1. (a) Purpose. The provisions of this section are intended to establish procedures for an equipment distribution program and for reimbursement to vendors who submit vouchers issued under the program.

2. (b) Program responsibilities.

   1. (1) Texas Commission for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (TCDHH) responsibilities. TCDHH is responsible for:

      1. (A) Adopting rules and procedures regarding the issuance of STAP vouchers to eligible individuals;
      2. (B) Establishing a database containing sufficient information to enable the commission to verify the issuance of a particular STAP voucher; and
      3. (C) Depositing amounts paid by eligible individuals for STAP vouchers into the Texas Universal Service Fund (TUSF).

   2. (2) Commission responsibilities. The commission is responsible for:

      1. (A) Adopting rules and procedures regarding the reimbursement to vendors for properly redeemed STAP vouchers;
      2. (B) Administering the TUSF to ensure adequate funding of the equipment distribution program; and
      3. (C) Appointing and providing administrative support for the RTAC, in accordance with PURA, Texas Utilities Code Annotated §56.110 and §56.112 (Vernon 1998).

3. (c) Program administration.

   1. (1) Vendor registration. To facilitate the timely reimbursement of STAP vouchers, the TUSF administrator may specify that a vendor who accepts STAP vouchers shall register with the administrator by providing the vendor's name, contact person, address, telephone number, facsimile number (if available), and information sufficient to permit the administrator to reimburse the vendor by direct deposit rather than by check.
   2. (2) Vendor reimbursement. A vendor who exchanges an STAP voucher for the purchase of approved equipment in accordance with the terms of the equipment distribution program specified by TCDHH shall be eligible for reimbursement of the lesser of the face value of the STAP voucher or the actual price of the equipment. TUSF disbursements shall be made only upon receipt from the vendor of a completed STAP voucher and a receipt showing the actual price of the equipment exchanged for the STAP voucher. TUSF disbursements may also be subject to such other limitations or conditions as determined by the commission to be just and reasonable, including investigation of whether the presentation of an STAP voucher represents a valid transaction for equipment under the equipment distribution program. The TUSF administrator shall ensure that reimbursement to vendors for STAP vouchers shall be issued within 45 days after the STAP voucher is received by the TUSF administrator.

Source Note:The provisions of this §26.415 adopted to be effective August 10, 1999, 24 TexReg 6035.