of section 225(a) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/225">47 U.S.C. 225(a)(3)</external-xref>) is amended to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5C248D19A3254AA1AAF71D7CE0863A1" style="OLC"> <paragraph display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEE7F01956A6548808D00CE3BB8406596"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Telecommunications relay services</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>telecommunications relay services</term> means telephone transmission that provides the ability for an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing or who has a speech disability to engage in communication by wire or radio with one or more individuals, in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of a hearing individual who does not have a speech disability to communicate using voice communication services by wire or radio.</text> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subsection><subsection id="H3F5E84ACDFEE47D0ABEA979CCC0BFAC"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Services</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 225 of such Act is further amended—</text> <paragraph id="H7A69A29122B849B9B3B2F4C200CAC15"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by inserting <quote><header-in-text level="subsection" style="OLC">by Common Carriers</header-in-text></quote> after <quote><header-in-text level="subsection" style="OLC">Provision of Services</header-in-text></quote> in the heading of subsection (c);</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H0D6236F7E78440E580E9B67773E5BE3F"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as subsections (f), (g), and (h), respectively;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HF3B676E4363E4FBFAF96CCEEAE086729"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFA264E3978BC4F68943800BEF8915B62" style="OLC"> <subsection id="H9485AD51616D4584A7D9251EF0B000FD"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Services</header><text>Within one year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, each interconnected VoIP service provider and each provider of voice communications using an IP-enabled communication service shall participate in and contribute to the Telecommunications Relay Services Fund established in section 64.404(c)(5)(iii) of the Commission’s regulations (47 CFR 64.404(c)(5)(iii)), as in effect on the date of enactment of such Act, in a manner prescribed by the Commission by regulation to provide for obligations of such providers that are consistent with and comparable to the obligations of other contributors to such Fund.</text> </subsection><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </paragraph><paragraph id="HDA0433035F7A4CE38EE734EF783C669D"><enum>(4)</enum><text>in subsection (f)(1) (as redesignated by paragraph (2) of this subsection), by striking <quote>subsections (f) and (g)</quote> and inserting <quote>subsections (g) and (h)</quote>;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HE2444FD6036B47A58C2D2E3F2B23FF7"><enum>(5)</enum><text>in subsections (h)(1) and (h)(2)(B) (as so redesignated), by striking <quote>subsection (f)</quote> each place it appears and inserting <quote>subsection (g)</quote>.</text> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H4F98F030198A48C9A2C55D0075BCAA58"><enum>104.</enum><header>Access to Internet-based services and equipment</header> <subsection id="HF260466259A34AF7BEB600BC33B71E5"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/201">47 U.S.C. 201 et seq.</external-xref>) is amended by inserting after section 255 the following new sections:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBE80D9B1FFA8483DA273C5204E091323" style="OLC"> <section id="HA000D5B75AD248B097316CC3A1246348"><enum>255A.</enum><header>Access to Internet-based services and equipment</header> <subsection id="HD1B19183550E47B9A140DF1880EADC70"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Manufacturing</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A manufacturer of equipment used for IP-enabled communication services, including end user equipment, network equipment, and software, shall ensure that the equipment is designed, developed, and fabricated to be accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless the requirement of this subsection would result in an undue burden.</text> </subsection><subsection id="HDD36992A9C324EA6BB2C41A310681ED7"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Service providers</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A provider of IP-enabled communication service shall ensure that its service is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless the requirement of this subsection would result in an undue burden.</text> </subsection><subsection id="H3C2C8A6B7591431895DA27A4081C2340"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Compatibility</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Whenever the requirements of <internal-xref idref="HD1B19183550E47B9A140DF1880EADC70" legis-path="255A.(a)">subsections (a)</internal-xref> and <internal-xref idref="HDD36992A9C324EA6BB2C41A310681ED7" legis-path="255A.(b)">(b)</internal-xref> constitute an undue burden, such manufacturer or provider shall ensure that the equipment or service is compatible with existing peripheral devices or specialized customer premises equipment commonly used by individuals with disabilities to achieve access, unless the requirement of this subsection would result in an undue burden.</text> </subsection><subsection id="HD5EDFD79EE9340E59000F8B73DCCE754"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Network features, functions, and capabilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each provider of IP-enabled communication service has the duty not to install network features, functions, or capabilities that do not comply with the regulations established pursuant to this section.</text> </subsection><subsection id="H909DB042625641AF836236E1D9F257C7"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Regulations</header><text>Within one year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, the Commission shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to implement this section. In prescribing the regulations, the Commission shall—</text> <paragraph id="H84178AE05643443BB7C7EDFEF3220038"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">include standards to ensure the accessibility, usability, and compatibility of IP-enabled communication services and the equipment used for such services by individuals with disabilities; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H87AAC9DBC86947F0984D17AB20C29523"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">provide that IP-enabled communication services, the equipment used for such services, and IP-enabled communication service networks may not impair or impede the accessibility of information content when accessibility has been incorporated into that content for transmission through IP-enabled communication services, equipment, or networks.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H6F43D6B3D5B94913BAD62E00784CA766"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Remedies</header><text>The limitations on actions in section 255(f) shall not apply to this section.</text> </subsection><subsection id="HCC14ECD0EC8547C884291C7D86F9A1D6"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>For purposes of this section, the term <term>undue burden</term> means significant difficulty or expense. In determining whether the requirements of any provision of this section would result in an undue burden, the factors to be considered include—</text> <paragraph id="H38BAB6E8E7294394A3208000641984CC"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the nature and cost of the steps required for the manufacturer or provider;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HC0A9402F116048F597C8DF4BEDACE65"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the impact on the operation of the manufacturer or provider;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HE7687DA9C8924B9E8BA6BE637AD2FB4"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the financial resources of the manufacturer or provider; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H12609C758F754C4289E955CA2DC0066"><enum>(4)</enum><text>the type of operations of the manufacturer or provider.</text> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H0B88D2AAE7B94C168F2790395F892B70"><enum>255B.</enum><header>Enforcement and reporting obligations</header> <subsection id="HDDD1CFA3B2194DB3BA0021C8CA473802"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Complaint and Enforcement Procedures</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Within one year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, the Commission shall establish regulations that facilitate the filing of complaints that allege a violation of section 255 or 255A, establish procedures for enforcement actions by the Commission with respect to such violations, and create reporting obligations for manufacturers and providers subject to such sections. Such regulations shall include the following provisions:</text> <paragraph id="HBADC47102A1543F2B175EA64AB18000"><enum>(1)</enum><header>No fee</header><text>The Commission shall not charge any fee to an individual who files a complaint alleging a violation of section 255 or 255A.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H7DA7EB45B6044315B8B04EB6FCB97CC2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Receipt of complaints</header><text>The Commission shall establish separate and identifiable electronic, telephonic, and physical receptacles for the receipt of complaints filed under section 255 or 255A.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H89F3B19335CF4C098DBE78F33101DB4"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Complaints to the Commission</header><text>Any person alleging a violation of section 255 or 255A by a manufacturer of equipment or provider of service subject to such sections may file a complaint with the Commission. The Commission shall investigate the allegations in such complaint and issue a final order concluding the investigation within 90 days of the date on which such complaint was filed with the Commission, unless such complaint is resolved before such time. The Commission may consolidate for investigation and resolution complaints alleging substantially the same violation by the same manufacturer or provider. Such final order shall include a determination as to whether any violation has occurred and, if the Commission determines that a violation has occurred, address the manner in which the manufacturer or service provider will achieve accessibility, compatibility, or usability required by section 255 or 255A. If a determination is made that a violation has occurred but the accessibility feature requested is not readily achievable under section 255 or will create an undue burden under section 255A, the Commission shall provide the basis for such determination.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H8E35C92237C4426AA7B9BBF0D176582F"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Cease and desist orders</header><text>If the Commission’s investigation pursuant to <internal-xref idref="H89F3B19335CF4C098DBE78F33101DB4" legis-path="255B.(a)(3)">paragraph (3)</internal-xref> determines that a manufacturer of equipment or provider of service is engaged in an act prohibited by section 255 or 255A, or is failing to perform any act required by section 255 or 255A, the Commission shall order such manufacturer or provider to cease from violating such section.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HAEFA9C89494C4F91A7CC128D0060F27F"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Forfeiture penalties</header><text>A manufacturer of equipment or provider of service subject to the requirements of section 255 or 255A shall be subject under section 503 to a civil penalty for violation of section 255 or 255A in an amount determined under section 503(b)(2)(B).</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H5B089123F4024D55B08F52CC19B8D9A8"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Reporting</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each manufacturer of equipment used for IP-enabled communication services and each provider of IP-enabled communication service shall—</text> <subparagraph id="H37B26B4722764F6F86E99EC91203FAAA"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">file a report with the Commission, on an annual basis, that describes the steps that have been taken by such manufacturer or provider during the preceding year to implement sections 255 and 255A, including—</text> <clause id="H77BD441ED7ED49759CBD70967057694B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>information about the company’s efforts to consult with people with disabilities;</text> </clause><clause id="HA9E9C21313D9453FBE95AA726E1D80D0"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>descriptions of the accessibility features of its products and services; and</text> </clause><clause id="H6AD1473F7D6A4CE7907EA9373A4CD19"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>information about the compatibility of their products and services with peripheral devices or specialized customer premise equipment commonly used by people with disabilities to achieve access; and</text> </clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA4582181CBFB447EA8AA9516BB9C21F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>maintain, in the ordinary course of business, records of the efforts taken by such manufacturer or provider to implement sections 255 and 255A.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HEFD3458745D14C0A99006D6B1C951C66"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Reports to Congress</header><text>Every two years after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, the Commission shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives that assesses the level of compliance with section 255 or 255A and evaluates the extent to which any accessibility barriers still exist with respect to new technologies. Such report shall include—</text> <paragraph id="H5AA1AC83A20A4DD9A59269CA625A400"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the number and nature of complaints received pursuant to <internal-xref idref="HDDD1CFA3B2194DB3BA0021C8CA473802" legis-path="255B.(a)">subsection (a)</internal-xref> during the two years that are the subject of the report;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H5E6593C5A34443ACBFC5210854A23EAA"><enum>(2)</enum><text>actions taken to resolve such complaints under this section, including cease and desist orders issued and forfeiture penalties assessed; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H1A24D97AA0D94DB8BAB550997692D4DA"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the length of time that was taken by the Commission to resolve each such complaint.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H8C814D4B8816465F8610C87FD537DBF3"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Clearinghouse</header><text>The Commission shall, in coordination with the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, establish a clearinghouse of information on the availability of accessible products and services and accessibility solutions required under sections 255 and 255A. Such information shall be made publicly available on the Commission’s website and by other means, and shall include an annually updated list of products and services with access features.</text> </subsection><subsection id="HB553022574E54B33B0A8453EB11D6455"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Outreach and education</header><text>Within one year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, the Commission, in coordination with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, shall conduct an informational and educational program designed to inform the public about the availability of the clearinghouse, and the protections and remedies available under sections 255 and 255A.</text> </subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subsection><subsection id="H8BC44AAB6F7443BD8D63211608B533C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Conforming Amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 255(a) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/255">47 U.S.C. 255(a)</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD035178BA099423A91FE9668427FD602" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="H3EC8D463A4BB4961A6BCF224DEA72BF6"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Text messages</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The transmission and receipt of text messages sent by radio to and from mobile wireless devices (made available through short message service or similar means) are telecommunications services for purposes of this section and the enforcement of this section under section 255B.</text> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subsection></section><section id="H2D823FBCED48492FA0F103A745801EFE"><enum>105.</enum><header>Universal service</header> <subsection id="H9CE1430ABDE44627A95BF54719FE0890"><enum>(a)</enum><header> Consumers with disabilities</header><text>Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H50483812484B4200B6F4B41DB2894A7"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in subsection (b)—</text> <subparagraph id="HFA79107FD2E7482681DBA5C200AD09B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC32C1EBC7F174BFCAB68F2FB987E4553"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD375C391B1984A98872CC9B250003110" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="HE71547CBDA3D467B97FB124D62B76111"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Access by consumers with disabilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Consumers with disabilities should have access to telecommunications services and IP-enabled communication services, including interexchange services and advanced telecommunications and information services.</text> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HAF30B30C2D7E4F8F8142E7A81C343D23"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD5A89419D47947808495864FAE87B300" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="HC40FAB097FDA429EB1CB516568F3BA51"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Individuals with disabilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding subsection (j), the Commission shall, in order to implement the principle established in subsection (b)(7), designate as services supported by Lifeline and Link Up assistance programs and other Federal universal service support mechanisms those telecommunications services and IP-enabled communication services that are needed by individuals with disabilities to engage in communication with one or more other individuals in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of individuals without disabilities to engage in such communication.</text> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H66BD8D2306E041068D208EFBD9C20034"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Allocation of USF for services for individuals with disabilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/254">47 U.S.C. 254</external-xref>) is further amended—</text> <paragraph id="H374951456FA047C0B66D4542CE61D178"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by redesignating subsections (i) through (l) as subsections (j) through (m), respectively; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H1CAC50CE5E1F4FB4A94CA73E501BA44D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by inserting after subsection (h) the following new subsection:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDA42CD9047244FB09B296CD81610D61" style="OLC"> <subsection id="HB6619BD4BF6B49BC9C131F2FBB05571D"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Individuals who are deaf-blind</header> <paragraph id="HE6066F9B9B874A980082A0BEC3E70752"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Within 6 months after the date of the enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, the Commission shall establish rules that define as eligible for universal service support those programs that are certified by a State commission or approved by the Commission for the distribution of specialized customer premises equipment designed to make telecommunications service and IP-enabled communication service, including interexchange services and advanced telecommunications and information services, accessible by individuals who are deaf-blind.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H65ACEF0EF26E423F8E565786F4024501"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>For the purposes of this subsection, the term <term>individuals who are deaf-blind</term> has the same meaning given such term in the Helen Keller National Center Act, as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/29/1905">29 U.S.C. 1905(2)</external-xref>).</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H10C069239A15463580A547DEFB7BF416"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Annual amount</header><text>The total amount of universal service support that may be obligated or expended under this subsection for any fiscal year may not exceed $10,000,000.</text> </paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H855C74C05B254E3991609D993700042E"><enum>106.</enum><header>Emergency access and real-time text support</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/201">47 U.S.C. 201 et seq.</external-xref>) is further amended by inserting after section 255B (as added by section 104 of this Act) the following new section:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3667C6DBD4294795A9B8D2DE5ECD2592" style="OLC"> <section id="HB704138326B944A4AAB5B7F2D01CF392"><enum>255C.</enum><header>Emergency access and real-time text support</header> <subsection id="H862E5E7205174E16A1E88580003CB169"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Duty of providers of IP-enabled communication service</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In order to ensure equal access to emergency services by individuals with disabilities, as part of the migration to a national Internet Protocol-enabled emergency network, it shall be the duty of every IP-enabled communication service provider to ensure seamless real-time text communication between and among interconnected VoIP services, IP-enabled communication services, and telecommunications services.</text> </subsection><subsection id="H88AD242921954A85915109A5C6B3A2CA"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Regulations</header><text>Within one year after the date of enactment of the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008, the Commission shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to implement this section. In prescribing the regulations, the Commission shall—</text> <paragraph id="HA485C5AE08D34B28AD77337DA55634EA"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">require that all IP-enabled communications services support a single real-time text standard, so that real-time text communication formats used on the networks of each provider of interconnected VoIP services, IP-enabled communication services, and telecommunications services will interoperate with every other such network and with gateways to the public switched network;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H43ECDA5297D844B9AB62D247FF618BD"><enum>(2)</enum><text>require that—</text> <subparagraph id="H83EC081B62204F528F052E2BF4468A7"><enum>(A)</enum><text>all providers of IP-enabled communication service that are required to be in compliance with this section shall transmit real-time text communication formats as text data, not audio tones; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE7231C5EA8164823B16B03015B018DA5"><enum>(B)</enum><text>such transmission shall have less than one percent character error in order to ensure accurate transmission; and</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HD9C18EF4D39C4E0F99750009BB44DD0"><enum>(3)</enum><text>establish deadlines by which providers of IP-enabled communication service shall comply with the requirements under <internal-xref idref="HA485C5AE08D34B28AD77337DA55634EA" legis-path="255C.(b)(1)">paragraphs (1)</internal-xref> and <internal-xref idref="H43ECDA5297D844B9AB62D247FF618BD" legis-path="255C.(b)(2)">(2)</internal-xref></text> </paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </section>

110 HR 6320 IH: Twenty-first Century Communications and Video U.S. House of Representatives 2008-06-19 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

Short title; Table of contents

(a)

Short title

This Act may be cited as the

Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008

. (b)

Table of contents

Sec. 1. Short title; Table of contents.

Title I—Communications Access

Sec. 101. Definitions.

Sec. 102. Hearing aid compatibility.

Sec. 103. Relay services.

Sec. 104. Access to Internet-based services and equipment.

Sec. 255A. Access to Internet-based services and equipment.

Sec. 255B. Enforcement and reporting obligations.

Sec. 105. Universal service.

Sec. 106. Emergency access and real-time text support.

Sec. 255C. Emergency access and real-time text support.

Title II—Video programming

Sec. 201. Commission inquiry on closed captioning decoder and video description capability, user interfaces, and video programming guides and menus.

Sec. 202. Closed captioning decoder and video description capability.

Sec. 203. Video description and closed captioning.

Sec. 204. User interfaces regulations.

Sec. 205. Access to video programming guides and menus.

<enum>I</enum><header>Communications Access</header> <section commented="no" id="HCDD0B839C40844FFAA58480965B92D66"><enum>101.</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/153">47 U.S.C. 153</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph commented="no" id="H6669B3D4CCEF4180BA00B09168C024F9"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by adding at the end the following new paragraphs:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H976DDC5CD7EF4BCDB9E900B244AA561" style="OLC"> <paragraph commented="no" id="H356F2E95543C4A2681341C72A9698F69"><enum>(53)</enum><header>Disability</header><text>The term <term>disability</term> has the meaning given such term under section 3(2)(A) of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/42/12102">42 U.S.C. 12102(2)(A)</external-xref>), as such section may be amended from time to time.</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H60CA6213E7164E6786006B66731600DC"><enum>(54)</enum><header>Interconnected VoIP service</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>interconnected VoIP service</term> has the meaning given such term by section 9.3 of the Commission’s rules (47 CFR 9.3).</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H32DE167CED544B179512C24C5305001F"><enum>(55)</enum><header>IP-enabled communication service</header> <subparagraph id="HB84DD434990748C5B130D54F863B032E"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The term <term>IP-enabled communication service</term> means a transmission service between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user’s choosing, using the Internet protocol (or a successor protocol) if such transmission is for the purpose of enabling bilateral or multilateral voice, text, or video communication, utilization of interactive voice response or voice mail systems, or other similar communications-based applications, and uses—</text> <clause id="H75C5F9B44378447388E11429002E7B05"><enum>(i)</enum><text>an Internet connection from the user’s location; and</text> </clause><clause id="H47C8ABA168BF4BA9942847A2C165F01B"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>customer premises equipment that is compatible with the Internet protocol (or a successor protocol).</text> </clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H8C38A107F0164CEEA352DF6DD001EB8"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such term includes any service that is an interconnected VoIP service.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H21C53CC3E1E840FC948819890818D4B5"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by reordering paragraphs (1) through (52) and the paragraphs added by paragraph (1) of this section in alphabetical order based on the headings of such paragraphs, and renumbering such paragraphs as so reordered.</text> </paragraph></section><section id="H0899B8CAFE8C4AE8B441A8CC3EC8BFFD"><enum>102.</enum><header>Hearing aid compatibility</header> <subsection id="HF29F81C4AF9B49369800ACAA5DA1598F"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 710(b)(1) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/610">47 U.S.C. 610(b)(1)</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H24C7853234674668B03CDDE031E2B16"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking <quote>and</quote> at the end of subparagraph (A);</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H5AEEC034867A489D994707D91C2E00A7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by inserting <quote>and</quote> after the comma at the end of subparagraph (B); and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H13AEBC57A2194C5C8033BBA9D033B71"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following new subparagraph:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HA688ECE5E8AC4A078400FBE3C3AE6C86" style="OLC"> <subparagraph id="H00D3D5CCCB9E4937B341F448E47BE9B" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>all customer premises equipment used to provide an IP-enabled communication service that provides voice communication via a built-in speaker (typically held to the ear) and that are manufactured in the United States (other than for export) more than one year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, or are shipped in interstate commerce in the United States more than one year after such date,</text> </subparagraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="HCDDFD8598EEB433AB2F9813E3381B18"><enum>103.</enum><header>Relay services</header> <subsection id="HEE9CB1F302B54884BB83A3029400A504"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definition</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Paragraph (3) of section 225(a) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/225">47 U.S.C. 225(a)(3)</external-xref>) is amended to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5C248D19A3254AA1AAF71D7CE0863A1" style="OLC"> <paragraph display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HEE7F01956A6548808D00CE3BB8406596"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Telecommunications relay services</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>telecommunications relay services</term> means telephone transmission that provides the ability for an individual who is deaf or hard of hearing or who has a speech disability to engage in communication by wire or radio with one or more individuals, in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of a hearing individual who does not have a speech disability to communicate using voice communication services by wire or radio.</text> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subsection><subsection id="H3F5E84ACDFEE47D0ABEA979CCC0BFAC"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Services</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 225 of such Act is further amended—</text> <paragraph id="H7A69A29122B849B9B3B2F4C200CAC15"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by inserting <quote><header-in-text level="subsection" style="OLC">by Common Carriers</header-in-text></quote> after <quote><header-in-text level="subsection" style="OLC">Provision of Services</header-in-text></quote> in the heading of subsection (c);</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H0D6236F7E78440E580E9B67773E5BE3F"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by redesignating subsections (e), (f), and (g) as subsections (f), (g), and (h), respectively;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HF3B676E4363E4FBFAF96CCEEAE086729"><enum>(3)</enum><text>by inserting after subsection (d) the following new subsection:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HFA264E3978BC4F68943800BEF8915B62" style="OLC"> <subsection id="H9485AD51616D4584A7D9251EF0B000FD"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Services</header><text>Within one year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, each interconnected VoIP service provider and each provider of voice communications using an IP-enabled communication service shall participate in and contribute to the Telecommunications Relay Services Fund established in section 64.404(c)(5)(iii) of the Commission’s regulations (47 CFR 64.404(c)(5)(iii)), as in effect on the date of enactment of such Act, in a manner prescribed by the Commission by regulation to provide for obligations of such providers that are consistent with and comparable to the obligations of other contributors to such Fund.</text> </subsection><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </paragraph><paragraph id="HDA0433035F7A4CE38EE734EF783C669D"><enum>(4)</enum><text>in subsection (f)(1) (as redesignated by paragraph (2) of this subsection), by striking <quote>subsections (f) and (g)</quote> and inserting <quote>subsections (g) and (h)</quote>;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HE2444FD6036B47A58C2D2E3F2B23FF7"><enum>(5)</enum><text>in subsections (h)(1) and (h)(2)(B) (as so redesignated), by striking <quote>subsection (f)</quote> each place it appears and inserting <quote>subsection (g)</quote>.</text> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H4F98F030198A48C9A2C55D0075BCAA58"><enum>104.</enum><header>Access to Internet-based services and equipment</header> <subsection id="HF260466259A34AF7BEB600BC33B71E5"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/201">47 U.S.C. 201 et seq.</external-xref>) is amended by inserting after section 255 the following new sections:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HBE80D9B1FFA8483DA273C5204E091323" style="OLC"> <section id="HA000D5B75AD248B097316CC3A1246348"><enum>255A.</enum><header>Access to Internet-based services and equipment</header> <subsection id="HD1B19183550E47B9A140DF1880EADC70"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Manufacturing</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A manufacturer of equipment used for IP-enabled communication services, including end user equipment, network equipment, and software, shall ensure that the equipment is designed, developed, and fabricated to be accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless the requirement of this subsection would result in an undue burden.</text> </subsection><subsection id="HDD36992A9C324EA6BB2C41A310681ED7"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Service providers</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">A provider of IP-enabled communication service shall ensure that its service is accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities, unless the requirement of this subsection would result in an undue burden.</text> </subsection><subsection id="H3C2C8A6B7591431895DA27A4081C2340"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Compatibility</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Whenever the requirements of <internal-xref idref="HD1B19183550E47B9A140DF1880EADC70" legis-path="255A.(a)">subsections (a)</internal-xref> and <internal-xref idref="HDD36992A9C324EA6BB2C41A310681ED7" legis-path="255A.(b)">(b)</internal-xref> constitute an undue burden, such manufacturer or provider shall ensure that the equipment or service is compatible with existing peripheral devices or specialized customer premises equipment commonly used by individuals with disabilities to achieve access, unless the requirement of this subsection would result in an undue burden.</text> </subsection><subsection id="HD5EDFD79EE9340E59000F8B73DCCE754"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Network features, functions, and capabilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each provider of IP-enabled communication service has the duty not to install network features, functions, or capabilities that do not comply with the regulations established pursuant to this section.</text> </subsection><subsection id="H909DB042625641AF836236E1D9F257C7"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Regulations</header><text>Within one year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, the Commission shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to implement this section. In prescribing the regulations, the Commission shall—</text> <paragraph id="H84178AE05643443BB7C7EDFEF3220038"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">include standards to ensure the accessibility, usability, and compatibility of IP-enabled communication services and the equipment used for such services by individuals with disabilities; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H87AAC9DBC86947F0984D17AB20C29523"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">provide that IP-enabled communication services, the equipment used for such services, and IP-enabled communication service networks may not impair or impede the accessibility of information content when accessibility has been incorporated into that content for transmission through IP-enabled communication services, equipment, or networks.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection commented="no" id="H6F43D6B3D5B94913BAD62E00784CA766"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Remedies</header><text>The limitations on actions in section 255(f) shall not apply to this section.</text> </subsection><subsection id="HCC14ECD0EC8547C884291C7D86F9A1D6"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>For purposes of this section, the term <term>undue burden</term> means significant difficulty or expense. In determining whether the requirements of any provision of this section would result in an undue burden, the factors to be considered include—</text> <paragraph id="H38BAB6E8E7294394A3208000641984CC"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the nature and cost of the steps required for the manufacturer or provider;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HC0A9402F116048F597C8DF4BEDACE65"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the impact on the operation of the manufacturer or provider;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HE7687DA9C8924B9E8BA6BE637AD2FB4"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the financial resources of the manufacturer or provider; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H12609C758F754C4289E955CA2DC0066"><enum>(4)</enum><text>the type of operations of the manufacturer or provider.</text> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H0B88D2AAE7B94C168F2790395F892B70"><enum>255B.</enum><header>Enforcement and reporting obligations</header> <subsection id="HDDD1CFA3B2194DB3BA0021C8CA473802"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Complaint and Enforcement Procedures</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Within one year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, the Commission shall establish regulations that facilitate the filing of complaints that allege a violation of section 255 or 255A, establish procedures for enforcement actions by the Commission with respect to such violations, and create reporting obligations for manufacturers and providers subject to such sections. Such regulations shall include the following provisions:</text> <paragraph id="HBADC47102A1543F2B175EA64AB18000"><enum>(1)</enum><header>No fee</header><text>The Commission shall not charge any fee to an individual who files a complaint alleging a violation of section 255 or 255A.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H7DA7EB45B6044315B8B04EB6FCB97CC2"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Receipt of complaints</header><text>The Commission shall establish separate and identifiable electronic, telephonic, and physical receptacles for the receipt of complaints filed under section 255 or 255A.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H89F3B19335CF4C098DBE78F33101DB4"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Complaints to the Commission</header><text>Any person alleging a violation of section 255 or 255A by a manufacturer of equipment or provider of service subject to such sections may file a complaint with the Commission. The Commission shall investigate the allegations in such complaint and issue a final order concluding the investigation within 90 days of the date on which such complaint was filed with the Commission, unless such complaint is resolved before such time. The Commission may consolidate for investigation and resolution complaints alleging substantially the same violation by the same manufacturer or provider. Such final order shall include a determination as to whether any violation has occurred and, if the Commission determines that a violation has occurred, address the manner in which the manufacturer or service provider will achieve accessibility, compatibility, or usability required by section 255 or 255A. If a determination is made that a violation has occurred but the accessibility feature requested is not readily achievable under section 255 or will create an undue burden under section 255A, the Commission shall provide the basis for such determination.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H8E35C92237C4426AA7B9BBF0D176582F"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Cease and desist orders</header><text>If the Commission’s investigation pursuant to <internal-xref idref="H89F3B19335CF4C098DBE78F33101DB4" legis-path="255B.(a)(3)">paragraph (3)</internal-xref> determines that a manufacturer of equipment or provider of service is engaged in an act prohibited by section 255 or 255A, or is failing to perform any act required by section 255 or 255A, the Commission shall order such manufacturer or provider to cease from violating such section.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="HAEFA9C89494C4F91A7CC128D0060F27F"><enum>(5)</enum><header>Forfeiture penalties</header><text>A manufacturer of equipment or provider of service subject to the requirements of section 255 or 255A shall be subject under section 503 to a civil penalty for violation of section 255 or 255A in an amount determined under section 503(b)(2)(B).</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H5B089123F4024D55B08F52CC19B8D9A8"><enum>(6)</enum><header>Reporting</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Each manufacturer of equipment used for IP-enabled communication services and each provider of IP-enabled communication service shall—</text> <subparagraph id="H37B26B4722764F6F86E99EC91203FAAA"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">file a report with the Commission, on an annual basis, that describes the steps that have been taken by such manufacturer or provider during the preceding year to implement sections 255 and 255A, including—</text> <clause id="H77BD441ED7ED49759CBD70967057694B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>information about the company’s efforts to consult with people with disabilities;</text> </clause><clause id="HA9E9C21313D9453FBE95AA726E1D80D0"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>descriptions of the accessibility features of its products and services; and</text> </clause><clause id="H6AD1473F7D6A4CE7907EA9373A4CD19"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>information about the compatibility of their products and services with peripheral devices or specialized customer premise equipment commonly used by people with disabilities to achieve access; and</text> </clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA4582181CBFB447EA8AA9516BB9C21F"><enum>(B)</enum><text>maintain, in the ordinary course of business, records of the efforts taken by such manufacturer or provider to implement sections 255 and 255A.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HEFD3458745D14C0A99006D6B1C951C66"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Reports to Congress</header><text>Every two years after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, the Commission shall submit a report to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives that assesses the level of compliance with section 255 or 255A and evaluates the extent to which any accessibility barriers still exist with respect to new technologies. Such report shall include—</text> <paragraph id="H5AA1AC83A20A4DD9A59269CA625A400"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">the number and nature of complaints received pursuant to <internal-xref idref="HDDD1CFA3B2194DB3BA0021C8CA473802" legis-path="255B.(a)">subsection (a)</internal-xref> during the two years that are the subject of the report;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H5E6593C5A34443ACBFC5210854A23EAA"><enum>(2)</enum><text>actions taken to resolve such complaints under this section, including cease and desist orders issued and forfeiture penalties assessed; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H1A24D97AA0D94DB8BAB550997692D4DA"><enum>(3)</enum><text>the length of time that was taken by the Commission to resolve each such complaint.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H8C814D4B8816465F8610C87FD537DBF3"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Clearinghouse</header><text>The Commission shall, in coordination with the Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board and the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, establish a clearinghouse of information on the availability of accessible products and services and accessibility solutions required under sections 255 and 255A. Such information shall be made publicly available on the Commission’s website and by other means, and shall include an annually updated list of products and services with access features.</text> </subsection><subsection id="HB553022574E54B33B0A8453EB11D6455"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Outreach and education</header><text>Within one year after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, the Commission, in coordination with the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, shall conduct an informational and educational program designed to inform the public about the availability of the clearinghouse, and the protections and remedies available under sections 255 and 255A.</text> </subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subsection><subsection id="H8BC44AAB6F7443BD8D63211608B533C"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Conforming Amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 255(a) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/255">47 U.S.C. 255(a)</external-xref>) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD035178BA099423A91FE9668427FD602" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="H3EC8D463A4BB4961A6BCF224DEA72BF6"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Text messages</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The transmission and receipt of text messages sent by radio to and from mobile wireless devices (made available through short message service or similar means) are telecommunications services for purposes of this section and the enforcement of this section under section 255B.</text> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subsection></section><section id="H2D823FBCED48492FA0F103A745801EFE"><enum>105.</enum><header>Universal service</header> <subsection id="H9CE1430ABDE44627A95BF54719FE0890"><enum>(a)</enum><header> Consumers with disabilities</header><text>Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H50483812484B4200B6F4B41DB2894A7"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in subsection (b)—</text> <subparagraph id="HFA79107FD2E7482681DBA5C200AD09B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (8); and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HC32C1EBC7F174BFCAB68F2FB987E4553"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by inserting after paragraph (6) the following new paragraph:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD375C391B1984A98872CC9B250003110" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="HE71547CBDA3D467B97FB124D62B76111"><enum>(7)</enum><header>Access by consumers with disabilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Consumers with disabilities should have access to telecommunications services and IP-enabled communication services, including interexchange services and advanced telecommunications and information services.</text> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>; and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HAF30B30C2D7E4F8F8142E7A81C343D23"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in subsection (c), by adding at the end the following new paragraph:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD5A89419D47947808495864FAE87B300" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="HC40FAB097FDA429EB1CB516568F3BA51"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Individuals with disabilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Notwithstanding subsection (j), the Commission shall, in order to implement the principle established in subsection (b)(7), designate as services supported by Lifeline and Link Up assistance programs and other Federal universal service support mechanisms those telecommunications services and IP-enabled communication services that are needed by individuals with disabilities to engage in communication with one or more other individuals in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of individuals without disabilities to engage in such communication.</text> </paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="H66BD8D2306E041068D208EFBD9C20034"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Allocation of USF for services for individuals with disabilities</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/254">47 U.S.C. 254</external-xref>) is further amended—</text> <paragraph id="H374951456FA047C0B66D4542CE61D178"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by redesignating subsections (i) through (l) as subsections (j) through (m), respectively; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H1CAC50CE5E1F4FB4A94CA73E501BA44D"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by inserting after subsection (h) the following new subsection:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HDA42CD9047244FB09B296CD81610D61" style="OLC"> <subsection id="HB6619BD4BF6B49BC9C131F2FBB05571D"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Individuals who are deaf-blind</header> <paragraph id="HE6066F9B9B874A980082A0BEC3E70752"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Within 6 months after the date of the enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>, the Commission shall establish rules that define as eligible for universal service support those programs that are certified by a State commission or approved by the Commission for the distribution of specialized customer premises equipment designed to make telecommunications service and IP-enabled communication service, including interexchange services and advanced telecommunications and information services, accessible by individuals who are deaf-blind.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H65ACEF0EF26E423F8E565786F4024501"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>For the purposes of this subsection, the term <term>individuals who are deaf-blind</term> has the same meaning given such term in the Helen Keller National Center Act, as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/29/1905">29 U.S.C. 1905(2)</external-xref>).</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H10C069239A15463580A547DEFB7BF416"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Annual amount</header><text>The total amount of universal service support that may be obligated or expended under this subsection for any fiscal year may not exceed $10,000,000.</text> </paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H855C74C05B254E3991609D993700042E"><enum>106.</enum><header>Emergency access and real-time text support</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Title II of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/201">47 U.S.C. 201 et seq.</external-xref>) is further amended by inserting after section 255B (as added by section 104 of this Act) the following new section:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H3667C6DBD4294795A9B8D2DE5ECD2592" style="OLC"> <section id="HB704138326B944A4AAB5B7F2D01CF392"><enum>255C.</enum><header>Emergency access and real-time text support</header> <subsection id="H862E5E7205174E16A1E88580003CB169"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Duty of providers of IP-enabled communication service</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">In order to ensure equal access to emergency services by individuals with disabilities, as part of the migration to a national Internet Protocol-enabled emergency network, it shall be the duty of every IP-enabled communication service provider to ensure seamless real-time text communication between and among interconnected VoIP services, IP-enabled communication services, and telecommunications services.</text> </subsection><subsection id="H88AD242921954A85915109A5C6B3A2CA"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Regulations</header><text>Within one year after the date of enactment of the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008, the Commission shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to implement this section. In prescribing the regulations, the Commission shall—</text> <paragraph id="HA485C5AE08D34B28AD77337DA55634EA"><enum>(1)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">require that all IP-enabled communications services support a single real-time text standard, so that real-time text communication formats used on the networks of each provider of interconnected VoIP services, IP-enabled communication services, and telecommunications services will interoperate with every other such network and with gateways to the public switched network;</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H43ECDA5297D844B9AB62D247FF618BD"><enum>(2)</enum><text>require that—</text> <subparagraph id="H83EC081B62204F528F052E2BF4468A7"><enum>(A)</enum><text>all providers of IP-enabled communication service that are required to be in compliance with this section shall transmit real-time text communication formats as text data, not audio tones; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE7231C5EA8164823B16B03015B018DA5"><enum>(B)</enum><text>such transmission shall have less than one percent character error in order to ensure accurate transmission; and</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HD9C18EF4D39C4E0F99750009BB44DD0"><enum>(3)</enum><text>establish deadlines by which providers of IP-enabled communication service shall comply with the requirements under <internal-xref idref="HA485C5AE08D34B28AD77337DA55634EA" legis-path="255C.(b)(1)">paragraphs (1)</internal-xref> and <internal-xref idref="H43ECDA5297D844B9AB62D247FF618BD" legis-path="255C.(b)(2)">(2)</internal-xref></text> </paragraph></subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </section><enum>II</enum><header>Video programming</header> <section id="HC958996AA4BB4EFC8CC496434654264D"><enum>201.</enum><header>Commission inquiry on closed captioning decoder and video description capability, user interfaces, and video programming guides and menus</header> <subsection id="H7B4DBE6561274AE686311FB44B622831"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Inquiry required</header><text>Within 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission shall complete an inquiry on the following subjects:</text> <paragraph id="H1D95B6E9C6ED4F3A83835DB6ED23041E"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Closed-captioning decoder and video description capability</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to closed captioning decoder and video description capability, the Commission shall—</text> <subparagraph id="H978AEFBE66A7466CA109EB7D4D98FDEC"><enum>(A)</enum><text>identify—</text> <clause id="H98783E8C7E2A4B4080FE7E6B7D2E4B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the formats and software commonly used by video programming providers or owners for exhibition on new technologies, including those used by IP-enabled communication services and digital wireless services; and</text> </clause><clause id="HB02B8780BF1A45C8A9E06231A5BB74DB"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the related technical issues associated with the implementation of closed captioning and video description by means of such new technologies;</text> </clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HBDED07A2E6CB4BA6AA8E594C14BCFA"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identify the technical standards, protocols, and procedures needed for the transmission of closed captioning and video description by means of IP-enabled communication service and digital wireless services and equipment; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE9518E06C51B4A408F002300FDFBDE55"><enum>(C)</enum><text>identify—</text> <clause id="HC920F5BE51EA4C4586D6DDF2E5A6C9B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>technical standards, protocols, and procedures to enable video programming providers and owners to transmit emergency information in a manner that is accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired; and</text> </clause><clause id="HBF381761A71B468FAB54C8C2DE64D702"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the persons or parties obligated to create, receive, and transmit such emergency information in accordance with such standards, protocols, and procedures.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H9C372262E5874B0FBD8E37E65E92C300"><enum>(2)</enum><header>User interfaces</header><text>With respect to user interfaces, the Commission shall—</text> <subparagraph commented="no" id="H753F316964114BED8CB9789FD43777EB"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identify the technical standards, protocols, and procedures needed to enable apparatus designed to receive or display video programming transmitted simultaneously with sound (including apparatus designed to receive or display video programming transmitted by means of IP-enabled communication services) to be capable of making its apparatus functions, including the receipt, display, navigation, or selection of video programming (and any other functions shared by, related to, or necessary to access such apparatus functions), accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HA52F31A2370E40E08F3ED539921FF141"><enum>(B)</enum><text>identify the technical standards, protocols, and procedures needed to enable on-screen text menus and other visual indicators used to access the functions described in <internal-xref idref="H753F316964114BED8CB9789FD43777EB" legis-path="201.(a)(2)(A)">subparagraph (A)</internal-xref> to be accompanied by audio output so that such menus or indicators are accessible to and usable by individuals who are blind or visually impaired.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HA30D4F2BA0E545799D84C966B0FF2835"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Video programming guides and menus</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">With respect to video programming guides and menus, the Commission shall identify the technical standards, protocols, and procedures needed to enable video programming information and selection provided by means of a navigational device, guide, or menu to be accessible in real-time by individuals with disabilities who are unable to read the visual display.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HC72B9A561A6141BD80BB8811F9E16BC"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Report on inquiry</header><text>Within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the Congress a report on the results of such inquiry.</text> </subsection><subsection id="H8F101DECD2834263B528109118F88472"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>For purposes of this section—</text> <paragraph id="HA9E81C54DDC5435C9416BA69503C5362"><enum>(1)</enum><text>the term <term>IP-enabled communication service</term> has the meaning provided in section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/153">47 U.S.C. 153</external-xref>); and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H767F84DA3D014CD59C97208DEEDBE800"><enum>(2)</enum><text>the terms <term>video description</term> and <term>video programming</term> have the meanings provided by section 713(g) of such Act (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/613">47 U.S.C. 613(g)</external-xref>).</text> </paragraph></subsection></section><section id="H289E9D3657DA4E0493B9A0686020BDA9"><enum>202.</enum><header>Closed captioning decoder and video description capability</header> <subsection id="H4B00F0B825D3494C98ED26CBF6EBC2B"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Authority To regulate</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 303(u) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/303">47 U.S.C. 303(u)</external-xref>) is amended to read as follows:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="HD30EDEE3096640D0B3CD3FD886632FBD" style="OLC"> <subsection id="HD8D81B369EC3411390949F18BF05B044"><enum>(u)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Require that every apparatus designed to receive or display video programming (as such term is defined in section 713(g)) transmitted simultaneously with sound, including apparatus designed to receive or display video programming transmitted by means of IP-enabled communication services, that are shipped in interstate commerce or manufactured in the United States—</text> <paragraph id="HA4ABF7F43EAE4AD3AEDB72A9009C512B"><enum>(1)</enum><text>be equipped with built-in closed caption decoding capability designed to display closed-captioned video programming;</text> </paragraph><paragraph commented="no" id="H8F9DD58D81C44FE3BC5E88B9CCA657D0"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">have sufficient capacity to make available the transmission and delivery of video description services as required by section 713(f); and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H465BABA9E8BF46D5ACE1A1659D0018A6"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">have the capability to convey emergency information (as that term is defined in section 79.2 of the Commission’s regulations (47 CFR 79.2)), including Emergency Alert System messages, in a manner that is accessible to individuals who are blind or visually-impaired.</text> </paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subsection><subsection id="HA22F6B793ADF4BDCA30006C3E2959753"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Shipment in Commerce</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 330(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/330">47 U.S.C. 330</external-xref>) is amended—</text> <paragraph id="H80F77B3128014519B77763D4F13EB8F0"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking the second sentence and inserting the following: <quote>Such rules shall provide performance and display standards for such built-in decoder circuitry, the transmission and delivery of video description (as such term is defined in section 713(g)) services over technologies that are based in digital signals, IP-enabled communication services, wireless devices, or other methods, and the transmission of closed captioning over technologies that are based in IP-enabled communication services, wireless devices, or other technologies.</quote>; and</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H4621AB6B344B4A79BCE2D51E1B2FE5D2"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in the fourth sentence, by inserting <quote>and video description service</quote> after <quote>closed-captioning service</quote>.</text> </paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HC36E61003EB24A71A6A7B7A3493B81B9"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Implementing Regulations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to implement, and are technically feasible for implementing, the amendments made by <internal-xref idref="H4B00F0B825D3494C98ED26CBF6EBC2B" legis-path="202.(a)">subsections (a)</internal-xref> and <internal-xref idref="HA22F6B793ADF4BDCA30006C3E2959753" legis-path="202.(b)">(b)</internal-xref>.</text> </subsection></section><section id="HF736B01968694765831E862050558392"><enum>203.</enum><header>Video description and closed captioning</header> <subsection id="HE1595F3DDADD429FB7B66C004B1CA3C"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Video description</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 713 of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/613">47 U.S.C. 613</external-xref>) is amended by striking subsections (f) and (g) and inserting the following:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H8FF84B453B24446B97DBD6666429BD0" style="OLC"> <subsection id="H7672CD8284E94D969DE000B4BD000000"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Video description</header> <paragraph id="H0BB4B96AC4B54E828377E39B3F19B4D6"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Reinstatement of rules</header><text>The video description regulations of the Commission contained in the report and order identified as Implementation of Video Description of Video Programming, Report and Order (15 F.C.C.R. 15.230 (2000)), shall—</text> <subparagraph id="H4218D2C58EAF436AA54C52BC00266500"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be considered to be in full force and effect and ratified by law; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H0F14EBAEE13C4713975B5941F2004C5E"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">apply to video programming (as such term is defined in subsection (g)) that is first published or exhibited after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008</short-title>.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H2F6882D86F9E410E82E0365FBDAD2D31"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Continuing authority of the Commission</header><text>The Commission—</text> <subparagraph id="H8574832218FA48FE93ED5FCC44E41B9B"><enum>(A)</enum><text>shall, within 45 days after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008—</short-title></text> <clause id="HF609DA524B55490DAB82241919FE6F4B"><enum>(i)</enum><text>publish its video description regulations contained in the report and order identified as Implementation of Video Description of Video Programming, Report and Order (15 F.C.C.R. 15,230 (2000)); and</text> </clause><clause id="H64702C887A414B0FA69334F460E8555F"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">apply the requirements of such report and order to video programming (as such term is defined in subsection (g));</text> </clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="H5FBA7DAC2B2D41DABC9F83D07E1B1DCC"><enum>(B)</enum><text>shall initiate a proceeding, to be completed within 18 months after such date of enactment, to—</text> <clause id="H81FDF1D2B748461DB7D6E9905D007BF5"><enum>(i)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">identify methods to convey emergency information (as that term is defined in section 79.2 of the Commission’s regulations (47 CFR 79.2)) in a manner accessible to individuals who are blind or visually-impaired; and</text> </clause><clause id="H00A41ECF703B4B078370FF969969A327"><enum>(ii)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">promulgate regulations that require video programming distributors (as that term is defined in section 79.1 of the Commission’s regulations (47 CFR 79.1)) to convey such emergency information in a manner accessible to individuals who are blind or visually-impaired, consistent with the requirements of such section of such regulations; and</text> </clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="HCBDA1089CDCA48DEB018068908E41241"><enum>(C)</enum><text>shall promulgate any other regulation that the Commission may find necessary to implement, enforce, or otherwise carry out the provisions of this section, including regulations to increase the amount of video description required to achieve full access to video programming for individuals who are blind or visually-impaired.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="H9BCB5F0679F84A9FB19036EF7CFFA2ED"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Requirements for rules</header> <subparagraph id="H8984479DD03E4D0A8273F0C395702B70"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Such regulations shall include an appropriate schedule of deadlines for the provision of video description of video programming.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HD36C0F3288AD461C8D257EAE8E6B9F32"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Such regulations may permit a provider of video programming or program owner to petition the Commission for an exemption from the requirements of this section upon a showing that the requirements contained in this section would result in an undue burden (as defined in subsection (e)). A provider shall be exempt from such requirements only after the Commission decides to grant any such petition.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="HE81E6067562945BB96C60000E8554B4"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The Commission may exempt from the regulations established pursuant to <internal-xref idref="HCBDA1089CDCA48DEB018068908E41241" legis-path="(f)(2)(C)">paragraph (2)(C)</internal-xref> services, classes of services, programs, classes of programs, equipment, or classes of equipment for which the Commission has determined that the application of such regulations would be economically burdensome to the providers of such services.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="HE265B2A0D951406595786E51CEA7A584"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>For purposes of this section:</text> <paragraph id="H084A1DCFFE744A31BB1D241DBBE24ED8"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Video description</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>video description</term> means the insertion of audio narrated descriptions of the video programming’s key visual elements into natural pauses between the program's dialogue.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H28BEC13E72BA4700007BBD9B008EAA22"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Video programming</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">The term <term>video programming</term> means programming provided by, or generally considered comparable to programming provided by, a television broadcast station, even if such programming is distributed over the Internet or by some other means.</text> </paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subsection><subsection id="HA8B6BDBD31284B15A0B005DF37B65B"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Closed captioning on video programming distributed over the Internet</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 713 of such Act is further amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the following:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H5E203EC5B82848B8B08B0048BAAF524D" style="OLC"> <subsection id="HFD920ECFDF5343C7B8E6CF6C1E4B19F8"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Deadlines for captioning</header> <paragraph id="HE6543AC1869F4FD4B23EAF72C75E7EFB"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In general</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Such regulations shall include an appropriate schedule of deadlines for the provision of closed captioning of video programming.</text> </paragraph><paragraph id="H3E0E611B21F14A33A301567201E20283"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Deadlines for internet-distributed programming</header> <subparagraph id="H503399E469ED4411831495A9ED1400FF"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Within 18 months after the date of date of enactment of the Twenty-first Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2008, the Commission shall prescribe regulations that include an appropriate schedule of deadlines for the provision of closed captioning of video programming distributed to the public over the Internet.</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H04C1C56EB05645E0A270177F5EC309F9"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Consistent with the regulations promulgated under subsection (b), the regulations prescribed under this paragraph shall ensure the accessibility of video programming through the provision of captions on—</text> <clause id="H6A75C3CE5B994CD5964959026C2B9951"><enum>(i)</enum><text>pre-produced video programming that was previously captioned for television viewing;</text> </clause><clause id="H52363DC065DB4598B226D2E5AF2531FE"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>live video programming; and</text> </clause><clause id="H64100C256C0C444CBA84789C60E70000"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>video programming first published or exhibited after the effective date of such regulations provided by or generally considered to be comparable to programming provided by multichannel programming distributors.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subsection><subsection id="HBF5B3E06F62A48D6A2A6A82636FC5763"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Conforming amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 713(d) of such Act is amended by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the following:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H81489174D6CD43BEBD97D5BA42FC03FC" style="OLC"> <paragraph id="H7444BBF608D24A5498A1756FF565FF4"><enum>(3)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">a provider of video programming or program owner may petition the Commission for an exemption from the requirements of this section, and—</text> <subparagraph id="HFCD019AD0EAC400F98B10076A2AFDC80"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Commission may grant such petition upon a showing that the requirements contained in this section would result in an undue burden; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H48584DD7F57D461598D2C278A3B2FD71"><enum>(B)</enum><text>such exemption shall be effective only after the Commission grants such petition.</text> </subparagraph></paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subsection></section><section id="HF991C1DA3AC0484CA555C4BAFDE052CB"><enum>204.</enum><header>User interfaces regulations</header> <subsection id="HA3A338716C49456C843E82F76F2B0000"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 303 of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/303">47 U.S.C. 303</external-xref>) is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H551A9C17C4D645E181E87F98365FCEA3" style="OLC"> <subsection id="H781E8CC802D545E082D367CABDF34001"><enum>(z)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="H500E58F968CF4F22AAA209AA5CB6855E"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Require—</text> <subparagraph id="HA16CA4454DB044C6AE5825326694AE47" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">that every apparatus designed to receive or display video programming transmitted simultaneously with sound, including apparatus designed to receive or display video programming transmitted by means of IP-enabled communication services, be designed, developed, and fabricated so that control of all apparatus functions enabling the receipt, display, navigation, or selection of video programming (and any other functions shared by, related to, or necessary to access such apparatus functions), are accessible to and usable by individuals with disabilities;</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H2B79922E92A042249046AD6422FC24B6" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">that where on-screen text menus or other visual indicators are used to access the functions described in <internal-xref idref="HA16CA4454DB044C6AE5825326694AE47" legis-path="(z)(1)(A)">subparagraph (A)</internal-xref>, such apparatus be accompanied by audio output, so that such menus or indicators are accessible to and usable by individuals who are blind or visually impaired; and</text> </subparagraph><subparagraph id="H7F3DBE735451406FAD569F39A486CD2" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>a conspicuous means of accessing closed captioning and video description, including—</text> <clause id="HA8C2E02EE808439EB71913630000C03D"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the inclusion of a button on the remote control of such apparatus designated for activating the closed caption function; and</text> </clause><clause id="HD39A263C6D9E4406B528481E1B854328"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the inclusion of <quote>closed captions</quote> and <quote>video description</quote> on the top tier of the on-screen menu of such apparatus.</text> </clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="HF0E4B07B8A05465A9EDBE6A735006976" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">For purposes of this subsection, the terms <term>video description</term> and <term>video programming</term> have the meanings given such terms in section 713(g).</text> </paragraph></subsection><after-quoted-block>. </after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subsection><subsection id="H0E198B6B6FF64C4E8C8D75264512BCF7"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Implementing Regulations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to implement, and are technically feasible for implementing, the amendments made by <internal-xref idref="HA3A338716C49456C843E82F76F2B0000" legis-path="204.(a)">subsection (a)</internal-xref>.</text> </subsection></section><section id="H0BAAEBCFC61B4FACBA6FC20477592231"><enum>205.</enum><header>Access to video programming guides and menus</header> <subsection id="H90B22B0B33134559A547299ED27C2174"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Amendment</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Section 303 of the Communications Act of 1934 (<external-xref legal-doc="usc" parsable-cite="usc/47/303">47 U.S.C. 303</external-xref>) is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:</text> <quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H656CD9D03A824102A1A9D7E8D5528720" style="OLC"> <subsection id="H78E74800A3624377BB0513DF819639E6"><enum>(aa)</enum><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Require each provider or owner of video programming (as such term is defined in section 713(g)) and each multichannel programming distributor to ensure that video programming information and selection provided by means of a navigational device, guide, or menu is accessible in real-time by individuals with disabilities who are unable to read the visual display.</text> </subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block> </subsection><subsection display-inline="no-display-inline" id="H255D71D8F33E4D119839CAC6E89F2E4"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Implementing Regulations</header><text display-inline="yes-display-inline">Within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to implement, and are technically feasible for implementing, the amendments made by <internal-xref idref="H90B22B0B33134559A547299ED27C2174" legis-path="205.(a)">subsection (a)</internal-xref>.</text> </subsection></section>