Title: An act relating to the enhanced 911 advisory committee.

Brief Description: Making permanent the enhanced 911 advisory committee.

Sponsors: Representatives Kilmer, Crouse, Nixon, Hudgins, Morrell, Green and Lantz; by request of Military Department.

Brief History:

Technology, Energy & Communications: 1/19/06, 1/20/06 [DPS].

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON TECHNOLOGY, ENERGY & COMMUNICATIONS

Majority Report: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass. Signed by 10 members: Representatives Morris, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair; Crouse, Ranking Minority Member; Hankins, Hudgins, Nixon, P. Sullivan, Sump, Takko and Wallace.

Staff: Kara Durbin (786-7133).

Background:

Enhanced 911 (E-911) automatically displays the caller's name, phone number, and location to a 911 operator. An E-911 system was established in Washington by referendum in 1991.

The E-911 coordinator is responsible for the implementation and operation of the E-911 system in the state. The coordinator is assisted by the E-911 Advisory Committee, appointed by the Adjutant General of the state Military Department, and representing fire, safety, utility, telecommunication, and local government officials. The purpose of the E-911 Advisory Committee is to assist and coordinate the counties' operation and continued advancement of E-911 systems which provide expedient, reliable public access to emergency services statewide. There are currently 27 members on the Advisory Committee.

The E-911 Advisory Committee is set to expire on December 31, 2006.

Summary of Substitute Bill:

The expiration date for the E-911 Advisory Committee is removed.

Substitute Bill Compared to Original Bill:

Adds a representative from a Voice-over Internet Protocol company to the membership of the Advisory Committee. Requires the Advisory Committee to prepare an update to the appropriate committees in the Legislature on the effectiveness of the E-911 program in the state.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Available.

Effective Date of Substitute Bill: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Testimony For: This Advisory Committee was created to facilitate and deploy E-911 around the state. It works. Our state's E-911 system is one of the best in the country, due in part to the work of this committee. The work of this committee has even more relevance today. Cellular phones have a huge impact on 911 service. This bill removes the sunset clause. Each new technology brings new challenges for E-911. Part of our committee's goal is to look towards the future. We are also looking at emerging technologies, such as text messaging E-911. Few states have had as much success as our state.

Testimony Against: None.

Persons Testifying: Representative Derek Kilmer, prime sponsor; Jon Kaino, Pacific County 911 Advisory Committee; Russell Sarazen, T-Mobile; Deb Walsh, Skagit County 911 Advisory Committee; Bob Oenning, Military Department; and John Didion, Pacific County Sheriff.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: None.