Pennsylvania 2023-2024 Regular Session

Pennsylvania House Bill HB1854

Introduced
11/15/23  

Caption

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.

Impact

This bill is projected to have a significant impact on state laws governing emergency communication services in Pennsylvania by instituting a standardized surcharge for 911 services, which could enhance funding for necessary system upgrades. The changes sought by HB1854 would also require counties to align their 911 services with state-imposed standards, potentially improving the overall efficiency and responsiveness of emergency responses statewide. Furthermore, the introduction of NG911 technology could facilitate a more comprehensive and effective emergency response system in the state.

Summary

House Bill 1854 amends various provisions within Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on 911 emergency communication services. The legislation aims to enhance the infrastructure and management of 911 systems statewide by instituting a uniform 911 surcharge and addressing the definitions and responsibilities of service providers. Additionally, the bill seeks to implement Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology to improve emergency call delivery and resource management across all jurisdictions within Pennsylvania.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding HB1854 appears to be largely positive among emergency service providers and advocates for public safety, as it directly addresses the technological shortcomings of current 911 systems. However, there are concerns regarding the financial implications of the surcharge on consumers and its potential impact on low-income residents. The debate emphasizes the balance between enhancing public safety initiatives and ensuring accessibility for all residents, particularly in financially strained communities.

Contention

Notable points of contention include the implementation and management of the surcharge mechanism, as some stakeholders express concern over its equitable application and the potential financial burden it imposes. Additionally, while the adoption of NG911 is generally seen as beneficial, discussions revolve around the readiness of existing infrastructure to support such advancements and the associated costs of upgrading outdated systems. This highlights the tension between immediate funding needs and long-term enhancements in service capability.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA SB807

In 911 emergency communication services, further providing for uniform 911 surcharge and for termination.

PA HB104

In 911 emergency communication services, further providing for telecommunications management.

PA HB349

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for definitions relating to intrastate mutual aid and for definitions relating to Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program; in volunteer firefighters, further providing for definitions relating to fire relief association; in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions; in grants to fire companies and emergency medical services companies, further providing for definitions; and, in incentives for municipal volunteers of fire companies and nonprofit emergency medical services agencies, further providing for definitions.

PA SB623

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for definitions; and, in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions.

PA HB453

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for definitions relating to intrastate mutual aid; and, in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1463

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in Commonwealth services, further providing for definitions relating to intrastate mutual aid; and, in emergency responder mental wellness and stress management, further providing for definitions.

PA HB1233

In general provisions, further providing for scope of subchapter, providing for definitions, further providing for establishment and designation, providing for emergency meetings by authorized telecommunications device, repealing provisions relating to exercise of powers and functions, further providing for declaration of policy and for definitions, repealing provisions relating to enabling authority for emergency interim successors for local offices, further providing for emergency interim successors for local officers and for succession period and repealing provisions relating to term and removal of designees.

PA SB775

In general provisions, further providing for scope of subchapter, providing for definitions, further providing for establishment and designation, providing for emergency meetings by authorized telecommunications device, repealing provisions relating to exercise of powers and functions, further providing for declaration of policy and for definitions, repealing provisions relating to enabling authority for emergency interim successors for local offices, further providing for emergency interim successors for local officers and for succession period and repealing provisions relating to term and removal of designees.

PA SB37

In general provisions, further providing for definitions; in licensing of drivers, further providing for learners' permits and for examination of applicant for driver's license; in rules of the road in general, further providing for prohibiting text-based communications and providing for prohibiting use of interactive mobile device; in miscellaneous provisions relating to serious traffic offenses, further providing for the offense of homicide by vehicle and for the offense of aggravated assault by vehicle; in enforcement, providing for data collection and reporting relating to traffic stops; and imposing penalties.

PA SB85

In alternative form of regulation of telecommunications services, further providing for network modernization plans and for additional powers and duties of commission.

Similar Bills

PA HB1304

Amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania

IL HB1866

NEXT GEN 9-1-1 IMPLEMENTATION

IL HB3940

EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEMS

DE HB160

An Act To Amend Title 16 Of The Delaware Code Relating To 988 Behavioral Health Crisis Intervention Services.

ME LD1436

An Act to Update and Clarify Provisions Related to 9-1-1 Services

RI H5987

Establishes a core state behavioral health crisis services system, to be administered by the director of behavioral healthcare, developmental disabilities and hospitals.

CA AB2537

Telecommunications universal service programs: Lifeline Oversight Board.

CA SB96

Emergency Telephone Users Surcharge Act.