2014 -- S 2576

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LC003560

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2014

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- E-911 UNIFORM EMERGENCY

TELEPHONE SYSTEM DIVISION

     Introduced By: Senator Michael J.McCaffrey

     Date Introduced: March 04, 2014

     Referred To: Senate Commerce

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 39-21 of the General Laws entitled "E-911 Uniform Emergency

Telephone System Division" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     39-21-17. Statewide implementation of next-generation 911 -- Study; Reports;

Content. -- (a) The general assembly finds that consideration of upgrades to 911 emergency

telephone communications is warranted. It is the intent of the general assembly to authorize and

direct the E-911 uniform emergency telephone system division to fund and conduct a study of the

implications, costs, and other considerations related to the implementation of next-generation

emergency telephone communications in the state of Rhode Island.

     (b) “Next-generation 911” means an Internet-protocol-based system comprised of

managed emergency services Internet protocol networks, functional elements, and data bases that

replicate traditional E-911 service or enhanced 911 wireless service features and functions that

provide additional capabilities.

     (c) The division shall conduct a study to examine issues surrounding the statewide

implementation of next-generation 911 and to contract with an independent third party to assist

with the study. Next-generation 911 shall be designed to provide access to emergency services

from all connected communications sources and to provide multimedia data capabilities for

public safety answering points and other emergency organizations. The study shall include, but

not be limited to, an examination of the following issues:

     (1) Examination of the current statutory and regulatory framework for the management

and funding of E-911 service in Rhode Island;

     (2) Examination and assessment of the current system of E-911 service within Rhode

Island;

     (3) Examination of the Federal Communication Commission's open rulemaking regarding

deployment of next-generation 911;

     (4) Identification of the federal, state and local authorities, agencies, and governing

bodies whose participation and cooperation will be necessary for the implementation of next-

generation 911 in Rhode Island;

     (5) Examination of any efforts, projects, or initiatives currently in progress or planned

related to any portion of the implementation of next-generation 911 in Rhode Island;

     (6) Examination of the plans and efforts of other states regarding the implementation of

next-generation 911;

     (7) Any other issues related to the planning and implementation of next-generation 911.

     (d) The independent third party shall submit an initial report to the director of the E-911

uniform emergency telephone system division not later than December 31, 2015. The

independent third party shall complete the study and submit a final report to the director not later

than December 31, 2016. The director shall forthwith submit the final report to the commissioner

of public safety, who shall forthwith submit the final report to the speaker of the house of

representatives, the president of the senate, and the governor.

     (e) The initial report of the independent third party shall include:

     (1) An assessment of the statewide 911 network existing on the effective date of this act,

including, but not limited to, the statutory and regulatory framework, the management and

sources of funding available to support 911 services, the broadband and telephone infrastructure,

and the equipment and software used by the state, public safety answering points, and geographic

information systems;

     (2) Examination of any efforts, projects, or initiatives in progress or planned related to

implementation of next-generation 911 in Rhode Island and other states;

     (3) Identification of the federal, state, and local authorities, agencies, and governing

bodies whose participation and cooperation will be necessary for the implementation of next-

generation 911 in Rhode Island; and

     (4) Any other issues deemed necessary by the commission.

     (f) The final report of the independent third party shall include:

     (1) The initial report of the independent third party as outlined in subsection (e) of this

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section;

     (2) Recommendations providing a variety of options for the planning, development,

phased-in implementation, and management of next-generation 911 and the deployment,

interconnection, and management of emergency services Internet protocol networks, including,

but not limited to, necessary technological upgrades, the timeline and cost of such phases of

implementation, and organizational structures with authority to oversee the recommended

options;

     (3) Identification of any changes to the master street address guide required for next-

generation 911 and how geocoding would integrate in the routing of next-generation 911;

     (4) Identification of any equipment changes that would be needed by public service

answering points, including customer-premises equipment, recording capabilities, and computer-

aided dispatching;

     (5) An estimated cost of the necessary components for planning, implementation, and

management of next-generation 911 and recommended sources of funding; and

     (6) Any other necessary issues related to the planning, implementation, and management

of next-generation 911.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO PUBLIC UTILITIES AND CARRIERS -- E-911 UNIFORM EMERGENCY

TELEPHONE SYSTEM DIVISION

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     This act would direct the E-911 uniform emergency telephone system division to fund

and conduct a study of the implications, costs and other considerations related to the

implementation of next-generation emergency telephone communications in Rhode Island and

would authorize it to contract with an independent third party to assist with the study. The

independent third party would provide an initial report to the director on or before December 31,

2015 with a final report due on or before December 31, 2016.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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