Connecticut House Bill HB05321

Connecticut 2020 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/26/20
• Refer: 2/26/20

Caption

An Act Establishing A Task Force On Public Safety Answering Point Consolidation.

Impact

The creation of this task force may lead to significant adjustments in how public safety is managed across municipalities, especially those that currently maintain individual PSAPs. The task force will investigate potential issues related to eliminating dedicated dispatchers from certain municipalities and make recommendations on how to manage these changes responsibly. Ultimately, this move is expected to improve response times and resource allocation within the emergency response system, paving the way for more modernized public safety protocols.

Summary

House Bill 05321 aims to establish a task force focused on the consolidation of public safety answering points (PSAPs) throughout the state. The task force would be responsible for examining the current public safety communication framework and proposing recommendations for enhancing efficiency while prioritizing public safety. This legislation reflects an increasing interest in streamlining emergency response systems to ensure rapid and effective communication during crises.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 05321 could arise from concerns regarding job security for dispatch personnel and potential pushback from municipalities that may lose their local PSAP. Additionally, existing collective bargaining agreements could complicate the transition required for consolidation. Proponents argue that the benefits of technology integration and enhanced training standards will outweigh these challenges, while opponents may see this as an undue centralization that may diminish local control over emergency services.