Minnesota § 237.50 - DEFINITIONS
Full text of Minnesota Minnesota Statutes § 237.50 — DEFINITIONS, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 237.50. DEFINITIONS
Subdivision 1.Scope.
The terms used in sections 237.50 to 237.56 have the meanings given them in this section.
Subd. 2.
[Repealed, 1995 c 190 s 17]
Subd. 3.Communication disability.
"Communication disability" means certified as having a hearing loss, speech disability, or physical disability that makes it difficult or impossible to use telecommunications services and equipment.
Subd. 4.
[Repealed by amendment, 2012 c 216 art 10 s 1]
Subd. 4a.Deaf.
"Deaf" means a hearing loss of such severity that the person must depend primarily upon visual communication such as writing, lip reading, sign language, and gestures.
Subd. 4b.Deafblind.
"Deafblind" means any combination of vision and hearing loss which interferes with acquiring information from the environment to the extent that compensatory strategies and skills are necessary to access that or other information.
Subd. 4c.Discounted telecommunications or Internet services.
"Discounted telecommunications or Internet services" means private, nonprofit, and public programs intended to subsidize or reduce the monthly costs of telecommunications or Internet services for a person who meets a program's eligibility requirements.
Subd. 5.
[Repealed by amendment, 2012 c 216 art 10 s 1]
Subd. 6.Fund.
"Fund" means the telecommunications access Minnesota fund established in section 237.52.
Subd. 6a.Hard-of-hearing.
"Hard-of-hearing" means a hearing loss resulting in a functional limitation, but not to the extent that the person must depend primarily upon visual communication in all interactions.
Subd. 6b.Interconnectivity product.
"Interconnectivity product" means a device, accessory, or application for which the primary function is use with a telecommunications device. Interconnectivity product may include a cell phone amplifier, hearing aid streamer, Bluetooth-enabled device that connects to a wireless telecommunications device, advanced communications application for a smartphone, or other applicable technology.
Subd. 7.
[Repealed by amendment, 2012 c 216 art 10 s 1]
Subd. 8.
[Repealed by amendment, 2012 c 216 art 10 s 1]
Subd. 9.
[Repealed by amendment, 2012 c 216 art 10 s 1]
Subd. 10.
[Repealed by amendment, 2012 c 216 art 10 s 1]
Subd. 10a.Telecommunications device.
"Telecommunications device" means a device that (1) allows a person with a communication disability to have access to telecommunications services as defined in subdivision 13, and (2) is specifically selected by the Department of Human Services for its capacity to allow persons with communication disabilities to use telecommunications services in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of a person who does not have a communication disability. A telecommunications device may include a ring signaler, an amplified telephone, a hands-free telephone, a text telephone, a captioned telephone, a wireless device, a device that produces Braille output for use with a telephone, and any other device the Department of Human Services deems appropriate.
Subd. 11.Telecommunications Relay Services.
"Telecommunications Relay Services" or "TRS" means the telecommunications transmission services required under Federal Communications Commission regulations at Code of Federal Regulations, title 47, sections 64.604 to 64.606. TRS allows a person who has a communication disability to use telecommunications services in a manner that is functionally equivalent to the ability of a person who does not have a communication disability.
Subd. 12.Telecommunications.
"Telecommunications" means the transmission, between or among points specified by the user, of information of the user's choosing, without change in the form or content of the information as sent and received.
Subd. 13.Telecommunications services.
"Telecommunications services" means the offering of telecommunications for a fee directly to the public, or to such classes of users as to be effectively available to the public, regardless of the facilities used.
History:
1987 c 308 s 1,8; 1988 c 621 s 2; 1993 c 272 s 2-6,17; 1995 c 190 s 1; 2004 c 228 art 1 s 74; 2012 c 216 art 10 s 1; 1Sp2019 c 9 art 5 s 1-6
Official Publication of the State of Minnesota
Revisor of Statutes
Frequently Asked Questions About Minnesota § 237.50
What does Minnesota Statutes § 237.50 cover?
Section 237.50 ("DEFINITIONS") is part of the Minnesota Statutes, the codified statutory law of Minnesota. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Minnesota § 237.50?
A common citation format is "Minnesota Statutes § 237.50" (Minnesota). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Minnesota law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Minnesota official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Minnesota attorney.
How does Minnesota § 237.50 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Minnesota can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Minnesota.