Bill: HB 1972, 83(R) - 2013

Bill Caption

Relating to the provision of 9-1-1 services.

Fiscal Notes

No significant fiscal impact is anticipated on the State or local governments.

Bill Analysis

Summary: Existing statutory language relating to the provision of 9-1-1 services is outdated in light of modern communications technologies. Historically, the state has provided liability protections to service providers of telecommunications related to delivering and responding to 9-1-1 emergency calls. HB 1972 seeks to update statutory language to reflect the ways people now use technology.

• This bill updates language related to 9-1-1 services contained in Chapter 771 of the Health and Safety Code to reflect the change in technology such as the advent of computers.
• This bill inserts provisions requiring interpretation similar to federal laws, 47 U.S.C. 615a and 47 U.S.C. 1472 which deal with the liability of 9-1-1 service providers.
• This bill updates language related to offenses of misuse of the 9-1-1 service contained in Chapter 41 and 42 of the Penal Code to reflect the change in technology such as the use of VOIP.
• This bill repeals Section 772.401 of the Health and Safety Code which contains various definitions involving 9-1-1 service.
• This bill specifies that the new definition of "9-1-1 services" does not expand the authority or jurisdiction of a public agency or commission relating to communications.

Analysis: Updating code to coincide with new societal and technological developments and clarifying code are useful endeavors and legitimate functions of limited government. HB 1972 does not contain a new grant of authority, and it does not expand government. For these reasons, TPPA recommends voting yes on HB 1972.

Source URL (retrieved on 04/24/2024 10:04 PM): http://reports.texasaction.com/bill/83r/hb1972?print_view=true