| Formal Name: | TRS Advisory Committee |
| Contact Person: | Brett Bode, TRS Program Manager, Cullen Robbins, Director NUSFTelecom. Department |
| Purpose: | Provide guidance for the development, monitoring, and promotion of state-wide telecommunications relay services in Nebraska; Review the request for proposal (RFP) and analyze the bids; Establish goals and recommendations for the telecommunications relay service within the State; and Annually discuss the surcharge and rules and regulations established by the Public Service Commission. |
| How Many Affectable: | 365,268. Source: John Hopkins Medicine. (http:www.hopkinsmedicine.orgnewsmediareleasesoneinfiveamericanshashearingloss). Other sources: National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders (NIDCD) (https:www.nidcd.nih.gov) |
| How Many Served: | 365,268 |
| Year Created: | 1991 |
| Year Active: | 1991 |
| Sunset Date: | None |
| Authorization Citation: | Neb. Rev. Stat. 86-315 |
| Parent Agency: | Nebraska Public Service CommissionCommission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| Number Of Members: | 7 |
| Who Appoints: | Commission for Deaf and Hard of Hearing |
| Legislative Approval: | No |
| Qualifications Of Members: | 1 member deaf; 1 member deaf or hard of hearing; 1 member speech-impaired; 1 member Nebraska Public Service Commission representative; 1 member telephone industry rep.; 1 member Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing representative; 1 member Public representative |
| Per Diem: | No |
| Expense Reimbursement: | Yes |
| Term Length: | 3 years |
| Terms Rotate or Expire At Once: | Terms Rotate |
| Required FY 21-22: | 1 |
| Held FY 21-22: | 1 |
| Required FY 22-23: | 1 |
| Held FY 22-23: | 1 |
| Required FY 23-24: | 1 |
| Held FY 23-24: | 1 |
| Support Staff: | Yes |
| Shared or Separate: | Shared Nebraska Public Service Commission |
| FY 21-22 Budget: | none |
| FY 22-23 Budget: | none |
| FY 23-24 Budget: | none |
| Other Funding Sources: | None |
| Spending Authority: | Nebraska Public Service Commission |
| Since July 1, 2020: | The Committee continues to provide advice and direction in making further improvements to this program. The Public Service Commission continues to work with the Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in receiving, assisting and reviewing applicants for the NSTEP program. The TRS Advisory Committee provides advice regarding policies and procedures for the administration of the NSTEP program as well as issues affecting quality of service for the relay center. The Commission works with this committee in determining the surcharge necessary to fund the relay service and the NSTEP voucher program. |