Creates provisions relating to communication access services

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Donna Barnes

Missouri HB 3288 would create state provisions defining and regulating communication access services, setting standards, provider obligations, and enforcement.

Referred: Emerging Issues(H)

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Overview

HB 3288 (2026, Missouri) aims to create provisions relating to communication access services. The bill, sponsored with a co-sponsor, Donna Barnes, progresses through the Legislature with standard committee and reading steps. The current actions show referral to the Emerging Issues committee, second-reading, and introduction in the House.

Purpose and intent

Establishes state-level provisions to regulate or expand access to communication access services.

The bill’s framing suggests a focus on accessibility, likely aligning with services that support individuals with communication needs (e.g., deaf, hard-of-hearing, speech and language needs), though specific definitions and scopes would be detailed in the bill’s text.

Key provisions and changes (as described)

Creation of new statutory provisions related to communication access services. The bill would define terms, outline eligibility, standards, and obligations for providers and possibly state agencies.

Potential implementation elements may include:

Requirements for providers of communication access services (certifications, qualifications, or reporting).
Accessibility standards for communications in state programs, public entities, or quasi-governmental entities.
Compliance timelines and enforcement mechanisms.
Any consumer protections or dispute resolution processes related to communication access services.

The bill may also designate funding mechanisms, timelines for implementation, and reporting duties to legislators or oversight bodies.

Note: The exact language, definitions (e.g., what constitutes “communication access services”), and precise obligations would appear in the bill’s text. The summary reflects typical components of such legislation based on the title.

Who is affected

Individuals who require communication access services (e.g., people with hearing or speech needs) and their interactions with state or public services.

Providers of communication access services, including potential interpreters, captioning services, or related technologies.

Public agencies and institutions subject to the new requirements (state departments, entities receiving state funds, or public entities, depending on the bill’s scope).

Organizations that might contract with the state to deliver communication access services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history indicates:

Introduced and read first time in the House on February 11, 2026.
Read second time on February 12, 2026.
Referred to the Emerging Issues Committee (H) on May 15, 2026.

If advanced, the bill would typically proceed to hearings, possible amendments, and floor consideration in the House, followed by potential Senate action and gubernatorial approval or veto.

Timelines will depend on committee action, scheduling, and any amendments adopted during the legislative process.

Potential implications

Positive impacts: Expanded access to communication services for individuals with communication needs; clearer standards and accountability for providers and public entities.

Administrative impacts: New reporting requirements, compliance monitoring, and potential funding allocations to support implementation.

Operational impacts: Entities may need to adjust workflows, training, and procurement to meet new standards.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to focus on specific aspects (e.g., fiscal impact, definitions, or enforcement mechanisms) once the bill’s full text is available.