HB 2029 - DIGEST
(SEE ALSO PROPOSED 2ND SUB)

Finds that: (1) Statewide enhanced 911 has proven to be a lifesaving service;

(2) Routing a 911 call to the appropriate public safety answering point with a display of the caller's identification and location should be available for all users of telecommunications or communications services, regardless of the technology used to make and transmit the 911 voice or data call; and

(3) It is in the best public interest to ensure that there is adequate funding to support ongoing modernization of enhanced 911 service.

Requires each county, singly or in combination with adjacent counties, to implement countywide or multicounty-wide enhanced 911 emergency communications service so that enhanced 911 is available throughout the state.

Establishes a state enhanced 911 coordination office, headed by the state enhanced 911 coordinator, in the emergency management division of the state military department.

Creates the enhanced 911 advisory committee to advise and assist the state enhanced 911 coordinator in coordinating and facilitating the implementation and operation of enhanced 911 emergency communications service throughout the state.

Creates the enhanced 911 account.

Finds that: (1) The state and counties should be provided with an additional revenue source to fund enhanced 911 emergency communications service throughout the state on a multicounty or countywide basis; and

(2) The most efficient and appropriate method of deriving additional revenue for this purpose is to impose a 911 service fee on wireline, wireless, internet protocol-enabled voice, and other communications devices capable of transmitting voice or data to 911.

Imposes a tiered county enhanced 911 service fee on the use of certain telecommunications and communications services.

Imposes a state enhanced 911 service fee on certain telecommunications and communications services.

Repeals RCW 38.52.500 through 38.52.561 relating to statewide enhanced 911 service.

Repeals chapter 82.14B (counties--tax on telephone access line use).