Public social services for the deaf and hard of hearing shall be available in at least three regions throughout the state so that deaf and hard-of-hearing persons are able to secure public social services within a reasonable commuting distance. Deaf and hard-of-hearing persons, residing in urban, suburban, and rural areas, shall be served.

(Amended by Stats. 2016, Ch. 94, Sec. 31. (AB 1709) Effective January 1, 2017.)