AN ACT relating to emergency notification systems.
Amend KRS 65.7625 to require the state administrator for the Commercial Mobile Radio Service Emergency Telecommunications Board to implement compliance with a statewide wireless phone emergency notification system designed to assist the state's deaf and hard-of-hearing community; amend KRS 65.7629 to authorize the board to develop and maintain the system with the cooperation and input of the Kentucky Commission on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing; mandate that the emergency notification system provide maximum statewide coverage, with separate administration and coordination within each area development district; allow the board to promulgate administrative regulations to shift existing grants and other board money to fund the system; delete outdated cost study language; amend KRS 65.7631 to authorize the board to use administrative funds to cover its expenses incurred due to the emergency notification system; permit the use of grants or matching money to implement the system; amend KRS 65.7633 to require the board to promulgate administrative regulations establishing procedures and guidelines for implementing and funding the emergency notification system.

(Prefiled by the sponsor(s).)

Jan 6-introduced in House
Jan 7-to Seniors, Military Affairs, & Public Safety (H)

(This bill needs some help.  The recent spate of storms that has hit Kentucky, as well as other states, has proven that more thought must be given when planning for Emergency response as it pertains to keeping the deaf and hard of hearing in the loop.)

SB 160 (BR 1476) - D. Harper Angel

 AN ACT relating to childhood hearing loss.
Amend KRS 211.645 to define "permanent childhood hearing loss" and "infant at high risk for late onset, progressive hearing loss, or both"; amend KRS 211.647 to require the Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs to establish standards for infant audiological assessment and diagnostic centers based on national standards; require the commission to maintain a list of approved centers; require approval centers to agree to provide data to the commission; amend KRS 216.2970 to include approved audiological assessment and diagnostic centers on the list of those receiving an auditory screening report indicating a finding of potential hearing loss; amend KRS 213.046 to include approved audiological assessment and diagnostic centers as a source of an auditory screening for births occuring outside an institution.

Feb 13-introduced in Senate; to Health & Welfare (S)

(This bill is a companion bill to a similar one from the State House that has had far more activity on it.  I am posting it below)

HB 5/FN (BR 451) - T. Burch HB 5 - AMENDMENTSHCS/FN - Retain original provisions of bill; require centers to make necessary referrals; require approved audiology centers to report referrals to the First Steps program to the commission; add any factors identified as a cause of late onset or progressive hearing loss to the definition of "infant at risk"; make technical corrections.

HFA (1, T. Burch) - Amend KRS 216.2970 to add health care providers to the list of recipients of auditory screening reports.

 AN ACT relating to childhood hearing loss.
Amend KRS 211.645 to define "permanent childhood hearing loss" and "infant at high risk for late onset, progressive hearing loss, or both"; amend KRS 211.647 to require the Commission for Children with Special Health Care Needs to establish standards for infant audiological assessment and diagnostic centers based on national standards; require the commission to maintain a list of approved centers; require approved centers to agree to provide data to the commission; amend KRS 216.2970 to include approved audiological assessment and diagnostic centers on the list of those receiving an auditory screening report indicating a finding of potential hearing loss; amend KRS 213.046 to include approved audiological assessment and diagnostic centers as a source of an auditory screening for births occurring outside an institution. 

Jan 6-introduced in House
Jan 8-to Health & Welfare (H)
Feb 3-posted in committee
Feb 5-reported favorably, 1st reading, to Calendar with Committee Substitute
Feb 6-2nd reading, to Rules
Feb 9-posted for passage in the Regular Orders of the Day for Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Feb 10-floor amendment (1) filed to Committee Substitute
Feb 12-3rd reading, passed 98-0 with Committee Substitute, floor amendment (1)
Feb 13-received in Senate
Feb 23-to Health & Welfare (S)

(This House version of the bill is already through the house and currently before the Senate Health and Welfare committee.  Since both bills are before the same committee, I am hoping that some compromise can be reached and it can be sent to the Senate floor for a vote.  If it passes the Senate floor, it can be sent to the Governor for his signature.  One concern I have, I would like to see a provision made that would ensure that, in the instance that a child or infant is diagnosed with a hearing loss, that the parents receive guidance or information on sign language as an alternative as well.  Failure to address this specifically could, I'm afraid, lead to them continuing to focus on pathological "fixes" or oralism only as the only alternative to assist the child.  Parents need to be educated that sign language can be an invaluable tool to assist in their childs' development as well, instead of it being a last resort.  Hey, parents are teaching their hearing children sign language because of the proven cognitive enhancements and potentials, why can't it be done for the deaf or hard of hearing children as well, instead of focusing on oralism first, last, and only?)

If any of these interest you, contact your representative and let them know how you feel about it, what your concerns or suggestions are, and then ask them to vote the way you would like.  Remember, they work for YOU.  Also remember, these are STATE bills, not federal, so contact your STATE Senators or State Representatives.

Eddie