OLR Bill Analysis

sHB 5378

AN ACT CONCERNING THE MAXIMUM SURCHARGE FOR ENHANCED 9-1-1 SERVICE.

SUMMARY:

This bill increases from 50 cents to 75 cents per month, per access line, the maximum amount that the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority may assess telecommunications subscribers to fund the E 9-1-1 program.

EFFECTIVE DATE: Upon passage

BACKGROUND

E 9-1-1 Fee Assessment and Collection

Funding for the E 9-1-1 program is generated by a monthly surcharge levied on phone lines of subscribers of (1) local telephone, (2) commercial mobile radio service (e. g. , cell phone), (3) voice over Internet protocol, and (4) prepaid wireless telephone service (CGS § 28-30a). Customers pay the surcharge to their telephone service provider which, in turn, remits it monthly to the Office of Statewide Emergency Telecommunications for deposit in the E 9-1-1 Telecommunications Fund. The fee is currently at the 50-cent per month cap. Customers with multiple lines are rated on a sliding scale.

Related Bill

SB 62, reported favorably by the Public Safety and Security Committee on March 15, requires DESPP to establish a public safety data network (PSDN) in an electronic format for exchanging information among public safety and criminal justice entities. It adds the expenses associated with implementing and maintaining the PSDN to the other expenses the DESPP commissioner must consider when determining the amount of funding necessary for the E 9-1-1 program.

COMMITTEE ACTION

Public Safety and Security Committee

Joint Favorable Substitute