Authority: Title 51.5, Chapter 13, Code of Virginia.

A. Up to $48,529 the first year and up to $48,529 the second year from the general fund is provided to the Department of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing (DDHH) to contract with the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) for the provision of shared administrative services. The scope of the services and specific costs shall be outlined in a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between DDHH and DARS subject to the approval of the respective agency heads. Any revision to the MOU shall be reported by DARS to the Director, Department of Planning and Budget within 30 days.

B. Out of this appropriation, an amount estimated at $1,581,782 the first year and $1,581,782 the second year from special funds shall be used to cover the cost of providing telecommunications relay service as defined in §51.5-115, Code of Virginia.

C.1. Notwithstanding § 58.1-662 of the Code of Virginia, prior to the distribution of monies from the Communications Sales and Use Tax Trust Fund to counties, cities and towns, there shall be distributed monies in the fund to pay for the Technology Assistance Program. This requirement shall not change any other distributions required by law from the Communications Sales and Use Tax Trust Fund.

2. Out of this appropriation, $500,000 the first year and $500,000 the second year from special funds shall be used for the Technology Assistance Program.

D. Out of this appropriation, $40,000 the first year and $40,000 the second year from the general fund shall be used to contract with a provider for the provision of equipment distribution and community services to deaf and hard-of-hearing individuals in the southwest Virginia region.

E. Out of this appropriation, $238,200 the first year and $238,200 the second year from the general fund shall be used to support the cost of a deaf mentor program for children.