Authority: Title 2.1, Chapter 35.2, Articles 1 through 6, Code of Virginia.

A. Amounts for Central and Interconnection Systems represent an internal service fund which shall be paid solely from revenues derived from charges for services. The estimated internal service fund cost for Central and Interconnection Systems is $44,477,296 the first year and $44,622,724 the second year.

B.1. Political subdivisions and local school divisions are hereby authorized to purchase long-distance and local telecommunications services from the Department of Information Technology, provided that such purchases are not prohibited by the terms and conditions of the Department's contracts for such services.

2. In providing telecommunications services to state agencies and institutions, political subdivisions and local school divisions, the Department shall charge rates that are approved by the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission.

C.1. The Department of Information Technology is authorized to locate the Relay Center for the Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing in Norton, Virginia. In developing a request for proposals for the Relay Center, the Department shall include provisions to require that (i) basic relay services be provided from the Center located in Norton, Virginia, (ii) employment levels be at a minimum of 104 full-time communications assistants, and (iii) the contract be renewable for up to five years.

2. The Department of Information Technology, in cooperation with the Department for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, the State Corporation Commission, and the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committee staffs, shall conduct a study examining long-term funding options for Relay Center services in future years which do not necessarily rely on the use of a toll. The Department of Information Technology shall submit a report on the results of the study to the Chairmen of the House Appropriations and Senate Finance Committees by November 30, 2000.