Brief Description: Requesting Congress to develop Emergency 911 standards for Voice Over Internet Protocol service.

Sponsors: Representatives Hudgins, Morris, Anderson, Chase, Upthegrove and B. Sullivan.

Hearing Date: 1/27/05

Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).

Background:

911 Service:

In a location where a 911 system is available, a person can contact emergency assistance by dialing "911." Under basic 911, the caller must identify his or her location to the emergency system personnel. Under enhanced 911, also known as E-911, the caller's phone number and location are automatically displayed at the public safety answering point.

Voice over Internet Protocol:

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a type of technology that manages the delivery of voice information using the Internet Protocol (IP). In general, VoIP is accomplished by sending voice information in digital form in discrete packets rather than in the traditional circuit-committed protocols of the public switched telephone network.

Currently, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) requires that wireless carriers must implement Enhanced 911 services. The FCC does not require service providers of VoIP to provide Enhanced 911 VoIP service.

Summary of Bill:

The Legislature requests that Congress, the President, and the Federal Communications Commission consider developing national Emergency 911 standards for Voice over Internet Protocol to address the public safety needs of our state and other states and to enable public safety officers to respond quickly in the event of an emergency.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.