AN ACT relating to the apportionment of money in the CMRS fund.
Impact
The bill is expected to have a significant impact on state laws related to emergency response services, particularly in how funds are managed and allocated for public safety. By redistributing revenues to prioritize next-generation 911 initiatives and enhancing local PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points), the legislation seeks to modernize the emergency response framework in Kentucky. This includes offering grants and incentives aimed at local authorities to improve efficiency and efficacy in emergency response, thus aligning state capabilities with contemporary communication standards in emergency services.
Summary
House Bill 363 focuses on the apportionment of funds within the CMRS (Commercial Mobile Radio Service) emergency telecommunications fund. The legislation aims to amend existing provisions within Kentucky law, enhancing the financial framework that supports the delivery and improvement of emergency 911 services in line with the requirements of modern telecommunications. The bill specifically adjusts the rates and disbursement rules concerning 911 service charges, with different rates applicable before and after stipulated dates, thereby creating a structured financial approach to fund the establishment and maintenance of next-generation 911 services across the Commonwealth.
Sentiment
The general sentiment surrounding HB 363 appears to be supportive among stakeholders in the public safety sector. Policymakers and emergency service providers have acknowledged the need for improved funding mechanisms to adapt to technological advancements in telecommunications. Nonetheless, some concerns have been voiced regarding the adequacy and equitability of fund distribution, particularly ensuring that smaller and rural PSAPs do not fall behind larger, urban counterparts in accessing these vital funds.
Contention
Notable points of contention involve discussions on how the funding formulas are designed and the potential implications for PSAPs based on their geographical and operational capacities. There are apprehensions regarding the possibility of larger entities receiving a disproportionate share of the allocations, which could exacerbate existing disparities in emergency service readiness, particularly in less populated areas. Additionally, the ongoing transition to next-generation systems raises questions about the readiness and capability of PSAPs across the state.
Boards and commissions, state 911 Board, certification of public safety telecommunications, duties of telecommicators further provided, reasonable alternative method for responding to emergency calls, further provided, Sec. 11-98-11 am'd.
In 911 emergency communication services, further providing for definitions, for telecommunications management and for counties, providing for addressing authorities and for next generation 911 call delivery, further providing for 911 system plan, for fund, for payment, collection and remittance of surcharge by providers of 911 communications services, for payment, collection and remittance of surcharge by sellers of prepaid wireless telecommunications service, for telephone records, for penalty, for immunity and for shared residential MLTS service, repealing provisions relating to business MLTS, to shared communications services, to temporary residence and to local notification, further providing for ALI database maintenance, repealing provisions relating to dialing instructions and further providing for MLTS signaling, for termination and for prohibited release of information.
Prohibits use of a handheld wireless telecommunications device by a person when operating a motor vehicle upon any public roadway in this state. (8/1/20) (REF INCREASE LF EX See Note)
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