1.Short
title; table of contents
(a)This Act may be cited
as the Equal Access to 21st Century
Communications Act
.
(b)The table of contents for this Act is as follows:
Sec. 1. Short title; table of
contents.
TITLE I—Increasing Access
Sec. 101. Definitions.
Sec. 102. Hearing aid compatibility.
Sec. 103. Relay services.
Sec. 104. Access to Internet-based services and
equipment.
Sec. 105. Universal service.
Sec. 106. Emergency access and real-time text
support.
Sec. 107. Internet access service interface.
TITLE II—Video descriptions and closed captioning
Sec. 201. Commission inquiry on closed captioning decoder and
video description capability, user interfaces, and video programming guides and
menus.
Sec. 202. Commission inquiry on the definition of consumer
generated media.
Sec. 203. Closed captioning decoder and video description
capability.
Sec. 204. Video description and closed captioning.
Sec. 205. User interface regulations.
Sec. 206. Access to video programming guides and
menus.
<enum>I</enum><header>Increasing
Access</header>
<section id="idAA2F3564FADA47EC880FC363A4156827"><enum>101.</enum><header>Definitions</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Section 3 of the Communications Act of 1934
(47 U.S.C. 153) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id544014FA58414D6D97F03354FE66BA21" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="IDd20beebefe0649a3a903f340c3c72c09"><enum>(54)</enum><header>Advanced
communications</header><text>The term <term>advanced communications</term>
means Internet-based protocol, or any successor protocol, based devices and
services that transmit voice, video conferencing, and text communications, and
any application or service accessed over the Internet that provides for voice,
video conferencing, or text communications, as determined necessary by the
Federal Communications Commission.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID0c6c51d827ae45388592013f3d5b60cc"><enum>(55)</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 (42 U.S.C.
12102(2)(A)).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID81b973aa35a44c7891733101c749996f"><enum>(56)</enum><header>Interconnected
VoIP service</header><text>The term <term>interconnected VoIP service</term>
has the meaning given such term under section 9.3 of the Commission’s
regulations (47 C.F.R. 9.3).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID5ea57a440e6e48b194713cc85bcfc5f3"><enum>(57)</enum><header>Internet
access equipment</header><text>The term <term>internet access equipment</term>
means equipment that is used to combine computer processing, information
provision, and computer interactivity with data transport, enabling users to
run a variety of applications, including email.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDa36028cdf8064add89b57f8615257a22"><enum>(58)</enum><header>Internet
access service</header><text>The term <term>internet access service</term>
means a service that combines computer processing, information provision, and
computer interactivity with data transport, enabling end users to access the
Internet and use a variety of applications, including
email.</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="IDa773825feeed421da8e16165f7d64ece"><enum>102.</enum><header>Hearing aid
compatibility</header>
<subsection id="ID52c3a487f3a1424da3d0e6baa507798e"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Compatibility
requirements</header><text>Section 710(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 610(b)) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="IDfd46466fcf894a20a3c0e41b561d59ea"><enum>(1)</enum><text>in paragraph
(1)—</text>
<subparagraph id="IDb2384e0d0d3242e8a5221613396fb27a"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>Except as</quote> and all that follows through <quote>require
that</quote> and inserting <quote>Except as provided in paragraphs (2) and (3)
of subsection (b) and subsection (c), the Commission shall require that the
following customer premises equipment provide internal means for effective use
with hearing aids that are designed to be compatible with telephones which meet
established technical standards for hearing aid compatibility</quote>;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID87328b5b781e4585971ac75a8b48c5d8"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>and</quote> at the end of subparagraph (A);</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph commented="no" id="IDcffc5589e438485e9855e5fe8c8674c2"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by inserting
<quote>and</quote> after the comma at the end of subparagraph (B); and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDfa37d49c96e64e778283e4ce8753fde5"><enum>(D)</enum><text>by inserting the
following new subparagraph:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id28C7A65F019044958CE1F263FE57DB02" style="OLC">
<subparagraph id="IDebe6b4d165f8447ba2617f1b87308580"><enum>(C)</enum><text>all customer
premises equipment used with advanced communications services that is designed
to provide 2-way voice communication via a built-in speaker intended to be held
to the ear in a manner functionally equivalent to a telephone, subject to the
regulations prescribed by the Commission under subsection
(e)</text>
</subparagraph><after-quoted-block>;</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID857bdf64d3fe417ca845012605373ab7"><enum>(2)</enum><text>in paragraph
(2)—</text>
<subparagraph id="IDba634f327c2c4fa9bae60f8cb010ceda"><enum>(A)</enum><text>in subparagraph
(A)—</text>
<clause id="idF829101765DE444F949EDCD2AE2EC777"><enum>(i)</enum><text>in
the matter preceding clause (i)—</text>
<subclause id="id5B8C2F11C982475EAA1E211A89F7A880"><enum>(I)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>initial</quote>;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="idEF1A71C16FD54A9E990E176F1DB58259"><enum>(II)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>after the date of enactment of the Hearing Aid Compatibility Act of
1988,</quote>; and</text>
</subclause><subclause id="id4BA1EBAF4F6E4A859C43188C601400A8"><enum>(III)</enum><text>by inserting
<quote>and (1)(C)</quote> after <quote>paragraph (1)(B)</quote>;</text>
</subclause></clause><clause id="ID27bf65c3aadb4cab94f5640f6f434105"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>by
inserting <quote>and</quote> after the end of clause (ii);</text>
</clause><clause id="ID9f0713ced6144d0dbd9ef21043e3ccc9"><enum>(iii)</enum><text>by striking
clause (iii); and</text>
</clause><clause id="id7A8267C9B43B4472A0FA052952CFFE2E"><enum>(iv)</enum><text>by
redesignating clause (iv) as clause (iii);</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID033a7b9a0345465e9f147a01a360779d"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by striking
subparagraph (B) and redesignating subparagraph (C) as subparagraph (B);
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID032f0fcd7467450588d74675d3c63ee6"><enum>(C)</enum><text>in subparagraph
(B) (as so redesignated)—</text>
<clause id="idA74AAC26A17A47EC8B840D18CF8E5B53"><enum>(i)</enum><text>by
striking the first sentence and inserting <quote>The Commission shall
periodically assess the appropriateness of continuing in effect the exemptions
for telephones and other customer premises equipment described in subparagraph
(A) of this paragraph.</quote>; and</text>
</clause><clause id="IDf7ff32442cf0447a88b87172742d988b"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>in
each of clauses (iii) and (iv), by inserting <quote>or (1)(C)</quote> after
<quote>(1)(B)</quote>;</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID12c1b8d0f39d43f2a74a65862da6360d"><enum>(3)</enum><text>in paragraph
(4)(B)—</text>
<subparagraph id="ID575921eeaa8240a2a6de09ee142c568f"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by inserting
<quote>telephones used with</quote> before <quote>public mobile
services</quote>;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDc7c57447b8404c7a88371c77d7a34b1d"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by inserting
<quote>telephones and other customer premises equipment used in whole or in
part with</quote> after <quote>means</quote>;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID7a7f5972f87840fbbead79565c81209d"><enum>(C)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>and</quote> after <quote>public land mobile telephone service,</quote>
and inserting <quote>or</quote>;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID1e379540c67d49258ea87bbae0892bfc"><enum>(D)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>part 22 of</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID3cb45c91f01746d98169fe7c7035b273"><enum>(E)</enum><text>by inserting
after <quote>Regulations</quote> the following: <quote>, or any functionally
equivalent unlicensed wireless services</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="IDbdf826d839e0420481113098e0d39b5f"><enum>(4)</enum><text>in paragraph
(4)(C)—</text>
<subparagraph id="ID6bd090845acb45d8b1f5d23396cf4608"><enum>(A)</enum><text>by inserting
<quote>telephones used with</quote> before <quote>private radio
services</quote>; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID4d7c49fa26c5419eb8cabc86ca170759"><enum>(B)</enum><text>by inserting
<quote>telephones and other customer premises equipment used in whole or in
part with</quote> after <quote>means</quote>.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID6e674e474ea24ec18c33007457bbeca0"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Technical
standards</header><text>Section 710(c) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 610(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following: <quote>A
telephone or other customer premises equipment that is compliant with a
relevant technical standard developed through a public participation process
and in consultation with interested consumer stakeholders will be deemed
hearing aid compatible for purposes of this section, until such time as the
Commission may deem otherwise. The Commission shall consult with the public,
including people with hearing loss, in establishing or approving such technical
standards. The Commission may delegate this authority to an employee pursuant
to section 5(c). The Commission shall designate the national consumer
organizations for purposes of this section and shall remain the final arbiter
as to whether the standard meets the requirements of this
section.</quote>.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID7d03a22bbba04be1922c80e7d84aa258"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Rulemaking</header><text>Section
710(e) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 610(e)) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="id0A08E6BE2458433C8DF27A5C5168D620"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>impairments</quote> and inserting <quote>loss</quote>; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id7B32769D4A9A42199C0A23DAB291A9E1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by adding at the
end the following sentence: <quote>In implementing the provisions of subsection
(b)(1)(C), the Commission shall use appropriate timetables or benchmarks to the
extent necessary due to technical feasibility or to ensure the marketability or
availability of new technologies to users.</quote>.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDe2053e90cdc245bf8825ed9a793d36b1"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Rule of
construction</header><text>Section 710(h) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 610(h)) is amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idA3961296D81945E69011A3C9AE0FB8E3" style="OLC">
<subsection id="ID150c062b79984c3bb733ae324864862d"><enum>(h)</enum><header>Rule of
construction</header><text>Nothing in the <short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century Communications
Act</short-title> shall be construed to modify the Commission’s regulations set
forth in section 20.19 of title 47, Code of Federal Regulations, in effect as
of the date of enactment of such
Act.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section id="ID84bf775db0514a4dabcd895ff7b1d657"><enum>103.</enum><header>Relay
services</header>
<subsection id="ID9fcef9613ce748d89e4afb2006a8aff3"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>Paragraph
(3) of section 225(a) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 225(a)(3))
is amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idF2E567C394B0484BB0403D542B7A135A" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="ID0e86f220e49b4c0a82e0f28b6352b2ad"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Telecommunications
relay services</header><text>The term <term>telecommunications relay
services</term> means telephone transmission that provides the ability for an
individual who is deaf, hard of hearing, deaf-blind, or who has a speech
disability to engage in communication by wire or radio with 1 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="IDa12f4f3a19ae42ea92db3132d872c38c"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Internet
protocol-Based relay services</header><text>Title VII of the Communications Act
of 1934 is amended by adding at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id1A27CD3D862B4B848C199694341E6AF1" style="OLC">
<section id="ID0700c5b09abe4f9093406cc00c8d6162"><enum>715.</enum><header>Internet
protocol-based relay services</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Within 1 year after the date of enactment of
the <short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century
Communications Act</short-title>, each interconnected VoIP service provider
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 C.F.R. 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 the
Fund.</text>
</section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section id="IDeb8a99878eda4e5aa709274d2b8ca6b7"><enum>104.</enum><header>Access to
Internet-based services and equipment</header>
<subsection id="ID4fd1a898902e431096a38e78324c06c1"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Title VII
amendment</header><text>Title VII of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
601 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 715 (as added by section
103) the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id2B7A349AFDAE43119886D84D612B9CA1" style="OLC">
<section id="IDbeac0fc7c5294f86a65115622c840764"><enum>716.</enum><header>Access to
internet-based services and equipment</header>
<subsection id="IDfb49aa9cae994225acb7e8742cdfff6f"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Manufacturing</header><text>With
respect to equipment manufactured after the effective date of the regulations
established pursuant to subsection (e), and subject to such regulations, a
manufacturer of equipment used for advanced communications, including end user
equipment, network equipment, and software, shall ensure that equipment and
software that such manufacturer designs, develops, and fabricates shall be
accessible to, and usable by individuals with disabilities, where the
requirement of this subsection is achievable.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID0d50adec57194ad4bd1546b4e9bd6195"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Service
providers</header><text>With respect to services provided after the effective
date of the regulations established pursuant to subsection (e), and subject to
such regulations, a provider of advanced communications shall ensure that
services offered by such provider are accessible to, and usable, by individuals
with disabilities, where the requirement of this subsection is
achievable.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID69d6f8bd168a4357bf0a597614599349"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Compatibility</header><text>If
the requirements of subsections (a) and (b) are not achievable, a manufacturer
or provider shall ensure that its equipment or service is compatible with
existing peripheral devices or specialized customer premises equipment commonly
used by individuals with disabilities to achieve access, where the requirement
of this subsection is achievable.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="IDde613176fc094d409af940a46ba5ea9b"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Network
features, functions, and capabilities</header><text>Each provider of advanced
communications shall not install network features, functions, or capabilities
that do not comply with the regulations established pursuant to this
section.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID1e949eabd9384351adf6d4560a3c62f1"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Regulations</header>
<paragraph id="idF8AB7B43DD214734973C3D693B3D42CB"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Within 18 months after the date of enactment of the
<short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century Communications
Act</short-title>, the Commission shall prescribe such regulations as are
necessary to implement this section.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id1B9DA7DB93F549359AD0411827DEB4B8"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Content of
regulations</header><text>In prescribing the regulations required under
paragraph (1), the Commission shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="ID8dbbfde8379a4b088d8fc46bf6ace481"><enum>(A)</enum><text>include standards
to ensure the accessibility, usability, and compatibility of advanced
communications and the equipment used for advanced communications by
individuals with disabilities; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID216a247a8ca1455bab012506d6cc21f1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>provide that the
advanced communications, equipment used for advanced communications, and
advanced communications service networks used to provide such advanced
communications may not impair or impede the accessibility of information
content when accessibility has been incorporated into the content for
transmission through advanced communications, equipment used for advanced
communications, or advanced communications service networks.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID8608221993c04c409c5e478cb5734956"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Services and
equipment subject to section 255</header><text>The requirements of this section
shall not apply to any equipment or services, including interconnected VoIP
service, that are subject to the requirements of section 255 on the date of
enactment of the <short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century
Communications Act</short-title>. Any such exempted services and equipment
shall remain subject to the requirements of section 255.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID5b7d4fc981354ed0b7aee0ebcfa4cc6f"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>For
the purposes of this section, sections 717, 718, and 719, the term
<quote>achievable</quote> means with reasonable effort or expense.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="ID49385e293c7d4a51973bcb005325d457"><enum>717.</enum><header>Enforcement
and reporting obligations</header>
<subsection id="IDa5aa61ec7c7a434c806857d2d2160b85"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Complaint and
enforcement procedures</header>
<paragraph id="idCF41ECBD8A0549A58F8B7E15D44F7CFE"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Within 18 months after the date of enactment of the
<short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century Communications
Act</short-title>, the Commission shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="id937590A9E51E41008A27B662279937B1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>establish
regulations that facilitate the filing of complaints that allege a violation of
section 255, 716, 718, or 719;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id94B80D4C02684514A161EA9F8CABF273"><enum>(B)</enum><text>establish formal
and informal procedures for enforcement actions by the Commission with respect
to such violations; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id98DA7E6673CF473EB35318CD67410C44"><enum>(C)</enum><text>implement the
reporting obligations of paragraph (6) for manufacturers and providers subject
to such sections.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id9E34B56162D745DCBCCD0448D67B9D57"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Required
provisions</header><text>The regulations required under paragraph (1) shall
include the following provisions:</text>
<subparagraph id="ID175793fc3e344910a20f5c955764efb3"><enum>(A)</enum><header>No
fee</header><text>The Commission shall not charge a fee to an individual who
files a complaint alleging a violation of section 255, 716, 718, or 719.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDc4bdb1bfef344f57bb59f3bc3202eada"><enum>(B)</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, 716, 718, or 719.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID10f49184a2c146dbab0558ec518e365a"><enum>(C)</enum><header>Complaints to
the commission</header><text>Any person alleging a violation of section 255,
716, 718, or 719 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 180 days of the date on which such
complaint is filed with the Commission, unless such complaint is resolved
before such time. The Commission may consolidate for investigation and
resolution such 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, 716, 718, or 719. If a determination is made that a
violation has not occurred, the Commission shall provide the basis for such
determination, including the basis for determining that an accessibility
feature requested is not readily achievable under section 255 or is achievable
under section 716, 718, or 719.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID84fc6938b18d4e0ab7e90f526390aa45"><enum>(D)</enum><header>Opportunity to
respond</header><text>Before the Commission makes a determination pursuant to
subparagraph (C), the party that is the subject of the complaint shall have the
opportunity to respond to such complaint, and may include in such response any
factors that it deems relevant to such determination and any available
alternatives that might constitute an effective substitute for the equipment or
service that is the subject of such complaint.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID68869c5f7a3948b3a02e6291d3ee7279"><enum>(E)</enum><header>Cease and
desist orders</header><text>If the Commission’s investigation pursuant to
subparagraph (C) determines that a manufacturer of equipment or provider of
service is engaged in an act prohibited by section 255, 716, 718, or 719, or is
failing to perform any act required by section 255, 716, 718, or 719, the
Commission shall have the authority to order such manufacturer or provider to
cease from violating such section.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID5a8d85e4afee4bb1beccb1f690f23a35"><enum>(F)</enum><header>Reporting</header><text>Each
manufacturer of equipment used for advanced communications and each provider of
advanced communications shall—</text>
<clause id="ID7ddcb784c9ef4634a3aca6d9afe0e6ad"><enum>(i)</enum><text>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 716, including—</text>
<subclause id="ID53421b0d03cb4638b0c47f8ec5024479"><enum>(I)</enum><text>information about
the manufacturer’s or provider’s efforts to consult with people with
disabilities;</text>
</subclause><subclause id="IDd7d2f78c12da4fa89980658a8e834b6e"><enum>(II)</enum><text>descriptions of
the accessibility features of its products and services; and</text>
</subclause><subclause id="ID2225011a724a4099b495a79becd99981"><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>
</subclause></clause><clause id="ID34291bfd140b48cd98c087d166590856"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>maintain, in the
ordinary course of business, records of the efforts taken by such manufacturer
or provider to implement sections 255 and 716.</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="idC68735961AD648539B584B9C90784DDA"><enum>(G)</enum><header>Failure to
act</header><text>If the Commission fails to carry out any of its
responsibilities to act upon a complaint in the manner prescribed in
subparagraph (C), the person that filed such complaint may bring an action in
the nature of mandamus in an appropriate Federal district court to compel the
Commission to carry out any such responsibility.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="id1293EBC438D9485CB9FA8531501A88BB"><enum>(H)</enum><header>Commission
jurisdiction</header><text>The limitations of section 255(f) shall apply to any
claim that alleges a violation of section 255, 716, 718, or 719. Nothing in
this paragraph affects or limits any action for mandamus under
<internal-xref legis-path="717.(a)(7)">subparagraph (G)</internal-xref> or any
appeal pursuant to section 402(b)(10).</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="H1BE538A43A2D4C0996EBC2634FC4847C"><enum>(I)</enum><header>Private
resolutions of complaints</header><text>Nothing in the Commission’s rules or
this Act shall be construed to preclude a person who files a complaint and a
manufacturer or provider from resolving a formal or informal complaint prior to
the Commission’s final determination in a complaint proceeding. In the event of
such a resolution, the parties shall jointly request dismissal of the complaint
and the Commission shall grant such request.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID330da0c93ffe4901b3f77b84fa9be856"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Reports to
Congress</header>
<paragraph id="id550DAE1EFD664C488BF2D60CACD48577"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of the
<short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century Communications
Act</short-title>, and every 2 years thereafter, 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 716 and evaluates the
extent to which any accessibility barriers still exist with respect to new
technologies.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="id5E352E8D072B4F55B1DDBA4B5037E7BE"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Public
comment</header><text>The Commission shall seek public comment on the tentative
findings of the report required under paragraph (1) prior to the submission of
such report to the Committees described in paragraph (1).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="idC3D928B27A164E6EB4D066A71BEE5A46"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Required
content</header><text>The report required under paragraph (1) shall include the
following:</text>
<subparagraph id="ID180dd8348c02445180dc02b272edf92d"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The number and
nature of complaints received pursuant to subsection (a) during the 2 years
that are the subject of the report.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID0eeb87b08c894d16863b5624877ca9ac"><enum>(B)</enum><text>Actions taken to
resolve such complaints under this section, including cease and desist orders
issued and forfeiture penalties assessed.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID13c6366006b349b28f26a97bbdc34a5e"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The length of
time that was taken by the Commission to resolve each such complaint.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID60942b5ad1564176937a0d582ea6abda"><enum>(D)</enum><text>The number,
status, nature, and outcome of any actions of mandamus filed pursuant to
subsection (a)(2)(G) and the number, status, and outcome of any appeals filed
pursuant to section 402(b)(10).</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID2b7ece53f2ff493a80bf453efbdfc484"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Comptroller
general enforcement study</header>
<paragraph id="ID2c7c418ff589480e848636ea43b969c7"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The Comptroller General shall conduct a study to consider
and evaluate—</text>
<subparagraph id="ID90d0d879c7ea494da080d129f9905f31"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Commission’s
compliance with the requirements of the <short-title>Equal
Access to 21st Century Communications Act</short-title>, including the
Commission’s level of compliance with deadlines (including deadlines for acting
on complaints) established in such Act;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID707d022eb7d140399c0a962a59925ca0"><enum>(B)</enum><text>whether the
enforcement actions taken by the Commission pursuant to such Act have been
appropriate and effective in ensuring compliance with such requirements;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDa240fdd316704e2dbcecabfa820b74d6"><enum>(C)</enum><text>whether the
enforcement provisions established in such Act are adequate to ensure
compliance with such requirements.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID090d44ca304246978909b565da6ddf9d"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Report</header><text>Not
later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the
<short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century Communications
Act</short-title>, the Comptroller General 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 on the results
of the study required by paragraph (1), with the recommendations for how the
enforcement process and measures with respect to such Act may be modified or
improved.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID8f04b313f5594295ac7597f353b77b23"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Clearinghouse</header><text>Within
18 months after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century Communications
Act</short-title>, the Commission shall, in consultation with the Architectural
and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board, the National Telecommunications
and Information Administration, trade associations, and organizations
representing people with disabilities, establish a clearinghouse of information
on the availability of accessible products and services and accessibility
solutions required under sections 255 and 716. 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
or solutions.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="IDc72823a1495943848b05efa82d19f54f"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Outreach and
education</header><text>Upon establishment of the clearinghouse of the
information required under section 717(d), 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
716.</text>
</subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection><subsection id="ID37193c276d014815936317693a17285d"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Title V
amendments</header><text>Section 503(b)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934
(47 U.S.C. 503(b)(2)) (47 U.S.C. 503(b)(2)) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="IDc0f1a506757d42da8cc7b8b893d320bf"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by redesignating
subparagraphs (C), (D), and (E) as subparagraphs (D), (E), and (F),
respectively;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID36781d26ffe043d099a0b74bedb3ee29"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by inserting
after subparagraph (B) the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id56BA6069109B4C5880DA87590F092B8B" style="OLC">
<subparagraph id="ID86f8696384fe4186baff257a65e3e1f3"><enum>(C)</enum><text>If the violator
is a manufacturer of telecommunications equipment, a manufacturer of equipment
used for advanced communications, or a provider of advanced communications, who
is subject to the requirements of section 255, 716, 718, or 719, and who is
determined by the Commission to have violated any such requirement, the
manufacturer of telecommunications equipment, the manufacturer of equipment
used for advanced communications, or the provider of advanced communications
shall be liable to the United States for a forfeiture penalty. The amount of
any penalty determined under this subparagraph shall not exceed $100,000 for
each violation of each day of a continuing violation, except that the amount
assessed for any continuing violation shall not exceed a total of $1,000,000
for any single act or failure to act.</text>
</subparagraph><after-quoted-block>;
and</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID0d43df02f1ca481eb1bbe335c337af8e"><enum>(3)</enum><text>in subparagraph
(D) (as so redesignated) by striking subparagraph <quote>(A) or (B)</quote> and
inserting <quote>subparagraph (A), (B), or (C).</quote></text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID3dc2cb98f7434286b7c04fc6fa1f1c97"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Review of
commission determinations</header><text>Section 402(b) of the Communications
Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 402(b)) is amended by adding at the end the
following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idB4E5348F85B94E7D966AD7015C7B8794" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="IDeff9a66980954fdcb3260fb0e5227d07"><enum>(10)</enum><text>By any person
who is aggrieved or whose interests are adversely affected by a determination
made by the Commission under section
717(a)(3).</text>
</paragraph><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</subsection></section><section id="IDc5ed3322745647038f84bebd41b4d9c6"><enum>105.</enum><header>Universal
service</header>
<subsection id="ID33636a60a4c445f891d5a7088f459a21"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Consumers with
disabilities</header><text>Section 254(c) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 254(c)) is amended by adding at the end the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id5438D077A716476E972FAF1C8F3C970B" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="ID23047891996148ed87f7cc87918f821d"><enum>(4)</enum><header>Individuals
with disabilities</header><text>Notwithstanding subsection (j), the Commission
shall authorize Lifeline and Link-Up assistance programs and other Federal
universal service support mechanisms to be used for those telecommunications
services, Internet access services, and advanced communications that are needed
by individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified for such programs
or mechanisms, to engage in communication with 1 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>
</subsection><subsection id="ID1b8e69aa0aa449ea8d2361e35f6b3d88"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Allocation of
USF for services for individuals with disabilities</header><text>Section 254 of
the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 254) is further amended—</text>
<paragraph id="IDa9c737a12c30431aab662064f05bfac4"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by redesignating
subsections (i) through (l) as subsections (j) through (m), respectively;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDb400da545025479ca8bb2c30fd68bc41"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by inserting
after subsection (h) the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id6939A19782974134B3A2C713CA00D99D" style="OLC">
<subsection id="ID9dae2f669943422ba183fa0378f4db77"><enum>(i)</enum><header>Individuals who
are deaf-Blind</header>
<paragraph id="IDd7265a4a014b4ce4bae3c64f5ddfc407"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>Within 6 months after the date of enactment of the
<short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century Communications
Act</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,
Internet access service, and advanced communications, including interexchange
services and advanced telecommunications and information services, accessible
by individuals who are deaf-blind.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID31a810bd393e4f87add258410b695448"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Definition</header><text>For
purposes of this subsection, the term <quote>individuals who are
deaf-blind</quote> has the same meaning given such term in the Helen Keller
National Center Act, as amended by the Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992
(29 U.S.C. 1905(2)).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDd9c4157ec2224d21aeb42feb9545dc39"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Annual
amount</header><text>The total amount of universal service support that may be
obligated or expanded 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="IDd28fcd12c4f94af9aceab1408bf455c0"><enum>106.</enum><header>Emergency
access and real-time text support</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Title VII of the Communications Act of 1934
(47 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) is further amended by adding after section 717 (as
added by section 104) the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id5D71971CE75D4A1E95E1463175DE4919" style="OLC">
<section id="ID21a98ddd33674ddb8446c74ef0fc7c17"><enum>718.</enum><header>Emergency
access and real-time text advisory committee</header>
<subsection id="IDa2e951e4bd294e65963d84366b90ee11"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Establishment</header><text>For
the purpose of achieving equal access to emergency services by individuals with
disabilities, as part of the migration to a national Internet protocol-enabled
emergency network, not later than 120 days after the date of enactment of the
<short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century Communications
Act</short-title>, the Chairman shall establish an advisory committee, to be
known as the Emergency Access and Real-Time Text Advisory Committee (referred
to in this section as the <quote>Advisory Committee</quote>).</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID90a0ff65448c4837b01ac2d111acd6ab"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Membership</header><text>As
soon as practicable after the date of enactment of the
<short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century Communications
Act</short-title>, the Chairman of the Commission shall appoint the members of
the Advisory Committee, ensuring an equal balance between potential real-time
text consumers and other stakeholders, and designate 2 such members as the
co-chairs of the Committee. Members of the Advisory Committee shall be selected
from the following groups:</text>
<paragraph id="ID8f05af17f8064edba3afd6e01bfd1398"><enum>(1)</enum><header>State and local
government and emergency responder
representatives</header><text>Representatives of State and local governments
and representatives of emergency response providers, selected from among
individuals nominated by national organizations representing such governments
and personnel.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID938edcc026e14744b89437c40c4955a6"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Subject matter
experts</header><text>Individuals who have the requisite technical knowledge
and expertise to serve on the Advisory Committee in the fulfillment of its
duties, including representatives of—</text>
<subparagraph id="ID74ddbc2ba3e741e98a427855dde2bd0d"><enum>(A)</enum><text>providers of
interconnected VoIP services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID85ab67d94a034200bc406f2dc8bc313f"><enum>(B)</enum><text>vendors,
developers, and manufacturers of systems, facilities, equipment, and
capabilities for the provision of interconnected VoIP services;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID1fe9dd138a6e4ad19c8c5b36972d5552"><enum>(C)</enum><text>national
organizations representing people with disabilities and senior citizens;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID3a1f96d9522c49a0b7e065e93d29f820"><enum>(D)</enum><text>Federal agencies
or departments responsible for the implementation of the Next Generation E
9–1–1 system;</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID4cc4a9cfa8d64ea3a5b9d0f5601ff207"><enum>(E)</enum><text>the National
Institute of Standards and Technology; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID52653ada24554fde816547acbef56b9e"><enum>(F)</enum><text>other individuals
with relevant technical expertise.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID597a2287b1f948a0addfff04bb4e5bb6"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Qualified
representatives of other stakeholders and interested
parties</header><text>Qualified representatives of such other stakeholders and
interested and affected parties as the Chairman of the Commission determines
appropriate.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDf5e26d0ea83841b380b78abc0f717c92"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Development of
recommendations</header><text>Within 12 months after the completion of the
member appointment process by the Chairman of the Commission pursuant to
subsection (b), the Advisory Committee shall develop and submit to the
Commission recommendations—</text>
<paragraph id="ID4bbd3e09c5d941b4ac18f63f004c763c"><enum>(1)</enum><text>with respect to
the definition of real-time text;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID0394361463444df59e1855eb91def810"><enum>(2)</enum><text>with respect to
what actions are necessary as a part of the migration to a national Internet
protocol-enabled network to achieve reliable, interoperable real-time text
communication transmitted over such network that will ensure access to
emergency services by people with disabilities;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDbf96bca100464426bec86a1b5c1a84dd"><enum>(3)</enum><text>for protocols,
technical capabilities, and technical requirements to ensure reliable,
interoperable real-time text communications necessary to ensure access to
emergency services by people with disabilities;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID466a5bf047264cf6aab63d3a748b0d6e"><enum>(4)</enum><text>for the
establishment of technical standards for use by public safety answering points,
designated default answering points and local emergency authorities;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID0a182e29d123406c87f208ae6cc78701"><enum>(5)</enum><text>for relevant
technical standards and requirements for communication devices and equipment
and technologies to enable to the use of reliable, interoperable real-time text
communications;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID4e7d0c3877fe4880a077af76090e5184"><enum>(6)</enum><text>for procedures to
be followed by IP-enabled network providers to ensure that such providers do
not install features, functions, or capabilities that would conflict with
technical standards; and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDefeb8110db2741499622f6b685533fe6"><enum>(7)</enum><text>for deadlines by
which providers of interconnected VoIP services and manufacturers of equipment
used for such services shall achieve the actions required in paragraphs (1)
through (6), and for the possible phase out of the use of current-generation
TTY technology to the extent that this technology is replaced with real-time
text.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDa5a6525b724c4b268ebf16e19d9f3af8"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Meetings</header>
<paragraph id="ID99df1b55614f4c5fb70de11e17b8a97e"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Initial
meeting</header><text>The initial meeting of the Advisory Committee shall take
place not later than 90 days after the completion of the member appointment
process by the Chairman of the Commission pursuant to subsection (b).</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID5a68ae6d5d3d4169a7f4e614a00f6462"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Other
meetings</header><text>After the initial meeting, the Advisory Committee shall
meet at the call of the chairs, but no less than monthly until the
recommendations required pursuant to subsection (c) are completed and
submitted.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDef82d90eca5f462b8521a0b11ceb9edd"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Notice; open
meetings</header><text>Any meetings held by the Advisory Committee shall be
duly noticed at least 14 days in advance and shall be open to the
public.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="IDd21d7752341a4208bb94b4b254ff1a83"><enum>(e)</enum><header>Rules</header>
<paragraph id="ID19e6e22c32034f6a944e6f9f66e8f8a4"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Quorum</header><text>One-third
of the members of the Advisory Committee shall constitute a quorum for
conducting business of the Advisory Committee.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID4d7146aa7ddb4c3189b09d4bf07709d6"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Subcommittees</header><text>To
assist the Advisory Committee in carrying out its functions, the Chair may
establish appropriate subcommittees composed of members of the Advisory
Committee and other subject matter experts as deemed necessary.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID5ba9ac115b44440893bcd115b948a6a7"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Additional
rules</header><text>The advisory committee may adopt other rules as
needed.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID44e4b473a5aa4a6ba741ddba1d337169"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Federal
advisory committee Act</header><text>Neither the Federal Advisory Committee Act
(5 U.S.C. App.) nor any rule, order, or regulation promulgated under that Act
shall apply to the Advisory Committee.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID92592f2129314384a261be407e23c414"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Implementing
recommendations</header><text>The Commission shall have the authority to
promulgate regulations to implement the recommendations proposed by the
Advisory Committee, as well as any other regulations, technical standards,
protocols, and procedures as are necessary to achieve reliable, interoperable
real-time text communication that ensures access by people with disabilities to
an Internet protocol-enabled emergency
network.</text>
</subsection></section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><section id="IDc0d8e61bd67145a498ca4749f6b3214c"><enum>107.</enum><header>Internet
access service interface</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Title
VII of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 601 et seq.) is further
amended by adding after section 718 (as added by section 106) the
following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id0BA45142130A4FE189C8BC9C11966FFE" style="OLC">
<section id="ID36b20d0d5f4748bf83213511c5a7c1ae"><enum>719.</enum><header>Internet
access service user interface</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Every provider of Internet access service
and every manufacturer of Internet access equipment shall, where achievable,
make user interfaces for such service and equipment accessible to individuals
with disabilities, including those interfaces used to initiate, monitor, and
control such
service.</text>
</section><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</section><enum>II</enum><header>Video
descriptions and closed captioning</header>
<section id="id9D4F8539720C4B7991F0146FF81D07EF"><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="ID61d86d2545aa40549ccc3d8b9a7c4d34"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Inquiry
required</header><text>The Federal Communications Commission shall conduct an
inquiry on the following subjects:</text>
<paragraph id="IDe4c80421c0be41b1acb7536bd7ca760f"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Closed-captioning
decoder and video description capability</header><text>With respect to closed
captioning decoder and video description capability, the Federal Communications
Commission shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="ID039633a20e524165a5f9f1fb30adb424"><enum>(A)</enum><text>describe—</text>
<clause id="ID2a5a2e401a08453d88b4e8396e6875ed"><enum>(i)</enum><text>the
formats and software commonly used by video programming providers or owners for
exhibition on new technologies, including those using the Internet protocol (or
successor protocol) and digital wireless services; and</text>
</clause><clause id="IDc83678570db441628ddd6f0fe5e131f4"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the related
technical issues associated with the implementation of closed captioning and
video description by means of new technologies;</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDf993d153bc544ca2ad1c2fdf7fd0b82e"><enum>(B)</enum><text>describe the
technical standards, protocols, and procedures needed for the transmission of
closed captioning and video description by means of services using the Internet
protocol (or a successor protocol) and digital wireless services and equipment;
and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID17fcfa531fee4429bf7835b681ed824f"><enum>(C)</enum><text>describe—</text>
<clause id="IDc61c3bff28264948a954c099b4b69303"><enum>(i)</enum><text>technical
standards, protocols, and procedures needed 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="IDd6da8748f1f443998d15a709877e3d0f"><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="ID1af754ccca454f9aa831a9d617649ddb"><enum>(2)</enum><header>User
interfaces</header><text>With respect to user interfaces, the Federal
Communications Commission shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="ID7fa7de233fec4eeb87852aac6afa9aeb"><enum>(A)</enum><text>describe 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 services using the Internet protocol (or a
successor protocol) to be capable of making the apparatus functions, necessary
for 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 useable by individuals with
disabilities; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDf64aa95b37d649248a6437ec33e3d60f"><enum>(B)</enum><text>describe the
technical standards, protocols, and procedures needed to enable onscreen text
menus and other visual indicators used to access the functions described in
subparagraph (A) 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="ID18f22eebe8b44699ad528a3864ef4e21"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Video
programming guides and menus</header><text>With respect to video programming
guides and menus, the Federal Communications Commission shall describe 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="IDb4f82b55648f4bbfb651f1c7c35e475d"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Report on
inquiry</header><text>Within 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act,
the Federal Communications Commission shall submit to the Congress a report on
the results of such inquiry.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID89b6b4b0d1e3445a90df1524a02faf13"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>For
the purposes of this section, the terms <term>video description</term> and
<term>video programming</term> have the meanings provided by section 713(g) of
the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 613(g)).</text>
</subsection></section><section id="IDeed1b8e618954f43bdc894d73b064e34"><enum>202.</enum><header>Commission
inquiry on the definition of consumer generated media</header><text display-inline="no-display-inline">Not later than 120 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission shall develop
through an inquiry an appropriate definition of consumer generated
media.</text>
</section><section id="ID93fed6c89f3b4f289d2877a44ac5de24"><enum>203.</enum><header>Closed
captioning decoder and video description capability</header>
<subsection id="ID3d83c96e04a04c0086c6e9c3421637d8"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Authority To
regulate</header><text>Section 303(u) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 303(u)) is amended to read as follows:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id63AB7F19FC244C37BC452533076B49A5" style="OLC">
<subsection id="IDf5ac768a43884f0684254fa483c30613"><enum>(u)</enum><text>Require that
apparatus designed to receive or play back video programming (as such term is
defined in section 713(g)) transmitted simultaneously with sound, when such
apparatus is manufactured in the United States or imported for use in the
United States and uses a picture screen that is 13 inches or greater in
size—</text>
<paragraph id="IDd7a644c571994a75824f5eca5c7a3e8f"><enum>(1)</enum><text>be equipped with
built-in closed-caption decoder circuitry or capability designed to display
closed-captioned video programming;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDbc61690ea7f14697b4be15263c66f099"><enum>(2)</enum><text>have the
capability to make available the transmission and delivery of video description
services as required by section 713(f); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID2a75bd1c3b564171b40f31ec56f88ecf"><enum>(3)</enum><text>have the
capability to convey emergency information (as that term is defined in section
79.2 of the Commission’s regulations (47 C.F.R. 73.2)) 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="ID55090ab60456453eb439d8f4fbdac317"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Other
devices</header><text>Section 303 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
303) is further amended—</text>
<paragraph id="ID6a97a11e08bb4738a261b31d7b9f8cc5"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by redesignating
subsections (v) through (y) as subsections (y) through (bb), respectively;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID94577a01563e4a6ab7b5ff94c560d541"><enum>(2)</enum><text>by inserting
after subsection (u) the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id3FEB39E2C2F641CAADDD1DCE62CF11AB" style="OLC">
<subsection id="ID37e0802e07ef4fb1b147eb218214876b"><enum>(v)</enum><text>Require, after
inquiry, that apparatus designed to receive or play back video programming (as
such term is defined in section 713(g)) transmitted simultaneously with sound,
when such apparatus is manufactured in the United States or imported for use in
the United States and uses a picture screen that is less than 13 inches in
size—</text>
<paragraph id="IDc36967f4908d4a058130b610cc5d6a3b"><enum>(1)</enum><text>be equipped with
built-in closed-caption decoder circuitry or capability designed to display
closed-captioned video programming;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDe84871c9e4e44d2eb77c616bd6896021"><enum>(2)</enum><text>have the
capability to make available the transmission and delivery of video description
services as required by section 713(f); and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDbc42641afa48484faf20ecd4db1885d0"><enum>(3)</enum><text>have the
capability to convey emergency information (as that term is defined in section
79.2 of the Commission’s regulations (47 C.F.R. 79.2)), in a manner that is
accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired.</text>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID0832c9165e4048ca8b9d5f2703581bb0"><enum>(w)</enum><text>Require, after
inquiry, that apparatus manufactured in the United States or imported for use
in the United States that is designed to record video programming (as such term
is defined in section 713(g)) transmitted simultaneously with sound, retain and
permit the pass through of closed captions and video description signals such
that viewers will be able to activate and deactivate the closed captions and
video description when the video programming is played back on a picture screen
of any size. Interconnection mechanisms and standards for digital video source
devices must be able to carry program related accessibility data for people
with disabilities from the source device to the consumer equipment so that the
consumer is able to display closed captions and make encoded video description
audible.</text>
</subsection><subsection id="ID8a265f23f5e842d78a1bc19f5cc81e2c"><enum>(x)</enum><text>Exempt from
requirements of subsections (u) and (v) any apparatus or class of apparatus
that are display-only video monitors, with no playback capability and shall
have the authority to waive the requirements of such subsections for any
apparatus or class of
apparatus.</text>
</subsection><after-quoted-block>.</after-quoted-block></quoted-block>
</paragraph></subsection><subsection id="ID1a5628c7b1b74d108d7ef6479c22d3b7"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Shipment in
commerce</header><text>Section 330(b) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 330(b)) is amended—</text>
<paragraph id="ID8b2268a0a6a94d85a626c4c409a75996"><enum>(1)</enum><text>by striking
<quote>section 303(u)</quote> and inserting <quote>subsections (u), (v), and
(w) of section 303</quote>;</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID17e0734ee1b94e828b7f353fe6b41e5b"><enum>(2)</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 or
capability designed to display closed-captioned video programming, the
transmission and delivery of video description services and the conveyance of
emergency information as required by section 303 of this Act.</quote>;
and</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID9a556cb36b934f47a40c08d5e46002d4"><enum>(3)</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="IDae280368e4b248359b10360462ab461c"><enum>(d)</enum><header>Implementing
regulations</header><text>The Federal Communications Commission shall prescribe
such regulations as are necessary to implement the requirements of this
section, including any technical standards, protocols, and procedures needed
for the transmission of closed captioning, video description, and emergency
information, within 18 months after the submission of the report to Congress
required by section 201(b) of this Act.</text>
</subsection></section><section id="ID69b54af565e040d682454e058bc40585"><enum>204.</enum><header>Video
description and closed captioning</header>
<subsection id="IDc929bf5c31db47d38c81ef03cc91e868"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Video
description</header><text>Section 713 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 613) is amended by striking subsections (f) and (g) and inserting the
following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id340FA14C423B40229F126B61F6563D14" style="OLC">
<subsection id="IDb75a9cee0d1a42e1ba890e91e69852f2"><enum>(f)</enum><header>Video
description</header>
<paragraph id="ID62b67bc073c3450ca218cad6a01edafd"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Reinstatement
of the 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. 15230) (July
21, 2000), when such rules are republished and refreshed pursuant to paragraph
(2), shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="ID59502137b6bc4838bf86ae6d5d8e2375"><enum>(A)</enum><text>be considered to
be in full force and effect and ratified by law; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID26dfadcbf82441ea87e36c552d09a212"><enum>(B)</enum><text>apply to video
programming that is first published or exhibited after the date of enactment of
the <short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century
Communications Act</short-title>.</text>
</subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="ID7728f1b21eea44b098e1afd53ebc72c5"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Continuing
authority of the commission</header><text>The Commission shall—</text>
<subparagraph id="ID692cbbc5a68541efb0f29f01e1fd0254"><enum>(A)</enum><text>within 90 days
after the date of enactment of the <short-title>Equal
Access to 21st Century Communications Act</short-title>—</text>
<clause id="ID161aa880304946b59c7395b80d5163ce"><enum>(i)</enum><text>publish and
refresh 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. 15230) (July 21, 2000) in a manner that provides the
same or an improved level of video description service; and</text>
</clause><clause id="ID6c842d0fa9724562b5507f917a872263"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>apply the
requirements of such report and order to owners of and providers of video
programming;</text>
</clause></subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDbc2ea170f9124104be2ad8c696dd5a16"><enum>(B)</enum><text>initiate a
proceeding, to be completed within 18 months after the submission of the report
to Congress required by section 201(b) of the <short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century Communications
Act</short-title>—</text>
<clause id="ID89682d5e3a454c6691e3024f54986160"><enum>(i)</enum><text>identify methods
to convey emergency information (as that term is defined in section 79.2 of the
Commission’s regulations (47 C.F.R. 79.2)) in a manner accessible to
individuals who are blind or visually impaired; and</text>
</clause><clause id="IDeac82c58878e498e904af7965e0638f3"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>promulgate
regulations that require video programming providers and video programming
distributors (as those terms are defined in section 79.1 of the Commission’s
regulations (47 C.F.R. 79.1)) and owners of video programming 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="ID5463c9ad59964b23b1e23013f487ed66"><enum>(C)</enum><text>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="IDb2630a61fdfd47d6bbcb4a8ec5f54872"><enum>(3)</enum><header>Requirements
for rules</header>
<subparagraph id="ID4e788ed4a2014c5bbea501a3248124a1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>The regulations
described in paragraph (1) and republished and refreshed, or otherwise
increased or enhanced, pursuant to subparagraph (A) or (C) of paragraph (2)
shall include an appropriate schedule of deadlines for the provision of video
description of video programming.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDaccfef93a3eb42729b76256d71f3277b"><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 are not achievable. A
provider shall be exempt from such requirements only after the Commission
decides to grant any such petition.</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="ID1778d2df647f4f979746f1cb24716387"><enum>(C)</enum><text>The Commission
may exempt from the regulations established pursuant to paragraph (2)(C)
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="ID106961ce5d144f13aeeb9042fdeed385"><enum>(g)</enum><header>Definitions</header><text>For
purposes of this section:</text>
<paragraph id="IDde375740aa4e41a38cd75e698d595ed8"><enum>(1)</enum><header>Video
description</header><text>The term <term>video description</term> means the
insertion of audio narrated descriptions of the video programming’s key visual
elements in natural pauses between the program’s dialogue.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="ID6c0c23dc9ba94b198c8fc235bb407c94"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Video
programming</header><text>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="ID867168e9153648abaea960d0c2bbf2ef"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Closed
captioning on video programming distributed over the
internet</header><text>Section 713 of the Communication Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C.
613) is further amended by striking subsection (c) and inserting the
following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id9FD0AB19A8C64B68B513A88941B1E052" style="OLC">
<subsection id="ID7fca63e311b44bd6bb78f6fa19688170"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Deadlines for
captioning</header>
<paragraph id="IDa3714d0f159b45d7b9749c61ed595cde"><enum>(1)</enum><header>In
general</header><text>The regulations prescribed pursuant to subsection (b)
shall include an appropriate schedule of deadlines for the provision of closed
captioning of video programming.</text>
</paragraph><paragraph id="IDb87e03537c704ce3b8a62ff6a5d6dbd0"><enum>(2)</enum><header>Deadlines for
internet-distributed programming</header>
<subparagraph id="ID4e1aa9468f2c436f95e742eadcad1933"><enum>(A)</enum><text>Within 18 months
after the submission of the report to Congress required by section 201(b) of
the <short-title>Equal Access to 21st Century
Communications Act</short-title>, 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="ID0a9717bfe2b144bd962b711f6cd76fa8"><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,
except for consumer generated media (as such term is to be defined by the
Commission), through the provision of captions on—</text>
<clause id="ID674512d75aaa4872a07bcfe7a1c13b2f"><enum>(i)</enum><text>preproduced video
programming that was previously captioned for television viewing;</text>
</clause><clause id="ID26ac8b03fabb480c8b2c54f36b02ffec"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>live video
programming; and</text>
</clause><clause id="IDcb31dd319f4e47779f120f1863080307"><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="ID6eac5ca94a6847059f5457068c962365"><enum>(c)</enum><header>Conforming
amendment</header><text>Section 713(d) of the Communications Act of 1934 (47
U.S.C. 613(d)) is amended by striking paragraph (3) and inserting the
following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="idC7C4DB1E61084CCF9FF27D4ECCFCAE46" style="OLC">
<paragraph id="ID23ab471f178a4aac8348fe24028e511c"><enum>(3)</enum><text>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="ID5b1249bdd6f643cb88eb3374314d9c26"><enum>(A)</enum><text>the Commission
may grant such petition upon showing that the requirements contained in this
section would result in an undue burden; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="IDbe19867ab4174db6bc95962008a9306e"><enum>(B)</enum><text>such exemptions
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="IDc043b8836e24450293da038ddeae57ec"><enum>205.</enum><header>User interface
regulations</header>
<subsection id="ID7bd4fbdf35a04600bf180f43539f68d4"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Amendment</header><text>Section
303 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 303) is further amended by
adding at the end of the following new subsection:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id9E5FB70B44C1498EB71666642D533AD9" style="OLC">
<subsection id="IDfc0dc4640b834ed985a1fb8c910d5262"><enum>(cc)</enum><paragraph commented="no" display-inline="yes-display-inline" id="id182171BCAF674D74B93677AEBD3EDC65"><enum>(1)</enum><text>Require, after
inquiry—</text>
<subparagraph id="id5803525E7EAA4916BD022124D90BE18C" indent="up1"><enum>(A)</enum><text>that apparatus designed to receive or
play back video programming transmitted simultaneously with sound, including
apparatus designed to receive or display video programming transmitted by means
of services using the Internet protocol (or a successor protocol), be designed,
developed, or 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="idFA8DF41C50B04A0AA741F8E5517D14D6" indent="up1"><enum>(B)</enum><text>that where on-screen text menus or
other visual indicators are used to access the functions described in
subparagraph (A), such functions be accompanied by audio output that is either
integrated or peripheral to the apparatus, so that such menus or indicators are
accessible to and usable by individuals who are blind or visually impaired in
real-time; and</text>
</subparagraph><subparagraph id="idF7AC37FA405B49B080C219344C506117" indent="up1"><enum>(C)</enum><text>that user controls needed to access
closed captioning and video description, including—</text>
<clause id="idDBC90D59380044EABB32229CEA168D03"><enum>(i)</enum><text>a button, key, or icon on the
remote control of such apparatus (where a remote control is provided with the
apparatus) designated for activating the closed captioning function; and</text>
</clause><clause id="idD19CE0E20C4446C8BE0F5A16DEFE1B05"><enum>(ii)</enum><text>the inclusion of
<quote>closed-captions</quote> and <quote>video description</quote> on the
first menu that appears when on-screen menus are displayed on such
apparatus.</text>
</clause></subparagraph></paragraph><paragraph id="id735F0B82D5164C7BB177516512771D38" indent="up1"><enum>(2)</enum><text>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="ID5ef36f96287745f19c3fab63d49f777f"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Implementing
regulations</header><text>Within 18 months after the submission of the report
to Congress required by section 201(b) of this Act, the Federal Communications
Commission shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to implement the
amendments made by subsection (a).</text>
</subsection></section><section id="ID92a167bdb7d740e19fcfaba60730fd01"><enum>206.</enum><header>Access to
video programming guides and menus</header>
<subsection id="IDa7f7dfb2341f49bba7e2b82dc218b13e"><enum>(a)</enum><header>Amendment</header><text>Section
303 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 303) is further amended by
adding after subsection (cc), as added by section 205, the following:</text>
<quoted-block display-inline="no-display-inline" id="id155B67BD94AB4802B7E2AEC40E4B34ED" style="OLC">
<subsection id="ID4d3c37fbbf2c4997992064602f286535"><enum>(dd)</enum><text>Require each
provider or owner of video programming (as such term is defined in section
713(g)), with the exception of consumer generated media (as such term is to be
defined by the Commission) 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 id="ID3a05503070df4c1186dda8e40343ec43"><enum>(b)</enum><header>Implementing
regulations</header><text>Within 18 months after the submission of the report
to Congress required by section 201(b), the Federal Communications Commission
shall prescribe such regulations as are necessary to implement the amendments
made by subsection (a).</text>
</subsection></section>