AN ACT CONCERNING AN ENHANCED 9-1-1 SERVICE DATABASE.

This bill allows subscriber information in the enhanced 9-1-1 database to be used for enabling emergency notification systems in life-threatening emergencies. Under current law, it may be used only in responding to emergency calls or investigating false or intentionally misleading reports of incidents requiring emergency service. The bill defines “subscriber information” as the name, address, and telephone number in the enhanced database of a telephone used to place a 9-1-1 call or in connection with an emergency notification system.

It defines an “emergency notification system” as a service that notifies the public of emergencies. It makes confidential and exempt from the Freedom of Information Act subscriber information provided for (1) enabling any such system and (2) the other purposes specified under current law. The bill outlines procedures governing release and use of the database information by database providers, the Office of State-wide Emergency Telecommunications (OSET), the Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, (DEMHS), and public safety answering points (PSAPs).

The bill requires that the E 9-1-1 service database provider give OSET, each month, an electronic copy of the current subscriber information in the database. OSET must make this information available to DEMHS and to each PSAP under a memorandum of understanding (MOU). Each PSAP that has entered into a MOU must make the information available to any municipality within the PSAP's jurisdiction that requests it.

By October 1, 2008, the E 9-1-1 service database provider and OSET must enter into an agreement regarding the provision of the E 9-1-1 service database information, including payment for the costs the provider incurs in compiling the information.

By law, telephone companies and voice over internet protocol (VOIP) service providers (e. g. , Vonage) must forward the telephone number and street address from which a 9-1-1 call is made to a safety answering point. The companies and their agents are immune from liability to the person making the call. The bill also immunizes them from liability for (1) releasing the database information as required by the bill and (2) failure of any equipment or procedure in connection with the emergency notification system.

SB 175 (File 63), reported by the Program Review and Investigations Committee, requires municipalities to establish a managed emergency telephone notification system approved by OSET to notify residents of emergencies.

Yea

Nay

(03/06/2008)