Texas Senate Bill SB53

Texas 2019 - 86th Regular

Caption

Relating to a request for 9-1-1 service by text message and the provision of available contact information.

Impact

The enactment of SB53 would signify a significant advancement in the capabilities of emergency response services in Texas. By integrating text messaging as an official means of contacting 9-1-1, the bill addresses modern communication trends and the varied needs of the population. This change could especially benefit individuals with hearing impairments or those in situations where making a voice call could be dangerous or impractical. The legislation underscores a commitment to leveraging technology to enhance public safety and ensure that all citizens have access to emergency assistance.

Summary

SB53 aims to enhance the accessibility of 9-1-1 emergency services by allowing individuals to request assistance via text message. This amendment to Chapter 771A of the Health and Safety Code is designed to improve communication between the public and emergency services, particularly for individuals who may be unable to make voice calls. The bill establishes that public safety answering points (PSAPs) should, within their available resources, accept both voice calls and text messages for emergency communications, facilitating a more inclusive approach to emergency response.

Contention

While the bill represents a progressive step towards modernizing emergency communication, there may be concerns regarding its implementation. Points of contention could include the adequacy of funding and resources for PSAPs to handle the dual influx of voice and text requests simultaneously. Additionally, the challenge of ensuring that all public safety answering points have the necessary technology trained staff will require ongoing attention. Furthermore, there might be a debate on the efficiency and reliability of adopting text messaging for emergency situations, with worries about delays in response or misunderstandings that could arise from written communication in critical circumstances.