Connecticut House Bill HB05299

Connecticut 2017 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/6/17
• Refer: 1/6/17

Caption

An Act Requiring 9-1-1 Calls To Be Routed To The Nearest Public Safety Answering Point.

Impact

If enacted, HB 05299 would amend chapter 518a of the general statutes, potentially leading to significant changes in the operations of 9-1-1 call centers across the state. By mandating that calls be routed to the nearest PSAP, the bill could reduce response times for emergencies, which is vital for incidents such as medical emergencies, fires, or criminal activity. This change may also require adjustments in public safety protocols and training for personnel in how to handle routing of calls more efficiently.

Summary

House Bill 05299 introduces a requirement for the routing of 9-1-1 calls to the nearest public safety answering point (PSAP) based on the geographical location from which the call originates. This legislative effort is aimed at improving the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response services by ensuring that emergency calls are directed to the closest facility equipped to handle them. The bill recognizes the critical nature of timely responses in emergency situations and seeks to enhance public safety through technological and procedural improvements.

Contention

While the bill aims to streamline emergency response, there are points of contention regarding the implementation and logistics of routing calls effectively. Some may argue that the existing systems already have certain efficiencies that could be disrupted by mandated changes. Concerns related to technical challenges, funding for new routing systems, and the readiness of all PSAPs to handle increased call volumes may arise as potential hurdles to the bill's effective implementation.