An Act Requiring Multi-line Telephones To Provide Direct Access To 9-1-1.
Impact
If enacted, HB 5387 will amend existing statutes related to telecommunications and public safety. It will require a significant adjustment for organizations that utilize multi-line phone systems, emphasizing the importance of seamless access to emergency services. This direct access is particularly critical in high-pressure situations such as medical emergencies or security threats, where barriers to connecting with emergency services can have severe implications for safety and response efficacy.
Summary
House Bill 5387 aims to enhance public safety by mandating that all businesses, state agencies, and municipalities that operate multi-line telephone systems provide direct access to 9-1-1 emergency services. According to the legislation, individuals should be able to reach enhanced 9-1-1 services simply by dialing '9-1-1', without the need for any additional codes or digits. This change is proposed to facilitate quicker connections to emergency responders, potentially improving response times in situations where every second counts.
Contention
While the bill is primarily aimed at improving public safety, there may be concerns raised by some stakeholders regarding the cost of reconfiguring existing telephone systems. Businesses may express apprehension about the financial burden associated with upgrading systems to comply with the new requirements. However, proponents of the bill argue that the investment is justified given the potential life-saving benefits of direct 9-1-1 access when emergencies arise.
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