HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6827

BYSenate Committee on Energy & Utilities (originally sponsored by Senators Benitz, Kreidler, Bluechel, Madsen, Amondson, Anderson, Warnke and Saling)

Studying state-wide 911.

House Committe on Energy & Utilities

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (13)

      Signed by Representatives Nelson, Chair; H. Myers, Vice Chair; Hankins, Ranking Republican Member; Bennett, Brooks, Cooper, Gallagher, Jacobsen, Jesernig, May, R. Meyers, Miller and S. Wilson.

House Staff:Fred Adair (786-7113)

Rereferred House Committee on Appropriations

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (28)

      Signed by Representatives Locke, Chair; Grant, Vice Chair; Silver, Ranking Republican Member; Youngsman, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Appelwick, Belcher, Bowman, Braddock, Brekke, Brough, Dorn, Doty, Ebersole, Ferguson, Hine, Holland, Inslee, May, McLean, Padden, Peery, Rust, Sayan, Spanel, Sprenkle, Valle, Wang and Wineberry.

House Staff:      Karl Herzog (786-7271)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 1, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Counties may fund an "emergency services communication system" by imposing an excise tax on each telephone line of up to 50 cents per month.  This tax must be approved by the county voters, and renewed every six years.  An "emergency services communication system" can include a radio or leadline communications network, such as a 911 telephone system.

A 911 telephone system allows the caller to be quickly linked with an emergency dispatch center.  An enhanced 911 system (E911) allows the dispatcher to view the location of the caller on a video monitor or printout.  A major advantage of E911 is that the scene of distress is located without there having to be any words spoken.

Presently, six counties have an E911 system in place, covering a majority of the state's telephone access lines.  A statewide system of E911 could contribute to increased safety and improved emergency response throughout the state.  Statewide E911 could also aid in coordinating present emergency response efforts, resulting in a more efficient system.

SUMMARY:

The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC) shall study, by December 15, 1990, the feasibility of developing a statewide system of E911 telephone service.  The study is to consider the ideal number of routing locations for 911 calls, the most efficient way of transferring emergency response information, cost estimates for continuing and initiating E911 programs, recommendations for state implementation of an E911 system, consideration of alternatives to E911 in areas where E911 is not practical, and recommendations for legislative action.

When conducting the study, the WUTC shall consult with any other ongoing studies of the state's emergency communication network.

The WUTC shall report on the results of the study to the Energy and Utilities Committees of the Legislature by January 18, 1991.

The WUTC shall create an advisory committee of relevant experts on E911 service to provide advice and information for conducting the study.

Appropriation:    $50,000 from the public service revolving fund.

Fiscal Note:      Available.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    (Energy & Utilities)  Senator Max Benitz, prime sponsor; Tom Walker, U.S. West; Raymond Day, Utilities & Transportation Commission; and Otto Jensen, Washington State Association of Fire Chiefs.

(Appropriations)  No one.

House Committee - Testified Against:      (Energy & Utilities)  No one.

(Appropriations)  No one.

House Committee - Testimony For:    (Energy & Utilities)  E911 statewide will greatly benefit the state through improved response to emergencies.  The Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission favors the concept of the bill but considers the Department of Community Development to be a more appropriate agency to do the study.

(Appropriations)  None.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      (Energy & Utilities)  None.

(Appropriations)  None.