See other bills
under the
same topic
SENATE AMENDED
PRIOR PRINTER'S NOS. 1183, 1216, 1331
PRINTER'S NO. 1687
THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF PENNSYLVANIA
HOUSE BILL
No.
911
Session of
2015
INTRODUCED BY BARRAR, SAINATO, BOBACK, CAUSER, COHEN, DELOZIER,
EVERETT, GREINER, HACKETT, HARKINS, A. HARRIS, JAMES,
JOZWIAK, MALONEY, MARSHALL, McGINNIS, MENTZER, MILLARD, RAPP,
ROZZI, SACCONE, TALLMAN, PETRI, TOOHIL, FARRY, PASHINSKI,
RADER, DAVIDSON, MAHONEY, WARNER AND REGAN, APRIL 13, 2015
SENATOR VULAKOVICH, VETERANS AFFAIRS AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS,
IN SENATE, AS AMENDED, JUNE 2, 2015
AN ACT
Amending Title 35 (Health and Safety) of the Pennsylvania
Consolidated Statues, further providing for emergency
telephone service.
The General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
hereby enacts as follows:
Section 1. The heading of Chapter 53 of Title 35 of the
Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes is amended to read:
CHAPTER 53
[EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICE] 911 EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION
SERVICES
Section 2. Sections 5302, 5303, 5304, 5304.1, 5305 and 5306
of Title 35 are amended to read:
§ 5302. Definitions.
The following words and phrases when used in this chapter
shall have the meanings given to them in this section unless the
context clearly indicates otherwise:
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
"911 communication." Transmission of information to a PSAP
for the initial reporting of police, fire, medical or other
emergency situation.
"911 communications service." As follows:
(1) A service that allows the two-way transmission,
conveyance or routing of voice, data, audio, video or any
information of signals, including cable and internet protocol
services, to a point or between or among points by or through
any electronic, radio, satellite, cable, optical, microwave
or other medium or method in existence on or after the
effective date of this definition, regardless of protocol
used for the transmission or conveyance, only if that service
is capable of contacting a PSAP by entering or dialing the
digits 911 and is subject to applicable Federal or State
requirements to provide the 911 dialing capability.
(2) The term does not include wireless and Internet-
protocol-enabled services that are exempt from Federal
Communications Commission regulations for 911 communications
service, 911 service and next generation 911 service.
"911 service provider." An entity that provides all or parts
of the network, software applications, databases, CPE
components and operations and management procedures required to
support a 911 system.
"911 system." [A system, including enhanced 911 service, but
excluding a wireless E-911 system, which permits a person
dialing 911 by telephone to be connected to a public safety
answering point, via normal telephone facilities, for the
reporting of police, fire, medical or other emergency
situations.] A system capable of receiving and processing a 911
communication throughout a defined geographic area. The term
20150HB0911PN1687 - 2 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
shall include a city, county , regional 911 system or a PSAP.
["Advisory committee." The E-911 Emergency Services Advisory
Committee.]
"Agency." The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency.
"ALI." Automatic location information.
"ANI." Automatic number identification.
["Associated with Pennsylvania." The term shall mean:
(1) In the case of the mobile telephone number (MTN),
the geographical location associated with the first six
digits or NPA-NXX of the MTN.
(2) In the case of a customer service address, the
physical location of the address.]
"Automatic location information." [The delivery or receipt
of the street address of the telephone or the geographic
location of the wireless device, as specified in the FCC E-911
Order, being used to place a call to a 911 system or to a
wireless E-911 system.] The delivery or receipt of location
information, including, but not limited to, the street address
or geographic location of a telecommunication device, as
specified in the FCC 911 Order, being used to communicate with a
911 system.
"Automatic number identification." [The delivery or receipt
of the telephone number assigned to the telephone or wireless
device being used to place a call to a 911 system or to a
wireless E-911 system.] The delivery or receipt of a telephone
number assigned to a telecommunication device being used to
communicate with a 911 system.
"Board." The 911 board established under section 5303(b)
(relating to telecommunications management).
"Call." A two-way communication established using a 911
20150HB0911PN1687 - 3 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
communications service.
"Call back number." A number used by a public safety
answering point to recontact the location from which a 911 call
was placed. This number may or may not be the number of the
telephone station used to originate the 911 call.
["Commission." The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.]
"Communication provider." Any person that offers or provides
communication service to subscribers or consumers for a fee
within this Commonwealth.
"Communication service." Any service that provides to a
subscriber or consumer the capability to initiate, route,
transmit or complete a 911 communication from or through any
telecommunication device that utilizes telephone numbers,
Internet protocol addresses or functional equivalents or
technological successors.
["Competitive local exchange carrier." A local exchange
carrier that has been certificated as a competitive local
exchange carrier by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.]
"Consumer." A person who purchases prepaid wireless
telecommunications service or a prepaid wireless device in a
retail transaction.
["Contribution rate." A fee assessed against a telephone
subscriber for the nonrecurring costs, maintenance and operating
costs of a 911 system.
"Council." The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Council.
"County." The term shall include a city of the first class
coterminous with a county.
"County plan." A document submitted by the county on a
triennial basis to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency
outlining its proposed and existing wireline and wireless 911
20150HB0911PN1687 - 4 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
and E-911 systems and procedures, including a contribution rate,
for the forthcoming three years.]
"Department." The Department of Revenue of the Commonwealth.
"Emergency location identification number" or "ELIN." A
valid North American Numbering Plan format telephone number
assigned to a multiline telephone system operator by the
appropriate authority which is used to route the call to a
public safety answering point and is used to retrieve the
automatic location information for the public safety answering
point. The ELIN may be the same number as the automatic number
identification. The North American Numbering Plan number may in
some cases not be a dialable number.
"Emergency notification services." Services provided by
authorized agencies of Federal, State, county or local
governments, or by persons authorized by these governments, that
notify the public[, using] and may use ANI/ALI database
information, of emergencies declared by these governments.
"Emergency response location." A location to which a 911
emergency response team may be dispatched and which is specific
enough to provide a reasonable opportunity for the emergency
response team to quickly locate a caller anywhere within the
location.
"Emergency support services." Information or database
management services provided by authorized agencies of Federal,
State, county or local governments, or by persons authorized by
these governments, that are used in support of PSAPs or
emergency notification services.
"Enhanced 911 service" or ["E-911."] "911." [Emergency
telephone service providing for automatic identification of
caller location and calling number.] Emergency communication
20150HB0911PN1687 - 5 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
service providing for automatic identification of caller
location and calling number, which includes network switching,
database and PSAP premise elements capable of providing
automatic location identification data and a call back number.
"FCC [E-911] 911 Order." All of the following:
(1) All orders OR FINAL RULES issued by the Federal
Communications Commission pursuant to the proceeding entitled
"Revision of the Commission's Rules to Ensure Compatibility
with Enhanced 911 Emergency Calling Systems" (CC Docket No.
94-102) codified at 47 CFR § 20.18 (relating to 911 service),
"WIRELESS E-911 LOCATION ACCURACY REQUIREMENTS" CODIFIED AT
47 CFR PT. 20 (RELATING TO COMMERCIAL MOBILE SERVICES) and
any successor proceeding.
(2) Any Federal Communications Commission order that
affects the provision of wireless [E-911] 911 service to
wireless service customers.
"Fund." The [Wireless E-911 Emergency Services Fund.] 911
Fund established under section 5306.1 (relating to fund).
"Hybrid system." A system providing both manual and pooled
access for outgoing calls. During installation, either pooled or
manual access is selected.
"Industry standards." Publicly available technical
requirements or standards adopted by an emergency communications
industry association or standard-setting organization,
including, but not limited to, the National Emergency Number
Association and the Association of Public Safety Communications
Officials International.
"Interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol provider." A
person engaged in the business of providing interconnected VoIP
service to end-use [customers] subscribers in this Commonwealth,
20150HB0911PN1687 - 6 -
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
including resellers.
"Interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol service."
Service as defined by any of the following:
(1) All orders issued by the Federal Communications
Commission pursuant to the proceeding entitled "IP-Enabled
Services" (WC Docket No. 04-36; FCC 05-116), codified at 47
CFR Part 9 (relating to interconnected Voice over Internet
Protocol services), and any successor proceeding.
(2) Any Federal Communications Commission order that
affects the provision of 911 service [or E-911 service] to
VoIP service [customers] subscribers or further defines
interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol service.
"Interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol service
[customer] subscriber." A person who is billed by an
interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol provider, who is the
end user of VoIP service and [who] has designated a [primary]
place of primary use within this Commonwealth.
["Interexchange carrier." A person that is authorized by the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to provide long-distance
telecommunications service.]
"Key telephone system." A type of multiline telephone system
which provides shared access to several outside lines through
buttons or keys, and which has identified access lines with
direct line appearances or terminations on each telephone
station.
"Local exchange carrier." A person[, including a competitive
local exchange carrier, that is authorized by the Pennsylvania
Public Utility Commission to provide local exchange
telecommunications service or exchange access] that provides
local exchange telecommunications service within this
20150HB0911PN1687 - 7 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Commonwealth.
["Local exchange telephone service." The provision of
telephonic message transmission within an exchange, as defined
and described in tariffs filed with and approved by the
Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission.
"Mobile telephone number" or "MTN." The telephone number
assigned to a wireless telephone at the time of initial
activation.
"NPA-NXX." The first six digits of a ten-digit telephone
number, including a mobile telephone number, representing the
area code and exchange of the telephone number.]
"Local exchange telecommunications service." The
transmission of voice messages that originate and terminate
within a prescribed local calling area, INCLUDING SERVICES
subject to REGULATION BY the Pennsylvania Public Utility
Commission.
"Local notification." A system capability where THAT DIRECTS
a call to 911 from a multiline telephone system extension is
directed through the 911 network to a public safety answering
point and simultaneously notifies an attendant or other designee
A DESIGNATED INDIVIDUAL to identify the location of the
telephone that has dialed 911.
"Master street address guide." A database of street names
and house number ranges within the associated communities
defining emergency services zones and their associated emergency
services numbers to enable proper routing of 911 calls.
"Multiline telephone system" or "MLTS." A system comprised
of common control units, telephone sets, control hardware and
software and adjunct systems used to support capabilities,
including, but not limited to, network and premises-based
20150HB0911PN1687 - 8 -
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
systems such as Centrex, VoIP, Hybrid, and Key Telephone Systems
and PBX as classified under 47 CFR § 68.162 (relating to
requirements for telecommunication certification bodies),
whether owned or leased by private individuals and businesses or
by government agencies and nonprofit entities.
"Multiline telephone system (MLTS) manager." The person
authorized to implement a multiline telephone system, either
through purchase or lease of an MLTS or the purchasing of MLTS
services, as the means by which to make 911 calls.
"Multiline telephone system (MLTS) operator." The person
responsible for ensuring that a 911 call placed from a multiline
telephone system is transmitted and received in accordance with
this chapter regardless of the MLTS technology used to generate
the call. The MLTS operator may be the MLTS manager or a third
party acting on behalf of the MLTS manager.
"Next Generation 911" or "NG911." An Internet Protocol (IP)-
based system that allows digital information, including voice,
photos, videos and text messages, to flow seamlessly from the
public, through the 911 network and on to emergency responders.
"Next generation 911 service." 911 service using, in whole
or in part, next generation 911 technology.
"Next generation 911 technology." Equipment, products or
services that enable a PSAP to receive calls for emergency
assistance by voice, text, video, Internet protocol or other
technology authorized by Federal law, regulation or industry
standard. The term includes any new technology with the same or
similar functionality.
"Other emergency communications service." Services covered
by the term as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 615b(8) (relating to
definitions).
20150HB0911PN1687 - 9 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
"Other emergency communications service provider." Entities
covered by that term as defined in 47 U.S.C. § 615b(9).
"Pa StarNet." The Commonwealth's Statewide wireless voice
and data network for public safety and 911 communications as
used by Commonwealth agencies, the General Assembly, certain
county and municipal agencies and businesses.
"Person." The term includes a corporation, LLC, a
partnership, an association, the Federal Government, the State
government, a political subdivision, a municipal or other local
authority and a natural person.
"Place of primary use." The street address representative of
where the subscriber's use of the wireless or VoIP service
primarily occurs. For the purpose of the surcharge assessed on a
VoIP service subscriber, place of primary use is the VoIP
service subscriber's registered location on the date the VoIP
service subscriber is billed.
"Prepaid wireless device." [A wireless telephone that is
purchased strictly for the purpose of initiating a prepaid
calling service. The term does not include traditional wireless
devices used for monthly calling plans.] A device that is
purchased with a prepaid wireless telecommunications service and
is strictly used for that purpose.
["Prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge." The charge that is
required to be collected by a seller from a consumer in the
amount established under section 5311.4(b.1) (relating to
Wireless E-911 Emergency Services Fund).]
"Prepaid wireless provider." A person that provides prepaid
wireless telecommunications service [pursuant to a license
issued by the Federal Communications Commission].
"Prepaid wireless telecommunications service." A wireless
20150HB0911PN1687 - 10 -
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
telecommunications service that meets all of the following:
(1) Allows a caller to [dial] transmit the digits 911 to
access [the] a 911 system.
(2) [Is] Must be paid for in advance and sold in
predetermined units or dollars of which the number may or may
not decline with use in a known amount.
["Primary place of use." The street address representative
of where the customer's use of the VoIP service primarily
occurs. For the purpose of VoIP 911 fees, primary place of use
is the customer's registered location on the date the customer
is billed.]
"Private 911 emergency answering point." An answering point
operated by a nonpublic safety entity which provides functional
WHICH :
(1) PROVIDES FUNCTIONAL alternative and adequate means
of signaling and directing responses to emergencies as an
adjunct to public safety responses, trains RESPONSES.
(2) TRAINS individuals intercepting calls for assistance
in accordance with applicable local emergency
telecommunications requirements and provides REQUIREMENTS.
(3) PROVIDES incident reporting to the public safety
emergency response centers in accordance with State and local
requirements.
"Private branch exchange" or "PBX." A private telephone
network switch that is connected to a publicly switched
telephone network.
"Provider." A person that provides service to the public for
a fee that includes 911 communications service, including, but
not limited to, a local exchange carrier, a wireless provider, a
prepaid wireless provider, a VoIP provider or a provider of next
20150HB0911PN1687 - 11 -
<--
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
generation 911 or successor services.
["PSAP." A public safety answering point.]
"Public agency." Any of the following:
(1) The Commonwealth.
(2) A political subdivision, public authority or
municipal authority.
(3) An organization located in whole or in part within
this Commonwealth which provides or has the authority to
provide firefighting, law enforcement, ambulance, emergency
medical or other emergency services.
"Public safety answering [point."] point" or "PSAP." The
agency-approved [first point at which calls for emergency
assistance from individuals are answered and which is operated
24 hours a day.] entity that receives 911 communications from a
defined geographic area and processes those calls according to a
specific operational policy.
"Public switched telephone network." The network of
equipment, lines and controls assembled to establish
communication paths between calling and called parties in North
America.
"Regional." A geographic area that includes more than one
county.
"Regional ESiNET." An Internet Protocol-based system which
consists of managed networks, shared applications and the
ability to replicate emergency 911 features and functions.
"Regionalization of technology." The adoption of technology
that increases the efficiency of a 911 system by allowing
multiple PSAPs to use the same equipment or service.
"Retail transaction." The purchase of prepaid wireless
telecommunications service or a prepaid wireless device bundled
20150HB0911PN1687 - 12 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
with prepaid wireless telecommunications service from a seller
for any purpose other than resale.
"Seller." A person who sells prepaid wireless
telecommunications service or a prepaid wireless device bundled
with prepaid wireless telecommunications service to another
person.
"Shared residential MLTS service." The use of a multiline
telephone system to provide service to residential facilities
even if the service is not delineated for purposes of billing.
For purposes of this definition, residential facilities shall be
liberally construed to mean single family and multifamily
facilities.
"Shared telecommunications services." The provision of
telecommunications and information management services and
equipment within a user group located in discrete private
premises in building complexes, campuses or high-rise buildings
by a commercial shared services provider or by a user
association through privately owned subscriber premises
equipment and associated data processing and information
management services, including the provision of connections to
the facilities of a local exchange carrier and to interexchange
carriers.
"Subscriber." A person who contracts with and is billed by a
provider within this Commonwealth for a 911 communications
service. In the case of wireless service, the term shall mean a
person who contracts with a provider if the person's place of
primary use is within this Commonwealth.
"Successor service." A successor technology to next
generation 911 technology that provides the same or similar
functionality.
20150HB0911PN1687 - 13 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
"Telecommunications." The term shall have the meaning given
to it in 47 U.S.C. § 153(50) (relating to definitions).
"Telecommunications carrier." Any provider of
telecommunications services as defined by the Telecommunications
Act of 1996 (Public Law 104-104, 110 Stat. 56).
"Telecommunication device" or "device." Any equipment or
item made or adapted for use by a subscriber or consumer to
initiate, route or transmit 911 communications using a 911
communications service.
["Telephone subscriber." A person who contracts with a local
exchange carrier within this Commonwealth for residential or
commercial local exchange telephone service. If the same person
has several telephone dial tone access lines, each dial tone
access line shall constitute a separate subscription. For
purposes of the contribution rate, the term shall not include
pay stations owned or operated by a regulated public utility, or
nonpublic utilities as the term is used in 66 Pa.C.S. § 2913(b)
(relating to minimum service requirement).]
"Temporary residence." A facility such as a dormitory,
hotel, motel or health care or nursing home FACILITY." A
DORMITORY, HOTEL, MOTEL, HEALTH CARE FACILITY, LONG-TERM CARE
FACILITY, NURSING HOME OR OTHER FACILITY AS DETERMINED BY THE
AGENCY that provides temporary occupancy for transient TO
TEMPORARY residents and that is served by a multiline telephone
system.
"Uniform 911 surcharge" or "surcharge." The fee assessed to
a subscriber or consumer as provided for under this chapter.
"Vendor." A person [other than a local exchange carrier or a
wireless provider] who supplies 911 [or wireless E-911] system
services or equipment to enable the transmission of a 911
20150HB0911PN1687 - 14 -
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
communication to a PSAP or to support a 911 system or a
consultant representing the person, county or PSAP.
"VoIP provider." Interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol
provider.
"VoIP service." Interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol
service.["]
"VoIP service [customer] subscriber." An Interconnected
Voice over Internet Protocol service [customer] subscriber.
"Wireless [E-911] 911 service." [Service] 911 communications
service provided by a wireless provider, pursuant to the FCC [E-
911] 911 Order, including text-to-911 or any successor
requirements.
["Wireless E-911 State plan." A document to be prepared,
maintained and kept current by the Pennsylvania Emergency
Management Agency providing for all aspects of the development,
implementation, operation and maintenance of a Statewide
integrated wireless E-911 system, including the exclusive
authority to formulate technical standards and determine
permitted uses of and amounts disbursed from the Wireless E-911
Emergency Services Fund.
"Wireless E-911 surcharge." A monthly fee assessed upon each
wireless service customer, other than a prepaid wireless seller,
provider or consumer, subject to the prepaid wireless E-911
surcharge under section 5311.4(b.1) (relating to Wireless E-911
Emergency Services Fund), for each wireless two-way
communication device for which that customer is charged by a
wireless provider for wireless service.
"Wireless E-911 system." An E-911 system which permits
wireless service customers dialing 911 to be connected to a
public safety answering point for the reporting of police, fire,
20150HB0911PN1687 - 15 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
medical or other emergency situations.]
"Wireless provider." A person engaged in the business of
providing wireless service to end-use [customers] subscribers in
this Commonwealth, including resellers.
"Wireless service." Commercial mobile radio service as
defined under section 332(d) of the Communications Act of 1934
(48 Stat. 1604, 47 U.S.C. § 332(d)) which provides real-time,
two-way voice service that is interconnected with the public
switched telephone network. The term does not include prepaid
wireless telecommunications service.
"Wireless service customer." A person who is billed for
wireless service by a wireless provider or who [receives]
purchases prepaid wireless [telephone] telecommunications
service [from a wireless provider for wireless service] within
this Commonwealth.
"Workspace." The physical building area where work is
normally performed. This is a net square footage measurement
which includes hallways, conference rooms, restrooms and break
rooms, but does not include wall thickness, shafts, heating
equipment spaces, ventilating equipment spaces, air conditioning
equipment spaces, mechanical spaces, electrical spaces or
similar areas where employees do not normally have access.
§ 5303. Telecommunications management.
(a) Powers and duties of agency.--The agency shall have the
following powers and duties:
(1) To adopt rules and regulations [pursuant to] as
necessary to enforce this chapter [and promulgate, adopt,
publish and use guidelines for the implementation of this
chapter. Rules, regulations and guidelines]. Rules and
regulations proposed under the authority of this section
20150HB0911PN1687 - 16 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
shall be subject to review by the General Counsel and the
Attorney General in the manner provided for the review of
proposed rules and regulations pursuant to the act of October
15, 1980 (P.L.950, No.164), known as the Commonwealth
Attorneys Act, and the act of June 25, 1982 (P.L.633,
No.181), known as the Regulatory Review Act.
(2) To [establish] publish guidelines and application
procedures for the [establishment of contribution rates]
collection and distribution of fees collected under this
chapter.
(3) To receive, review and approve or disapprove all 911
system [county] plans in accordance with standards developed
in consultation with the board.
[(4) To forward a copy of each county plan application
to the council and the commission for their review as
required under this chapter.
(5) To submit an annual report not later than March 1 of
each year to the Governor and the General Assembly, which
plan includes at least the following:
(i) The extent to which 911 systems currently exist
in this Commonwealth.
(ii) Those counties which have completed
installation, and the costs and expenses for
installation.
(iii) An anticipated schedule for installing a 911
system on a county basis for that year.
(6) To establish minimum training and certification
standards for emergency dispatchers, call takers and
supervisors.
(7) To establish technical standards for the county
20150HB0911PN1687 - 17 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
plans.
(8) To establish standards for performance review and
quality assurance programs for 911 systems to ensure public
safety and improve the performance of 911 systems.
(9) To establish standards for accuracy of 911 database
systems.
(10) To establish a program of communication between the
agency and county 911 coordinators for the purpose of sharing
information among counties and to develop recommendations to
improve 911 systems throughout this Commonwealth.
(11) To prescribe, in cooperation with the council and
the commission, the applications and forms necessary to carry
out the provisions of this chapter.
(12) To take the actions necessary to implement,
administer and enforce the provisions of this chapter.]
(4) To establish, in consultation with the board, a
S tatewide 911 plan that sets forth priorities for 911 systems
in this Commonwealth and plans for next generation 911
technology.
(5) To designate a S tate 911 coordinator who shall be an
employee of the agency.
(6) To provide administrative and support staff to the
board as necessary.
(7) To establish formulas and methods to distribute
money in accordance with section 5306.1 (relating to fund) in
consultation with the board .
(8) To establish and publish annually uniform standards
relating to technology, next generation 911 technology,
administration and operation of 911 systems in consultation
with the board.
20150HB0911PN1687 - 18 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(9) To cooperate with county and regional 911 systems to
develop interconnectivity of 911 systems through the
establishment, enhancement, operation and maintenance of an
Internet protocol network.
(10) To establish and publish annually, in consultation
with the board, eligible uses for money received under this
chapter, including next generation 911 technology.
(11) To request information and require audits or
reports relating to program compliance from any entity
remitting the surcharge to or receiving disbursements from
the fund.
(11.1) To subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, examine
witnesses, take such testimony and compel the production of
such books, records, papers and documents as it may deem
necessary or proper in and pertinent to any proceeding,
investigation or hearing.
(12) To require a biennial performance audit of each 911
system's use of money from the f und, including allocations to
capital or operating reserves.
(13) To prescribe the applications and forms necessary
to enforce this chapter.
(14) To report to the General Assembly annually on the
revenue and distributions from the fund for the previous
fiscal year and the compliance with the Commonwealth's 911
priorities.
(15) To adopt, in consultation with the board, minimum
training and certification standards for emergency
dispatchers, call takers and supervisors.
(16) TO DEVELOP, IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BOARD, A
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION OF A STATEWIDE
20150HB0911PN1687 - 19 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
INTEROPERABLE INTERNET PROTOCOL NETWORK USING NEXT GENERATION
911 TECHNOLOGY THAT COORDINATES THE DELIVERY OF FEDERAL,
STATE, REGIONAL AND LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES.
(16) (17) To enforce this chapter through injunction,
mandamus or other appropriate proceeding.
(17) (18) To take other actions necessary to implement
and enforce this chapter.
(b) [Powers and duties of council.--The council shall have
the following powers and duties:
(1) To review all county plans, including the initial
application forwarded by the agency for conformity to the
minimum standards.
(2) To review county plans to determine if equipment
conforms to the technical standards.
(3) To recommend approval of plans or indicate
deficiencies in plans to the agency.
(c) Powers and duties of commission.--The commission shall
have the following powers and duties:
(1) Review the contribution rate requested by the county
based on the costs of the plan.
(2) Approve or modify the contribution rate requested by
the county and forward its decision to the agency.]
Establishment of 911 board.--There is established a board
within the agency to be known as the 911 board. The following
shall apply:
(1) The board shall be comprised of the following
persons:
(i) The chairman and minority chairman of the
Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee of
the Senate and the chairman and minority chairman of the
20150HB0911PN1687 - 20 -
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee of
the House of Representatives or their designees.
(ii) The director of the agency, who shall act as
chairperson.
(iii) The State 911 coordinator.
(iv) Four county commissioners or home rule
equivalent.
(v) Four county or regional 911 coordinators.
(vi) Four representatives of communication service
providers, including one local exchange carrier, one VoIP
provider and two wireless providers.
(vii) One representative of the Pennsylvania State
Police, who shall serve as a nonvoting member.
(2) The Governor shall appoint the board members under
paragraph (1)(iv), (v), (vi) and (vii) upon the
recommendation of Statewide organizations and industry
segments. Recommendations for appointments under paragraph
(1)(iv) shall be requested by the Governor from the County
Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania and recommendations
for appointments under paragraph (1)(v) shall be requested by
the Governor from the State chapters of the National
Emergency Number Association and the Association of Public
Communications Officials. The following shall apply:
(i) Members under paragraph (1)(iv), (v) and (vi)
are appointed to terms of two years and may serve no more
than three consecutive terms.
(ii) The Statewide organizations shall ensure that
nominees are sufficiently proficient in 911 policies,
operations and technologies and that the nominees provide
a diverse representation from the western, central and
20150HB0911PN1687 - 21 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
eastern regions of this Commonwealth.
(iii) The Governor shall make the initial
appointments of members under paragraph (1)(iv), (v),
(vi) and (vii) within 90 days of the effective date of
this subparagraph. Initial terms for members appointed
under paragraph (1)(iv), (v) and (vi) shall be divided
between one year and two year terms.
(iv) The Governor may remove an appointed member of
the board for cause upon written notice to the board.
(v) A member's nonparticipation in three consecutive
board meetings may be considered cause for removal.
(3) Twelve members of the board shall constitute a
quorum. When a quorum is present, three-fourths consent of
members present and voting is required for any action of the
board.
(4) The board shall meet at least once quarterly and at
THE BOARD SHALL BE COMPRISED OF THE FOLLOWING:
(1) THE FOLLOWING STATE OFFICIALS, WHO SHALL SERVE AS
VOTING MEMBERS:
(I) THE DIRECTOR OF THE AGENCY, WHO SHALL ACT AS
CHAIRPERSON.
(II) THE STATE 911 COORDINATOR.
(III) THE COMMISSIONER OF THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE
POLICE.
(IV) THE CHAIRMAN OF THE VETERANS AFFAIRS AND
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE.
(V) THE MINORITY CHAIRMAN OF THE VETERANS AFFAIRS
AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE OF THE SENATE.
(VI) THE CHAIRMAN OF THE VETERANS AFFAIRS AND
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF
20150HB0911PN1687 - 22 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
REPRESENTATIVES.
(VII) THE MINORITY CHAIRMAN OF THE VETERANS AFFAIRS
AND EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS COMMITTEE OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES.
(2) THE FOLLOWING LOCAL OFFICIALS, WHO SHALL SERVE AS
VOTING MEMBERS:
(I) THE MAYOR OF A CITY OF THE FIRST CLASS.
(II) A COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF A COUNTY OF THE SECOND
CLASS, OR A HOME RULE EQUIVALENT.
(III) A COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF A COUNTY OF THE
SECOND CLASS A, OR A HOME RULE EQUIVALENT.
(IV) A COUNTY COMMISSIONER OF A COUNTY OF THE THIRD
OR FOURTH CLASS, OR ITS HOME RULE EQUIVALENT.
(V) TWO COUNTY COMMISSIONERS OF A COUNTY OF THE
FIFTH, SIXTH, SEVENTH OR EIGHTH CLASS, OR A HOME RULE
EQUIVALENT.
(VI) THE 911 COORDINATOR OF A CITY OF THE FIRST
CLASS.
(VII) THE 911 COORDINATOR OF A COUNTY OF THE SECOND
CLASS.
(VIII) THE 911 COORDINATOR OF A COUNTY OF THE SECOND
CLASS A.
(IX) THE 911 COORDINATOR OF A COUNTY OF THE THIRD OR
FOURTH CLASS.
(X) TWO 911 COORDINATORS OF A COUNTY OF THE FIFTH,
SIXTH, SEVENTH OR EIGHTH CLASS.
(3) A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE FOLLOWING STATE AGENCIES,
WHO SHALL SERVE AS NONVOTING MEMBERS, TO BE APPOINTED BY THE
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OR ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER OF EACH AGENCY:
(I) THE PENNSYLVANIA PUBLIC UTILITY COMMISSION.
20150HB0911PN1687 - 23 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(II) THE OFFICE OF THE STATE FIRE COMMISSIONER.
(III) THE TREASURY DEPARTMENT.
(IV) THE PENNSYLVANIA GAME COMMISSION.
(V) THE PENNSYLVANIA FISH AND BOAT COMMISSION.
(VI) THE GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION.
(VII) THE DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS.
(VIII) THE DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES.
(IX) THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL.
(X) THE PENNSYLVANIA COMMISSION ON CRIME AND
DELINQUENCY.
(XI) THE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH.
(XII) THE DEPARTMENT OF MILITARY AND VETERANS
AFFAIRS.
(XIII) THE OFFICE OF CONSUMER ADVOCATE.
(4) A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE FOLLOWING STATEWIDE
ASSOCIATIONS, WHO SHALL SERVE AS NONVOTING MEMBERS:
(I) THE PENNSYLVANIA CHIEFS OF POLICE ASSOCIATION.
(II) THE FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE.
(III) THE PENNSYLVANIA EMERGENCY HEALTH SERVICES
COUNCIL.
(IV) THE PENNSYLVANIA PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION
ASSOCIATION.
(V) THE ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC-SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS
OFFICIALS.
(VI) THE PENNSYLVANIA CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL
EMERGENCY NUMBER ASSOCIATION.
(VII) THE KEYSTONE EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT ASSOCIATION.
(VIII) THE PENNSYLVANIA PROFESSIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS
ASSOCIATION.
(IX) THE FIREMEN'S ASSOCIATION OF THE STATE OF
20150HB0911PN1687 - 24 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
PENNSYLVANIA.
(X) THE PENNSYLVANIA WIRELESS ASSOCIATION.
(XI) THE PENNSYLVANIA TELEPHONE ASSOCIATION.
(XII) THE BROADBAND CABLE ASSOCIATION OF
PENNSYLVANIA.
(XIII) THE PENNSYLVANIA MUNICIPAL LEAGUE.
(XIV) THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF
BOROUGHS.
(XV) THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF TOWNSHIP
SUPERVISORS.
(XVI) THE PENNSYLVANIA STATE ASSOCIATION OF TOWNSHIP
COMMISSIONERS.
(5) A MEMBER OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC, WHO SHALL SERVE AS A
NONVOTING MEMBER.
(B.1) DESIGNEE.--A VOTING MEMBER OF THE BOARD MAY APPOINT A
DESIGNEE WHO MUST BE AN EMPLOYEE OF THE SAME AGENCY OR
ORGANIZATION AS THE VOTING MEMBER TO ATTEND MEETINGS.
(B.2) GUBERNATORIAL APPOINTEES.--THE GOVERNOR SHALL APPOINT
THE BOARD MEMBERS UNDER SUBSECTION (B)(2), (4) AND (5) UPON THE
RECOMMENDATION OF STATEWIDE ORGANIZATIONS AND INDUSTRY SEGMENTS.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPOINTMENTS OF COUNTY OFFICIALS UNDER
SUBSECTION (B)(2) SHALL BE REQUESTED BY THE GOVERNOR FROM THE
COUNTY COMMISSIONERS ASSOCIATION OF PENNSYLVANIA AND
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR APPOINTMENTS OF 911 COORDINATORS UNDER
SUBSECTION (B)(2) SHALL BE REQUESTED BY THE GOVERNOR FROM THE
STATE CHAPTERS OF THE NATIONAL EMERGENCY NUMBER ASSOCIATION AND
THE ASSOCIATION OF PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS OFFICIALS. THE
FOLLOWING SHALL APPLY:
(1) MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR ARE APPOINTED TO
TERMS OF TWO YEARS AND MAY SERVE NO MORE THAN THREE
20150HB0911PN1687 - 25 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
CONSECUTIVE TERMS.
(2) THE STATEWIDE ORGANIZATIONS SHALL ENSURE THAT
NOMINEES ARE SUFFICIENTLY PROFICIENT IN 911 POLICIES,
OPERATIONS AND TECHNOLOGIES AND THAT THE NOMINEES PROVIDE A
DIVERSE REPRESENTATION FROM THE WESTERN, CENTRAL AND EASTERN
REGIONS OF THIS COMMONWEALTH.
(3) THE GOVERNOR SHALL MAKE THE INITIAL APPOINTMENTS OF
MEMBERS UNDER SUBSECTION (B)(2), (4) AND (5) WITHIN 90 DAYS
OF THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS PARAGRAPH. INITIAL TERMS FOR
MEMBERS APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR SHALL BE DIVIDED BETWEEN
ONE-YEAR AND TWO-YEAR TERMS.
(4) THE GOVERNOR MAY REMOVE AN APPOINTED MEMBER OF THE
BOARD FOR CAUSE UPON WRITTEN NOTICE TO THE BOARD.
(5) A MEMBER'S NONPARTICIPATION IN THREE CONSECUTIVE
BOARD MEETINGS MAY BE CONSIDERED CAUSE FOR REMOVAL.
(B.3) QUORUM.--THIRTEEN MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SHALL
CONSTITUTE A QUORUM. WHEN A QUORUM IS PRESENT, THREE-FOURTHS
CONSENT OF MEMBERS PRESENT AND VOTING IS REQUIRED FOR ANY ACTION
OF THE BOARD.
(B.4) MEETINGS.--THE BOARD SHALL MEET AT LEAST ONCE
QUARTERLY AND AT any special session called by the chairperson.
All meetings of the board shall be conducted in accordance with
65 Pa.C.S. Ch. 7 (relating to open meetings).
(5) The members of the board shall serve without
(B.5) COMPENSATION.--THE MEMBERS OF THE BOARD SHALL SERVE
WITHOUT compensation but shall be reimbursed for their actual
and necessary travel and other expenses in connection with
attendance at meetings called by the chairperson.
(c) Powers and duties of board.--The board shall have the
following powers and duties:
20150HB0911PN1687 - 26 -
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(1) To advise the agency on regulations and guidelines
relating to the administration and operation of 911 systems
in this Commonwealth relating to the following:
(i) Standards for performance reviews and quality
assurance programs to ensure public safety and maintain
and improve the performance of 911 systems.
(ii) Measures to ensure the compliance of 911
systems with current industry standards and applicable
Federal regulations.
(iii) Cost-saving measures to include joint
purchasing opportunities.
(iv) Measures to promote regionalization of PSAPs.
(v) Measures to promote next generation 911
technology.
(vi) 911 planning guidelines.
(vii) Training standards for emergency dispatchers,
call takers and supervisors.
(2) To provide advice and recommendations to the agency
to develop and adopt formulas and methods to distribute money
from the f und under section 5306.1 (relating to fund).
(3) To establish a program of communication PROMOTE
EFFECTIVE COMMUNICATION AND INFORMATION SHARING between the
agency and county 911 coordinators to share information and
develop recommendations to improve 911 systems in this
Commonwealth.
(4) To promote the deployment of ADVISE THE AGENCY ON
PLANS TO DEPLOY next generation 911 technology in 911 systems
in this Commonwealth.
(5) To promote the regional use of technology.
(6) To promote sharing of information among the agency,
20150HB0911PN1687 - 27 -
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
911 systems and other State and local agencies relating to
the operation and improvement of 911 systems.
(d) Exemption.--The Pennsylvania State Police
telecommunications facilities are exempt from the
telecommunications management of the agency[, council and the
commission] and the board.
§ 5304. Counties.
(a) Powers and duties.--[The board of county commissioners,
or, in a home rule county, the appropriate body according to the
home rule charter,] Each county shall have the following powers
and duties in relation to a 911 system: [and wireless E-911
system:
(1) To designate a member of county government as the
county 911 coordinator. The county coordinator shall serve as
a point of contact with the agency and shall develop a county
plan for the implementation, operation and maintenance of a
911 system. Where technologically feasible, the county plan
shall be adequate to provide service for the entire county.
(2) To make arrangements with each telephone company
providing local exchange telephone service within the
county's jurisdiction to provide 911 service.
(3) To send a copy of the proposed county plan to the
appropriate telephone company upon submission of the plan to
the agency.
(4) To cooperate with the agency, the council and the
commission in the preparation and submission of the county
plan and contribution rate.]
(1) To ensure the provision of a 911 system in the
county's respective jurisdiction. A county may provide a 911
system to the county's jurisdiction through participation in
20150HB0911PN1687 - 28 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
a regional 911 system.
(2) To develop, maintain or adopt a 911 plan for the
county and submit the plan to the agency for review.
(i) The plan shall be reviewed and updated at a
frequency prescribed by the board.
(ii) A county may adopt the 911 plan of a regional
911 system if the county is a participating member of
that regional 911 system.
(3) To cooperate with the agency, the board and the
Pennsylvania State Police.
(4) To comply with the guidelines, standards and
reporting requirements established by the agency.
(5) To execute all contracts, agreements, mutual aid
agreements, cross-service agreements and all other [necessary
documents which may be required in the implementation of the
county plan.] documents necessary to implement its 911 plan.
[(6) To obtain annually from each telephone service
provider a list of the provider's local telephone exchanges
within the county and the addresses of that provider's
central offices serving those exchanges. Without exception,
the service provider shall provide the list to the board.
(7) To notify the agency and all adjacent counties of
the local telephone exchanges which provide telephone service
to residents within the county, specifically noting exchanges
known to provide telephone service to residents of more than
one county. Notice shall be provided at the time the county
plan is submitted to the agency and when local telephone
service is newly initiated for local telephone exchange
within the county.]
(6) To designate a 911 coordinator for the county . The
20150HB0911PN1687 - 29 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
911 coordinator shall serve as a point of contact with the
agency and board and shall develop WHO SHALL DEVELOP AND
SUBMIT a plan for the implementation, operation and
maintenance of a 911 system.
(7) To cooperate with the board in the preparation and
submission of the 911 system plan.
(8) To cooperate with the Pennsylvania State Police.
Subject to subparagraphs (i) through (iii), a county that
utilizes ANI/ALI database services shall, upon request of the
Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police or the designee
of the commissioner, provide authority to access all ANI/ALI
database information relating to 911 calls for emergency
services, whether the database is held by the county or by a
commercial entity[.], following the established procedures of
the database owner. The following shall apply:
(i) In order to ensure that no county or PSAP
experiences degradation of service or additional costs as
a result of complying with this subsection:
(A) the Pennsylvania State Police shall provide,
at its cost, any equipment, computer software or
telecommunications equipment or services, exclusive
of recurring personnel costs for county personnel,
that are necessary to enable its access to any
ANI/ALI database information; and
(B) all means of access must be approved by the
county, PSAP and the Pennsylvania State Police before
the county is required to authorize or provide the
access. In the event of a dispute between the
Pennsylvania State Police and a county or PSAP
regarding approval by the county and PSAP, the
20150HB0911PN1687 - 30 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
dispute shall be mediated by the Office of
Information Technology of the Commonwealth's Office
of Administration. The Office of Information
Technology may bring in a Commonwealth mediator from
the Office of General Counsel to provide assistance
in resolving the dispute.
(ii) The ANI/ALI database information to which
access is authorized or enabled under this paragraph or
section 5304.1(a)(3) (relating to Pennsylvania State
Police) shall be used only in providing emergency
response services to a 911 call. A person who uses or
discloses the ANI/ALI database information under this
subparagraph for any other purpose commits a misdemeanor
of the third degree.
(iii) Nothing contained in this paragraph shall be
construed to impose on [wireless] providers any
obligations beyond those created by applicable Federal
Communications Commission orders and regulations. Public
agencies, counties, PSAPs and wireless providers shall
not be liable to any person for errors in any of the
ANI/ALI database information which may be accessed by or
provided to the Pennsylvania State Police under this
paragraph.
[(9) To comply with reporting requirements established
by the agency.
[(b) Persons outside county.--When an individual physically
resides in an adjacent county but receives local exchange
telephone service from a central office in a county which
provides 911 service, it shall be the responsibility of the
county with the 911 service to notify the appropriate public
20150HB0911PN1687 - 31 -
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
agency of a request for emergency service from the individual.]
(c) Cities of second class, second class A and third
class.--A city of the second class, second class A or third
class that has established a 911 system prior to September 4,
1990, may [exercise the powers and duties of counties under this
chapter] join a county or regional PSAP. [A city of the second
class, second class A or third class that has not established a
911 system prior to September 4, 1990, may exercise the powers
and duties of counties under this chapter only when the county
has chosen not to exercise those powers and duties. The powers
and duties granted to cities under this section shall be
applicable and may be exercised only within the boundaries of
the city. No action by a city under this section shall preempt
the powers and duties of a county to establish a 911 system
outside the boundaries of the city at any time. The agency may
establish regulations governing the exercise of powers and
duties granted to cities of the second class, second class A and
third class by this section.]
(D) CERTAIN CITIES OF THE THIRD CLASS.--
(1) BEGINNING ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SUBSECTION
AND FOR FOUR YEARS THEREAFTER, A PRO RATA SHARE OF FUNDS
PROVIDED TO A COUNTY WITH A CITY OF THE THIRD CLASS WITH A
POPULATION OF MORE THAN 60,000 BUT LESS THAN 80,000 LOCATED
WITHIN ITS BOUNDARIES SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED BY THE COUNTY TO
THE CITY OF THE THIRD CLASS. DISTRIBUTION SHALL BE BASED ON
THE ENTIRE POPULATION OF THE CITY, WHETHER OR NOT PORTIONS OF
THE CITY ARE LOCATED IN ANOTHER COUNTY.
(2) BEGINNING ON THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SUBSECTION
AND FOR FOUR YEARS THEREAFTER, A PRO RATA SHARE OF FUNDS
PROVIDED TO A COUNTY WITH A CITY OF THE THIRD CLASS WITH A
20150HB0911PN1687 - 32 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
POPULATION OF MORE THAN 105,000 BUT LESS THAN 110,000 LOCATED
WITHIN ITS BOUNDARIES SHALL BE DISTRIBUTED BY THE COUNTY TO
THE CITY OF THE THIRD CLASS.
§ 5304.1. Pennsylvania State Police.
(a) Powers and duties.--The Commissioner of the Pennsylvania
State Police, or the designee of the commissioner, shall have
the following powers and duties in relation to a Pennsylvania
State Police telecommunications facility:
(1) To designate, with specificity, which Pennsylvania
State Police facilities shall be considered Pennsylvania
State Police telecommunications facilities under this
chapter.
(2) To designate a commander of a Pennsylvania State
Police telecommunications facility, who shall serve as the
point of contact with the agency and the counties and shall
oversee the implementation, operation and maintenance of a
Pennsylvania State Police telecommunications facility. A
Pennsylvania State Police facility shall, where
technologically feasible, be adequate to provide service to
the designated area of coverage.
(3) To request authority to access ANI/ALI database
information relating to 911 calls for emergency services from
the counties and PSAPs within the designated area of coverage
of a Pennsylvania State Police telecommunications facility.
No county or PSAP shall be required to comply with such a
request unless it is made by the Commissioner of the
Pennsylvania State Police or the designee of the commissioner
under section 5304(a)(8) (relating to counties).
(4) To provide training and certification for all call
takers/dispatchers and call taker/dispatcher supervisors that
20150HB0911PN1687 - 33 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
meet or exceed the training and certification standards that
are provided for in 4 Pa. Code Ch. 120c (relating to training
and certification standards for 911 emergency communications
personnel) or any successor standard.
(b) Ineligible reimbursement.--The Pennsylvania State Police
is not eligible to receive reimbursement from the [money
collected from the contribution rate or wireless E-911
surcharge] fund, nor may the Pennsylvania State Police impose a
[monthly contribution rate] tax, fee or surcharge upon [the
telephone] subscribers [on the local exchange access line or any
wireless E-911-related surcharge upon wireless service
customers] or customers of any provider .
§ 5305. [County] 911 system plan.
(a) Minimum standards.--Upon the agreement of [the governing
body of] a county to establish a 911 system as a regional or
single county PSAP, a plan shall be [drafted meeting] ADOPTED
THAT MEETS at least the standards promulgated by the agency. The
county may obtain technical assistance from the agency in
formulating its plan. Each 911 system plan shall be designed to
meet the individual circumstances of each community and [the
public agencies] PUBLIC AGENCY participating in the 911
system[.] and THE PLAN shall consider efficiencies to be
achieved by FROM regionalization of technology and voluntary
PSAP consolidation. The 911 system plan AND CONSOLIDATION, AND
may include consideration of and plan for next generation 911
technology.
[(b) Completion.--Upon completion of the plan, the county
shall forward it to the agency, with a copy of the plan being
sent to those telephone companies affected by the plan. When the
plan is submitted to the agency, the county shall also provide
20150HB0911PN1687 - 34 -
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
each adjacent county with a list of local telephone exchanges
included in the plan, specifically noting exchanges known to
provide telephone service to residents of more than one county.
(c) Agency review.--
(1) The agency shall review each county plan for
completeness and shall forward a copy of the county plan and
the proposed contribution rate to the council and the
commission for review as required by this section.
(2) After the county plan has been reviewed by the
council and the commission, the agency shall approve or
reject a county plan based on the recommendations of the
council and the commission.
(3) If the county plan is rejected, the agency shall
return the county plan and explain the deficiencies that
caused the rejection.
(d) Council review.--The council shall have 90 days to
review the plan and make suggested revisions to the plan. The
agency may act as agent for the council in the administration of
the plan approval process.
(e) Commission review.--
(1) The commission shall review the county plan only in
relation to the contribution rate and may modify only those
contribution rates which it finds excessive to meet the costs
stated in the plan. The rates shall be reviewed and a
decision forwarded to the agency within 90 days of the date
of submission.
(2) If the commission fails to review the contribution
rate within 90 days, the contribution rate will be deemed
approved by the commission.
(f) Present systems.--
20150HB0911PN1687 - 35 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(1) A county which has a present 911 system may
establish a contribution rate to cover nonrecurring and
operating costs of an existing 911 system by using the same
contribution rate approval mechanism as a new 911 system for
the purposes of this chapter.
(2) A county which did not have a 911 system in
operation on September 4, 1990, but which awarded a contract
for a 911 system prior to September 4, 1990, shall be
considered to have a present system.
(g) Regional systems.--Nothing in this chapter shall be
construed to prohibit the formation of multijurisdictional or
regional 911 systems, and any regional system established under
this chapter shall include the territory of two or more
counties.
(g.1) Contribution rate.--
(1) Counties of the first through second class A may
impose a monthly contribution rate in an amount not to exceed
$1 per line on each local exchange access line. Counties of
the third through fifth classes may impose monthly
contribution rates in an amount not to exceed $1.25 per line
on each local exchange access line. Counties of the sixth
through eighth classes may impose a monthly contribution rate
in an amount not to exceed $1.50 per line on each local
exchange access line.
(2) The following shall apply:
(i) The contribution rate may be used by counties
for the expenses of implementing, expanding or upgrading
a 911 system.
(ii) Expenses eligible for reimbursement through the
contribution rate shall include telephone terminal
20150HB0911PN1687 - 36 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
equipment, trunk line service installation, network
changes, building of initial database and any other
nonrecurring costs to establish a 911 system. The
contribution rate may also be used to fund recurring
costs under section 5308(b) (relating to expenditures for
nonrecurring costs, training, mobile communications
equipment, maintenance and operation of 911 systems).
(iii) Expenses not eligible for reimbursement
through the contribution rate shall include purchase of
real estate, cosmetic remodeling, central office
upgrades, hiring of dispatchers, ambulances, fire engines
or other emergency vehicles, utilities, taxes and other
expenses as determined by the Pennsylvania Emergency
Management Agency.
(h) Contribution rate changes.--
(1) Once a plan and contribution rate have been
established, the contribution rate shall remain fixed for a
period of at least three years. Updating and expanding the
present system shall require an amended plan to be filed with
the agency. The contribution rate shall remain fixed for
three years even if the present system is updated and
expanded.
(2) A request for a contribution rate change must be
submitted to the agency, and the agency shall forward the
request to the commission for approval as provided under
subsection (e).
(3) A contribution rate increase shall not be permitted
more often than every three years and shall not take effect
unless approved by the commission.
(i) Assessment.--
20150HB0911PN1687 - 37 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(1) The money collected from the telephone contribution
rate shall be utilized for payments of nonrecurring and
recurring costs of a 911 system.
(2) The contribution rate may be imposed at any time
subsequent to the execution of a contract with the provider
of a 911 service at the discretion of the governing body of
the county and pursuant to approval of the county plan and
contribution rate under the provisions of this section.
(3) The money collected from the contribution rate:
(i) Is a county fee collected by the telephone
company.
(ii) Shall not be subject to taxes or charges levied
on or by the telephone company.
(iii) Shall not be considered revenue of the
telephone company for any purpose.]
(b) Board review.--
(1) The board shall review each 911 system plan for
completeness and may recommend the approval or disapproval of
the plan to the agency.
(2) If the 911 system plan is recommended for
disapproval by the board, the agency shall return the plan
and explain the deficiencies that caused the recommendation.
(c) Regional systems.--Nothing in this chapter shall be
construed to prohibit the formation of multijurisdictional or
regional 911 systems.
[§ 5306. Special public meeting.
(a) Public comment.--Before a county may establish a
contribution rate for nonrecurring and recurring costs under
this chapter, it must obtain public comment from the residents
of the county.
20150HB0911PN1687 - 38 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(b) Requirements.--The proposed contribution rate shall be
fixed by the governing body of the county in the following
manner:
(1) The governing body shall cause notice of intention
to fix the contribution rate at a special public meeting on a
date certain to be published in a newspaper of general
circulation at least ten days in advance of the special
public meeting. The notice shall include the precise amount
of the proposed monthly contribution rate.
(2) The special public meeting shall be held during the
hours of 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., prevailing time, so as to afford
the public the greatest opportunity to attend.
(3) The special meeting shall be held in a centrally
located area of the county.]
Section 3. Title 35 is amended by adding sections to read:
§ 5306.1. Fund.
(a) Establishment.--There is established in the State
Treasury a nonlapsing restricted interest-bearing account to be
known as the 911 Fund.
(b) Composition of fund.--The fund shall consist of the
following:
(1) The surcharge remitted under section 5307 (relating
to payment, collection and remittance of surcharge by
providers of 911 communications services) and the prepaid
wireless surcharge remitted under section 5307.1 (relating to
payment, collection and remittance of surcharge by sellers of
prepaid wireless telecommunications service).
(2) Any money appropriated by the General Assembly.
(3) Money from any other public or private source.
(4) Interest accrued by the fund.
20150HB0911PN1687 - 39 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(c) Use.--
(1) The money in the fund shall be used only for
reasonably necessary costs that enhance, operate or maintain
a 911 system in this Commonwealth, in accordance with the
Statewide 911 plan established by the agency. For the
purposes of this paragraph, reasonably necessary costs shall
be determined by the agency, in consultation with the board,
consistent with the following:
(i) The agency shall establish factors for
reasonably necessary costs.
(ii) The agency shall provide the factors annually
through agency guidelines.
(iii) Notwithstanding any guidelines provided by the
agency, use of the fund by a 911 system or the agency to
establish, enhance, operate or maintain Statewide
interconnectivity of 911 systems or to establish a
capital or operating reserve consistent with a 911 system
plan shall be deemed reasonably necessary.
(2) Money from the fund shall not be expended on a 911
system that does not conform to the standards and guidance
published by the agency.
(3) Money from the fund shall not be transferred for
General Fund use by the Commonwealth or counties.
(d) Distribution.--Within 30 days after the end of each
quarter, the agency shall determine the amount available from
the fund for distribution and make disbursements in accordance
with the Statewide 911 plan and this chapter and in accordance
with the following:
(1) Not less than 75% 80% of the amount in the fund
shall be disbursed to a 911 system through a mathematical
20150HB0911PN1687 - 40 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
formula established by the agency in consultation with the
board OF WHICH AT LEAST 30% SHALL SOLELY BE BASED ON
POPULATION .
(2) Twelve percent of the amount in the fund shall be
disbursed at the agency's discretion, in consultation with
the board, to 911 systems for initiatives that the agency
reasonably believes will improve 911 systems in this
Commonwealth.
(3) (2) Up to 6% 15% of the amount in the fund shall be
used BY THE AGENCY to establish, enhance, operate or maintain
Statewide interconnectivity of 911 systems, including, but
not limited to, the use or obligations of money for debt
service related to regional or Statewide interconnectivity.
(4) Five (3) THREE percent of the amount available
shall be disbursed equally to the PSAPs of this
Commonwealth.Consolidation of PSAPs after the effective date
of this paragraph shall not reduce an allocation TO A COUNTY
under this paragraph.
(5) (4) Not greater than 2% of the amount in the fund
may be retained by the agency to pay for agency expenses
directly related to administering the provisions of this
chapter. Any excess shall be added to the amounts available
for distribution under paragraph (1). AUDITS CONDUCTED BY THE
AGENCY UNDER THIS SECTION SHALL BE FUNDED FROM AMOUNTS
RETAINED UNDER THIS PARAGRAPH.
(e) Distribution formula considerations.--
(1) The distribution formula established by the agency
under subsection (d) shall fairly and proportionately reflect
911 system needs.
(2) The initial distribution formula shall be
20150HB0911PN1687 - 41 -
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
established and implemented by the agency, in consultation
with the board, no later than 18 months following the
effective date of this section.
(3) The distribution formula shall be reviewed every two
years and may be adjusted annually.
(4) In developing and evaluating the distribution
formula, the agency, in consultation with the board, shall
consider and may include the following factors that permit
the formula to reflect 911 system needs:
(i) Base level costs common to all 911 systems.
(ii) Population , including high or low population
density AND POPULATION DENSITY .
(iii) Call volume, including definition of what
constitutes a call as published by the agency.
(iv) Extenuating factors such as topography,
concentrated exposure such as transit or industrial
facilities, or cyclical exposures such as high-attendance
public events.
(5) In development of the distribution formula, the
agency, in consultation with the board, shall consider the
911 system's average reported allowable 911 system costs for
the five years immediately preceding the effective date of
this section.
(6) Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (5), the
total annual disbursement from the fund to any one 911 system
may not exceed the actual annual costs to enhance, operate or
maintain that 911 system in accordance with the Statewide 911
system plan. Actual costs may include amortization or
depreciation of allowable capital costs OF THE 911 SYSTEM as
determined using generally accepted accounting principles and
20150HB0911PN1687 - 42 -
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
approved plan allocations to capital and operating reserves ,
IF APPROVED BY THE AGENCY .
(f) Interim distribution formula.--Commencing on the
effective date of this subsection, until the board develops and
the agency implements a distribution formula under subsection
(e), the money available under subsection (d) (D)(1) AND (3)
shall be distributed to each 911 system as follows:
(1) A share equivalent to 106% times the respective 911
system's average of local exchange telephone carriers
surcharge collections under section 5305 (relating to 911
system plan) for the five years immediately preceding the
effective date of this section.
(2) A share equivalent to 106% times the respective 911
system's average of VoIP provider's surcharge collections
under section 5307 (relating to payment, collection and
remittance of surcharge by providers of 911 communications
services) for the five years immediately preceding the
effective date of this section.
(3) The remaining amount distributed to each 911 system
shall be based on the ratio that its average reported
allowable 911 system costs for the five years immediately
preceding the effective date of this paragraph bear to the
average reported allowable 911 system costs for all 911
systems for the five years immediately preceding the
effective date of this paragraph.
(g) Surplus.--
(1) If excess money remains available in the fund after
the distribution and balanced disbursements required under
subsections (d) and (e), the agency shall distribute the
remaining money for the enhancement, operation or maintenance
20150HB0911PN1687 - 43 -
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
of 911 systems as provided under subsection (d)(1) in this
Commonwealth in accordance with the Statewide 911 system
plan.
(2) If the fund experiences a surplus as described in
this section for eight consecutive quarters, the agency shall
provide written notice of the surplus to the General Assembly
and the written notice shall include a recommended reduced
surcharge for consideration by the General Assembly.
(3) The written notice required under paragraph (2)
shall be submitted to the General Assembly within 60 days
after the end of the eighth consecutive quarter experiencing
the surplus.
(H) COUNTY ACTION REQUIRED.--A COUNTY SHALL NOT BE ELIGIBLE
TO RECEIVE FUNDS UNDER THIS SECTION UNLESS THE GOVERNING BODY OF
THE COUNTY ADOPTS A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING ACCEPTANCE OF THE
FUNDS. THE COUNTY SHALL PROVIDE PUBLIC NOTICE OF THE INTENT TO
ADOPT THE RESOLUTION. A COPY OF THE RESOLUTION SHALL BE PROVIDED
TO THE AGENCY.
(h) (I) Audits.--
(1) The fund shall be audited in a manner and on a
frequency consistent with other restricted receipts accounts
administered by the Commonwealth.
(2) The agency shall require a biennial performance
audit of each PSAP's use of the disbursements it has received
from the fund, including amounts placed in capital or
operating reserve consistent with published guidelines
established by the agency. The cost of each audit shall be
paid from the fund.
§ 5306.2. Uniform 911 surcharge.
(a) Surcharge imposed.--Each subscriber or consumer shall
20150HB0911PN1687 - 44 -
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
pay a surcharge of $1.65 PER MONTH for each 911 communications
service or prepaid wireless device for which that subscriber or
consumer is billed by a provider or seller. The surcharge shall
be collected apart from and in addition to a fee levied by the
provider or seller, in whole or in part, for the provision of
911 services. The surcharge shall be subject to the following:
(1) The surcharge shall be uniform, competitively
neutral and in an equal amount for subscribers or consumers
of all 911 communications services.
(2) Except as provided under section 5307.1 (relating to
payment, collection and remittance of surcharge by sellers of
prepaid wireless telecommunications service), the surcharge
shall be paid to the State Treasurer for deposit in the fund.
THE TREASURER MAY RETAIN UP TO 1% OF THE REMITTED SURCHARGE
TO PAY EXPENSES DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE COST OF COLLECTION.
(3) No subscriber or consumer shall be required to pay
more than one surcharge per number or device.
(b) Provider administrative costs.-- E ach provider collecting
the surcharge may retain an amount not to exceed 1% of the gross
receipts of surcharges collected as reimbursement for its actual
administrative costs.
(c) Collection of surcharge.--The collection of the
surcharge by each provider shall be subject to the following:
(1) Providers shall collect the surcharge on behalf of
the agency as part of their billing process and shall have no
obligation to take any legal action to enforce the collection
of the surcharge. Action may be brought by or on behalf of
the agency. Upon written request of the agency, each wireless
provider shall annually provide a list of the names and
addresses of those wireless service customers whose accounts
20150HB0911PN1687 - 45 -
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
are considered a bad debt as determined by the provider's
books and records that have failed to pay the surcharge.
(2) Providers shall not be liable for the unpaid
amounts.
(3) If a provider receives a partial payment for a
monthly bill from a subscriber, the provider shall apply the
payment against the amount the subscriber owes the provider
first and shall remit to the State Treasurer the lesser
amount, if any, resulting from the application.
(4) The surcharge shall not be:
(i) Subject to taxes or charges levied by the
Commonwealth or a political subdivision of this
Commonwealth or an intergovernmental agency for 911
funding purposes on a provider, seller or consumer with
respect to the sale, purchase, use or provision of a
communication service.
(ii) Considered revenue of the provider.
(5) Nothing under this chapter shall prevent a provider
from recovering costs of implementing and maintaining 911
communications service directly from the provider's
subscribers, whether itemized on the subscriber's bill or by
any other lawful method.
Section 4. Section 5307 of Title 35 is amended to read:
§ 5307. [Collection and disbursement of contribution.] Payment,
collection and remittance of surcharge by providers
of 911 communications services.
(a) [Subscribers' contribution] Collection and remittance of
surcharge.--
(1) [Each service supplier that provides local exchange
telephone service within the county] Providers shall collect
20150HB0911PN1687 - 46 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
the [contribution] surcharge from each subscriber and forward
the collection quarterly less the actual uncollectibles
[experienced by the local exchange telephone companies] to
the [county treasurer or, in a home rule county, the county
official responsible for the collection and disbursement of
funds] State Treasurer for deposit in the fund.
(2) The [amount of the subscribers' contribution]
surcharge shall be stated separately in the [telephone
subscribers'] subscriber billing.
[(3) Each service supplier shall retain the fair and
reasonable cost to establish the 911 contribution rate
billing system and an amount not to exceed 2% of the gross
receipts collected to cover actual administrative costs.]
(b) [Subscribers' contribution for multiple line] Multiline
telephone systems.--In the case of Centrex or similar [multiple
line] multiline telephone system subscribers, except PBX
subscribers, the following multipliers shall be applied to
determine the [contribution] rate of the surcharge for each
subscriber:
(1) For the first 25 lines, each line shall be [billed
at] assessed the [approved contribution rate] surcharge.
(2) For lines 26 through 100, each line shall be [billed
at] assessed 75% of the [approved contribution rate]
surcharge.
(3) For lines 101 through 250, each line shall be
[billed at] assessed 50% of the [approved contribution rate]
surcharge.
(4) For lines 251 through 500, each line shall be
[billed at] assessed 20% of the [approved contribution rate]
surcharge.
20150HB0911PN1687 - 47 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(5) For lines 501 or more, each line shall be [billed
at] assessed 17.2% of the [approved contribution rate]
surcharge.
(6) As of July 1, 2015, for each digital transmission
link, including primary rate interface service or Digital
Signal-1 (DS-1) level service, or equivalent, that can be
channelized and split into 23 or 24 voice-grade or data-grade
channels for voice communications, that when the digits 9-1-1
are dialed provides the subscriber access to a PSAP through
permissible interconnection to the dedicated 911 system, a
subscriber shall be assessed 12 surcharges.
(7) Surcharges on VoIP service shall apply to no more
than the number of VoIP service lines for which the VoIP
service providers enable the capacity for simultaneous calls
regardless of actual usage, to be connected to the public-
switched telephone network. EACH VOIP PROVIDER OR
TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER SHALL COLLECT THE MONTHLY
SUBSCRIBER FEE FOR EACH TELEPHONE NUMBER OR SUCCESSOR DIALING
PROTOCOL ASSIGNEE BY A VOIP PROVIDER TO A VOIP SERVICE
CUSTOMER WHO HAS OUTBOUND CALLING CAPABILITY.
[(c) Restricted account.--
(1) The county treasurer or, in a home rule county, the
county official responsible for the collection and
disbursement of funds shall deposit the money received in an
interest-bearing restricted account used solely for the
purpose of nonrecurring and recurring charges billed for the
911 system and for the purpose of making payments under
subsection (d).
(2) The governing body of the county shall make an
annual appropriation from the account for the 911 system,
20150HB0911PN1687 - 48 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
subject to the provisions of subsection (d), and may retain
up to 1% of the gross receipts collected to cover
administrative costs.
(3) If the 911 system is discontinued or a county fails
to implement a 911 system within three years from the
imposition of a monthly contribution rate, any money
remaining in the restricted account after all payments to the
911 service supplier have been made shall be transferred to
the general fund of the county or proportionately to the
general funds of each participating public agency.
(d) Reimbursement to municipalities.--The county treasurer
or, in a home rule county, the county official responsible for
the collection and disbursement of funds shall, on a quarterly
basis, pay from funds of the restricted account to a
municipality which operates a 911 system a sum of money not less
than that contributed by the telephone subscribers of that
municipality to the county 911 system, less the applicable
service supplier administrative cost provided by subsection (a)
and the applicable county administrative cost provided by
subsection (c).
(e) Collection enforcement.--
(1) The local exchange telephone company shall not be
required to take any legal action to enforce the collection
of any charge imposed under this chapter. Action may be
brought by or on behalf of the public agency imposing the
charge.
(2) The local exchange telephone company shall annually
provide, upon request of the governing body of the county, a
list of the names and addresses of those service users which
carry a balance that can be determined by the telephone
20150HB0911PN1687 - 49 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
company to be the nonpayment of any charge imposed under this
chapter.
(3) The local exchange telephone company shall not be
liable for uncollectible amounts.
(f) Prohibition against release of information.--Neither the
county treasurer, the agency, nor any employee, agent or
representative of a PSAP or public agency shall divulge any
information acquired with respect to any wireline telephone
service provider, its customers, revenues or expenses, trade
secrets, access line counts, commercial information and other
proprietary information while acting or claiming to act as the
employee, agent or representative, and all information shall be
kept confidential except that aggregations of information which
do not identify or effectively identify numbers of customers,
revenues or expenses, trade secrets, access lines, commercial
information and other proprietary information attributable to
any individual wireline telephone service provider may be made
public.]
(c) Applicability.--The provisions of this section shall not
apply to sellers or consumers of prepaid wireless
telecommunications service.
Section 5. Title 35 is amended by adding a section to read:
§ 5307.1. Payment, collection and remittance of surcharge by
sellers of prepaid wireless telecommunications
service.
(a) Surcharge.--The following apply:
(1) The surcharge shall be collected by the seller from
the consumer per each retail transaction occurring in this
Commonwealth.
(2) The surcharge shall be applied to the cost of each
20150HB0911PN1687 - 50 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
retail transaction regardless of whether the retail
transaction occurred in person, by telephone, through the
Internet or by any other method. A retail transaction that is
effected CONDUCTED in person by a consumer at a business
location of the seller shall be treated as occurring in this
Commonwealth if that business location is in this
Commonwealth , and any . ANY other retail transaction shall be
treated as occurring in this Commonwealth if the retail
transaction is treated as occurring in this Commonwealth for
the purposes of UNDER section 202(e.1) of the act of March 4,
1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as the Tax Reform Code of 1971.
(3) The surcharge shall be either separately stated on
an invoice, receipt or other similar document that is
provided to the consumer by the seller or otherwise
conspicuously disclosed to the consumer by the seller.
(4) The surcharge is a liability of the consumer and not
of the seller or any provider, except that the seller shall
be liable to remit any surcharge collected from consumers A
CONSUMER as provided under paragraph (6), including the
charges that the seller is deemed to collect if the amount of
the surcharge has not been separately stated on an invoice,
receipt or other similar document provided to the consumer by
the seller.
(5) The amount of the surcharge that is collected by a
seller from a consumer, whether or not the amount is
separately stated on an invoice, receipt or similar document
provided to the consumer by the seller, shall not be included
in the base for measuring a tax, fee, surcharge or other
charge that is imposed by the Commonwealth, a political
subdivision or an intergovernmental agency.
20150HB0911PN1687 - 51 -
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(6) The surcharge collected by a seller, less 1.5% that
may be retained by the seller to cover administrative costs ,
shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue at the times
provided under Article II of the Tax Reform Code of 1971. The
department shall establish payment procedures that
substantially coincide with the payment procedures of Article
II of the Tax Reform Code of 1971, except the department may
require the filing of returns and the payment of the
surcharge by electronic means.
(7) The assessment, audit, appeal, collection and
enforcement procedures and other pertinent provisions
applicable to the sales and use tax imposed under Article II
of the Tax Reform Code of 1971 shall apply to the surcharge
collected and remitted under this section.
(8) The provision of section 5311.1 (relating to
immunity) shall apply to prepaid wireless providers and
sellers.
(9) The surcharge shall be the only 911 funding
obligation imposed regarding prepaid wireless
telecommunications service in this Commonwealth. A tax, fee,
surcharge or other charge may not be imposed by the
Commonwealth, a political subdivision or an intergovernmental
agency for 911 funding purposes on a seller or consumer with
respect to the sale, purchase, use or provision of prepaid
wireless telecommunications service. The surcharge shall not
be considered revenue of any seller.
(10) Each seller that remits the surcharge shall certify
the accuracy of the remittance annually using the procedures
and forms provided by the agency.
(b) Department of Revenue.--The following shall apply to the
20150HB0911PN1687 - 52 -
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
department:
(1) The department shall establish procedures by which a
seller of prepaid wireless telecommunications service may
document that a sale is not a retail transaction, which
procedures shall substantially coincide with the procedures
for documenting sale for resale transactions for sales and
use tax purposes under Article II of the Tax Reform Code of
1971.
(2) The department shall pay all remitted surcharges to
the State Treasurer for deposit into the fund within 30 days
of receipt, for use as provided for under this chapter.
(3) The department may retain up to 2% 1% of remitted
surcharges to pay for expenses directly related to the costs
of administering the collection and remittance of surcharges
collected under this section.
Section 6. Sections 5308, 5309, 5310, 5311.1, 5311.2,
5311.3, 5311.4, 5311.5, 5311.6, 5311.7, 5311.8, 5311.9, 5311.10,
5311.11, 5311.12, 5311.13 and 5311.14 of Title 35 are amended to
read:
[§ 5308. Expenditures for nonrecurring costs, training, mobile
communications equipment, maintenance and operation
of 911 systems.
(a) Expenditures authorized.--During a county's fiscal year,
the county may expend the amounts distributed to it from the
contribution rate for the nonrecurring costs, training, costs
for mobile communications equipment, maintenance and operation
of a county 911 system.
(b) Items included in nonrecurring costs, training, mobile
communications equipment, maintenance and operation costs.--
(1) Maintenance and operation costs may include
20150HB0911PN1687 - 53 -
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
telephone company charges, equipment costs or equipment lease
charges, repairs, utilities, development and maintenance of a
master street address guide, erection of street signs on
State and local highways, database maintenance costs,
personnel training, salary and benefit costs which are
directly related to the provision of 911 services and costs
for mobile communications equipment, audit costs and
appropriate carryover costs from previous years.
(2) Maintenance and operation costs shall not include
any cost necessary to house the 911 system.
(3) No more than 70% of the contribution rate collected
during a county's fiscal year may be utilized to fund
personnel training, salary and benefit costs.
(c) Limitations on expenditures.--
(1) The agency shall adopt procedures to assure that the
total amount collected from the 911 contribution rate shall
be expended only for the nonrecurring costs, costs for mobile
communications equipment, maintenance and operation of a
county 911 system.
(2) Nonrecurring costs shall be amortized over a minimum
of three years.
(d) Triennial financial audit.--
(1) The agency shall require a triennial audit of each
county's collection and disbursement of contribution rate
funds and expenditures for the nonrecurring costs, training,
costs for mobile communications equipment, maintenance and
operation of 911 systems.
(2) The triennial audit cost shall be paid by the
respective county from contribution rate revenues and shall
be conducted consistent with guidelines established by the
20150HB0911PN1687 - 54 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
agency.
(e) Public education.--A county may use money received from
the imposition of the contribution rate to educate the public on
the 911 system. The education may include, but is not limited
to, confirming with all residents of the county their actual
street addresses.]
§ 5309. Telephone records.
(a) Access.--A telephone service supplier shall provide
customer telephone numbers, names and service addresses to PSAPs
when requested by them for use in responding to 911 calls and,
when required, to providers of emergency notification services
and emergency support services, solely for the purposes of
delivering or assisting in the delivery of emergency
notification services and emergency support services. A wireless
provider shall provide the telephone number and geographical
location of the wireless device, as required under the FCC E-911
Order, to PSAPs when requested by them for use in responding to
911 calls. Customer telephone numbers, names and service
addresses, and telephone numbers and geographical locations of
wireless devices, shall remain the property of the disclosing
service supplier. The total cost of the 911 system [or wireless
E-911 system] shall include expenses to reimburse telephone
service suppliers for providing and maintaining 911 information.
A telephone service supplier shall not be reimbursed directly
from the fund for providing and maintaining 911 information.
This information shall be used only in providing emergency
response services to a 911 call or for purposes of delivering or
assisting in the delivery of emergency notification services or
emergency support services[, except as provided in subsection
(c)]. A person who uses or discloses ANI/ALI database
20150HB0911PN1687 - 55 -
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
information for purposes other than providing emergency response
services to a 911 call, delivering or assisting in the delivery
of emergency notification services [or emergency support
services or other than as provided in subsection (c)] commits a
misdemeanor of the third degree.
(b) Privacy waived.--Private listing service customers in a
911 service district shall waive the privacy afforded by
nonlisted and nonpublished numbers with respect to the delivery
of emergency services.
[(c) Immunity.--No telephone company, wireless provider,
vendor or agent, employee or director of a telephone company,
providers of emergency notification services or providers of
emergency support services shall be liable to any person who
directly or indirectly uses the 911 emergency service [or
wireless E-911 emergency service] established under this chapter
or provides information to 911 systems [or wireless E-911
systems] with respect to the delivery of emergency services:
(1) for release to PSAPs, providers of emergency
notification services or providers of emergency support
services of information specified in this section, including
nonpublished telephone numbers;
(2) for release to the commission, the Federal
Communications Commission or any other Federal or
Commonwealth agency with the authority to regulate the
provision of telecommunications services of telephone company
information specified in this section that is not already
part of public records, including, as applicable, information
regarding numbers of lines served by an individual company
but excluding nonpublic information regarding the company's
individual customer names, addresses and telephone numbers;
20150HB0911PN1687 - 56 -
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
or
(3) for interruptions, omissions, defects, errors,
mistakes or delays in transmission occurring in the course of
the delivery of emergency services [or wireless E-911
service] under this chapter, unless the interruptions,
omissions, defects, errors, mistakes or delays are caused by
the willful or wanton misconduct of the telephone company,
wireless provider or vendor, their agents, employees or
directors. Nothing in this paragraph may preclude the
application of any commission tariff or regulation within its
jurisdiction pertaining to allowances for telephone service
interruptions.]
§ 5310. Penalty.
(a) Communications with 911 systems.--A person who
intentionally calls the 911 emergency number for other than
emergency purposes commits a misdemeanor of the third degree.
(b) Information disclosure.--A person commits a misdemeanor
of the third degree if the person does any of the following:
(1) Uses or discloses database information for wireless
service, VoIP service, other emergency communications service
or next generation 911 service or successor service FUTURE
TECHNOLOGY PROVIDING THE SAME OR SIMILAR FUNCTIONALITY for
purposes other than handling a call to a 911 system, or a
system used for other emergency communications service, next
generation 911 service or successor service FUTURE TECHNOLOGY
PROVIDING THE SAME OR SIMILAR FUNCTIONALITY , without consent
of the subscriber or consumer as otherwise provided by
applicable Federal or State law.
(2) Knowingly uses the telephone number or database
information of a 911 system, other emergency communications
20150HB0911PN1687 - 57 -
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
service, next generation 911 service, successor service
FUTURE TECHNOLOGY PROVIDING THE SAME OR SIMILAR FUNCTIONALITY
or VoIP service to avoid any charges for the services of a
provider.
§ 5311.1. Immunity.
[ (A) LOCAL GOVERNMENT.--A 911 system or a wireless E-911
system run by county and local governments shall be a local
agency which shall enjoy local governmental immunity as provided
under 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 85 Subch. C (relating to actions against
local parties).]
(a) General rule.--A person, officer, director, employee,
vendor or agent of the person that establishes, operates,
enhances or maintains a 911 system or related communication
service in this Commonwealth shall be immune from civil
liability resulting from an act or omission in the design,
installation, enhancement or operation of a 911 system or
communication service related to 911, except in cases of willful
or wanton misconduct.
(b) Sovereign immunity reaffirmed.--No provision of this
chapter shall constitute a waiver of sovereign immunity for the
purpose of 1 Pa.C.S. § 2310 (relating to sovereign immunity
reaffirmed; specific waiver) or 42 Pa.C.S. Ch. 85 Subch. C
(relating to actions against local parties).
(c) Specific immunity.--
(1) This subsection applies to the following:
(i) Providers, prepaid wireless providers and
sellers.
(ii) Other emergency communications service
providers.
(iii) 911 service providers.
20150HB0911PN1687 - 58 -
<--
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(iv) An entity that provides access to 911
communications service using next generation 911
technology.
(v) A vendor, agent, employee, officer or director
of a provider, other emergency communications service
provider, 911 service provider or entity that provides
access to 911 communications service using next
generation 911 technology, providers of emergency
notification services or providers of emergency support
services.
(2) A person enumerated under paragraph (1) shall not be
liable to any person who directly or indirectly uses the 911
communications service or wireless 911 service established
under this chapter, accesses a 911 system or provides
information to 911 systems with respect to the delivery of
emergency services for:
(i) release to PSAPs, providers of emergency
notification services or providers of emergency support
services of information specified in this section,
including nonpublished telephone numbers;
(ii) release to the agency, the board, the Federal
Communications Commission or any other Federal or
Commonwealth agency of information specified in this
section that is not already part of the public records,
including, as applicable, information regarding numbers
of lines or subscribers or consumers served by an
individual provider but excluding nonpublic information
regarding the provider's individual subscriber or
consumer names, addresses and telephone numbers;
(iii) interruptions, omissions, defects, errors,
20150HB0911PN1687 - 59 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
mistakes or delays in transmission occurring in the
course of the delivery of 911 communications service,
other emergency communications service or next generation
911 service under this chapter, unless the interruptions,
omissions, defects, errors, mistakes or delays are caused
by the willful or wanton misconduct of the provider,
vendor, other emergency communications service provider
or entity that provides access to 911 communications
service using next generation 911 technology, or their
vendors, agents, employees, officers or directors.
Nothing under this paragraph may preclude the application
of any commission, tariff or regulation within any
jurisdiction pertaining to allowances for telephone
service interruptions; or
(iv) other matters related to the provisions of 911
communications service or a 911 system.
(B) ENTITIES.--THE FOLLOWING SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR AN ACT
OR OMISSION TO A PERSON WHO DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY USES A 911
EMERGENCY SERVICE OR PROVIDES INFORMATION TO 911 SYSTEMS UNDER
THIS SECTION EXCEPT FOR WILLFUL OR WANTON MISCONDUCT:
(1) A 911 SYSTEM.
(2) A 911 SERVICE PROVIDER.
(3) A PROVIDER OR COMMUNICATION SERVICE PROVIDER,
INCLUDING A PROVIDER OF NEXT GENERATION 911 TECHNOLOGY.
(4) AN OFFICER, DIRECTOR, EMPLOYEE, VENDOR OR AGENT OF
AN ENTITY LISTED UNDER PARAGRAPHS (1), (2) AND (3).
(C) APPLICABILITY.--THE IMMUNITY UNDER SUBSECTION (B) SHALL
APPLY TO THE FOLLOWING:
(1) THE RELEASE TO PSAPS, PROVIDERS OF EMERGENCY
NOTIFICATION SERVICES OR PROVIDERS OF EMERGENCY SUPPORT
20150HB0911PN1687 - 60 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
SERVICES OF INFORMATION AUTHORIZED UNDER THIS CHAPTER,
INCLUDING NONPUBLISHED TELEPHONE NUMBERS.
(2) THE RELEASE TO THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION, THE COMMISSION, THE BOARD OR ANY FEDERAL OR
COMMONWEALTH AGENCY WITH THE AUTHORITY TO REGULATE THE
PROVISION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES OF TELEPHONE COMPANY
INFORMATION SPECIFIED IN THIS SECTION THAT IS NOT ALREADY
PART OF PUBLIC RECORDS, INCLUDING INFORMATION REGARDING THE
NUMBER OF LIENS SERVED BY AN INDIVIDUAL COMPANY, EXCEPT FOR
NONPUBLIC INFORMATION REGARDING THE COMPANY'S INDIVIDUAL
CUSTOMER NAMES, ADDRESSES AND TELEPHONE NUMBERS.
(3) INTERRUPTIONS, OMISSIONS, DEFECTS, ERRORS, MISTAKES
OR DELAYS IN TRANSMISSION OCCURRING IN THE COURSE OF THE
DELIVERY OF 911 EMERGENCY SERVICES AND OTHER EMERGENCY
SERVICES, INCLUDING NEXT GENERATION 911 SERVICES UNDER THIS
CHAPTER, UNLESS THE INTERRUPTIONS, OMISSIONS, DEFECTS,
ERRORS, MISTAKES OR DELAYS ARE CAUSED BY THE WILLFUL OR
WANTON MISCONDUCT OF A PERSON LISTED UNDER SUBSECTION (B).
(4) ANY OTHER MATTER RELATING TO THE PROVISION OF 911
COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE OR A 911 SYSTEM.
[§ 5311.2. Powers and duties of agency.
(a) Administration.--The agency shall have the following
powers and duties in relation to a wireless E-911 system:
(1) To designate at least one employee of the agency who
shall serve as a point of contact at the agency for all
matters involving wireless E-911 systems in this
Commonwealth.
(2) To oversee the development, implementation,
operation and maintenance of a Statewide integrated wireless
E-911 system, formulate technical standards and determine
20150HB0911PN1687 - 61 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
permitted uses of and amounts disbursed from the Wireless E-
911 Emergency Services Fund, including the costs of PSAPs and
wireless providers that are eligible for payment from the
fund.
(3) To approve each county's county plan, or amendment
to its agency-approved county plan, incorporating wireless E-
911 service capabilities as may be submitted by the county to
the agency.
(4) To provide counties with plans that contain cost-
saving measures that provide joint purchasing opportunities
and facilitate regionalization of technology and
consolidation of PSAPs and their operations. The agency shall
provide suggested industry-acceptable and uniform standards
for levels of staffing and uniform standards of operation.
(b) Wireless E-911 State plan.--The agency shall prepare,
maintain and keep current, after adequate public notice and
opportunity to comment and after consideration of the
recommendations of the wireless subcommittee of the advisory
committee, a wireless E-911 State plan providing for all aspects
of the development, implementation, operation and maintenance of
a Statewide integrated wireless E-911 system in accordance with
the FCC E-911 Order. Under the plan, the agency shall:
(1) Establish model agreements for mutual aid
agreements, cross-service agreements, service contracts and
all other documents by and among public agencies, PSAPs and
wireless providers that may be required in the implementation
of the wireless E-911 State plan, review the agreements and
documents for consistency with the applicable county plan and
assist the parties in assuring their execution.
(2) Require each wireless provider to notify the agency
20150HB0911PN1687 - 62 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
of each county in which it is licensed on March 29, 2004, and
provides wireless service and, at the time new service is
initiated, each county in which it is licensed and initiates
wireless service and to notify counties of wireless service
within each county, specifically noting wireless service to
more than one county. In the event of disputes among PSAPs
regarding the PSAP to which a wireless provider routes 911
calls, the routing shall be determined by the agency.
(3) Establish uniform Statewide standards for the format
and content of wireless automatic location information and
wireless automatic number identification, which standards
shall be the standards adopted by the National Emergency
Number Association, as amended by that organization. Wireless
providers will use the applicable National Emergency Number
Association data transmission format standards to deliver the
data to the wireless E-911 system.
(4) Forward a copy of the completed plan and any
revision of the plan to all affected counties, PSAPs,
wireless providers, local exchange carriers, competitive
local exchange carriers and interexchange carriers.
(5) Require each wireless provider to provide the agency
with a 24-hour, seven-days-a-week contact telephone number or
pager number for use by PSAPs in emergency situations.
§ 5311.3. Advisory committee.
(a) Establishment.--There is established an advisory
committee to be known as the E-911 Emergency Services Advisory
Committee.
(b) Members.--The advisory committee shall be comprised of
the following persons:
(1) The director of the agency or his designee, who
20150HB0911PN1687 - 63 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
shall act as chairperson.
(2) Two county commissioners.
(3) Four county 911 program managers.
(4) Four wireless providers licensed by the Federal
Communications Commission.
(5) Two landline telephone service provider
representatives.
(6) Two representatives each from fire services,
emergency medical services and police.
(7) The chairman and minority chairman of the
Communications and Technology Committee of the Senate and the
chairman and minority chairman of the Veterans Affairs and
Emergency Preparedness Committee of the House of
Representatives, or their designees.
The Governor, upon recommendation of the applicable Statewide
organizations, associations and industry segments, shall appoint
the committee members, who will each serve a two-year term.
Advisory committee membership shall be limited to one
representative per organization or corporate entity.
(c) Roles and responsibilities.--The advisory committee
shall make recommendations to the agency regarding the
formulation of technical, administrative and operational
standards for use in overseeing 911 programs Statewide.
(d) Reimbursement.--The members of the advisory committee
shall serve without compensation but shall be reimbursed for
their actual and necessary travel and other expenses in
connection with attendance at meetings called by the
chairperson.
(e) Advisory committee subcommittees.--The chairperson may
create, within the committee membership, subcommittees to study
20150HB0911PN1687 - 64 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
and address specific technical and program areas:
(1) A wireless subcommittee shall be created as a
permanent subcommittee and shall consist of the following
persons:
(i) The advisory committee chairperson.
(ii) Two county commissioners.
(iii) Four county 911 program managers.
(iv) Four representatives of wireless providers
licensed by the Federal Communications Commission.
(v) Two landline telephone service provider
representatives.
(2) Wireless subcommittee roles and responsibilities:
(i) To advise the agency regarding the development,
implementation, operation and maintenance of a Statewide
integrated wireless E-911 system.
(ii) To make recommendations to the agency regarding
the preparation and periodic revision of a wireless E-911
State plan providing for the development, implementation,
operation and maintenance of a Statewide integrated
wireless E-911 system in accordance with the FCC E-911
Order.
(iii) To make recommendations to the agency
regarding the approval or disapproval of wireless
provider service agreements and the formulation of
technical standards.
(iv) To make recommendations to the agency regarding
the development of guidelines, rules and regulations
required to address the administration of the Statewide
E-911 wireless plan and the disbursement of money from
the Wireless E-911 Emergency Services Fund.
20150HB0911PN1687 - 65 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(v) To make recommendations to the agency regarding
the development of the annual report required of the
agency by this chapter, including, but not limited to,
recommendations concerning adjustments of the wireless E-
911 surcharge.
§ 5311.4. Wireless E-911 Emergency Services Fund.
(a) Establishment of fund.--There is established in the
State Treasury a nonlapsing restricted interest-bearing account
to be known as the Wireless E-911 Emergency Services Fund. The
fund shall consist of the fees collected under subsections (b)
and (b.1), funds appropriated by the General Assembly and funds
from another source, private or public. Money in the fund and
the interest it accrues is appropriated to the Pennsylvania
Emergency Management Agency to be disbursed by the agency. The
money in the fund shall be used only for the following costs:
(1) PSAP and wireless provider costs resulting from
compliance with the FCC E-911 Order, including development,
implementation and testing, operation and maintenance of a
Statewide integrated wireless E-911 system. Costs paid from
the fund must be eligible recurring or nonrecurring costs as
determined by the agency in accordance with sections
5311.2(a) (relating to powers and duties of agency) and
5311.5 (relating to disbursement of fund amounts by agency)
for wireless E-911 service provided in accordance with the
FCC E-911 Order or a county plan or amended county plan
approved by the agency.
(2) The agency-approved costs of PSAPs specified in
section 5308(b) (relating to expenditures for nonrecurring
costs, training, mobile communications equipment, maintenance
and operation of 911 systems) that relate directly or
20150HB0911PN1687 - 66 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
indirectly to the provision of wireless E-911 service, to the
extent:
(i) the costs are not included in the costs paid
under paragraph (1) and the approved E-911 costs provided
in paragraph (1) have been reimbursed; and
(ii) the costs do not exceed the percentage of the
actual ratio of demonstrated wireless calls to
demonstrated total emergency call volume times the amount
of money in the fund, and further:
(A) The amount of the costs that may be
reimbursed is limited to 25% of the fund if a
majority of wireless providers serving the geographic
area covered by the PSAP have been tested and
accepted by the PSAP for wireless E-911 Phase I
service.
(B) The amount of the costs that may be
reimbursed is limited to 50% of the fund if all of
the wireless providers serving the geographic area
covered by the PSAP have been tested and accepted by
the PSAP for wireless E-911 Phase I service.
(C) The amount of the costs that may be
reimbursed is limited to 75% of the fund if a
majority of wireless providers serving the geographic
area covered by the PSAP have been tested and
accepted by the PSAP for wireless E-911 Phase II
service.
(D) The amount of the costs that may be
reimbursed is limited to 100% of the fund if all of
the wireless providers serving the geographic area
covered by the PSAP have been tested and accepted by
20150HB0911PN1687 - 67 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
the PSAP for wireless E-911 Phase II service.
(iii) If, under an FCC E-911 waiver, a wireless
provider is temporarily relieved of its obligation to
provide wireless E-911 Phase II service in the geographic
area covered by a requesting PSAP, the wireless carrier
shall be disregarded in the determinations to be made
under subparagraphs (i) and (ii) until the wireless
carrier's obligation to provide wireless E-911 Phase II
service again becomes effective.
(b) Wireless E-911 surcharge.--Each wireless service
customer shall pay a fee, to be known as a wireless E-911
surcharge, in an amount of $1 per month for each device that
provides wireless service for which that customer is billed by a
wireless provider for wireless service. The fee shall be
collected apart from and in addition to a fee levied by the
wireless provider in whole or in part for the provision of 911
services.
(1) Wireless providers shall collect the fee on behalf
of the agency as part of their billing process and shall have
no obligation to take any legal action to enforce the
collection of the surcharge. Action may be brought by or on
behalf of the agency. Upon written request of the agency,
each wireless provider shall annually provide a list of the
names and addresses of those wireless service customers
carrying a balance that have failed to pay the wireless E-911
surcharge. The wireless provider shall not be liable for the
unpaid amounts.
(2) If a wireless provider receives a partial payment
for a monthly bill from a wireless service customer, the
wireless provider shall apply the payment against the amount
20150HB0911PN1687 - 68 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
the wireless service customer owes the wireless provider
first and shall remit to the State Treasurer the lesser
amount, if any, resulting from the application.
(3) The fees collected under this subsection shall not
be subject to taxes or charges levied by the Commonwealth or
a political subdivision of this Commonwealth, nor shall the
fees be considered revenue of the wireless provider for any
purpose.
(4) The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to
sellers, providers or consumers of prepaid wireless
telecommunications service.
(b.1) Prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge.--
(1) There is imposed a prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge
of $1 per retail transaction or the adjusted surcharge, if
any, established under paragraph (5). The $1 surcharge shall
be applied to the cost of each retail transaction regardless
of whether the service or prepaid wireless device was
purchased in person, by telephone, through the Internet or by
any other method.
(2) A prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge shall be
collected by the seller from the consumer for each retail
transaction occurring in this Commonwealth. The amount of the
prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge shall be either separately
stated on an invoice, receipt or other similar document that
is provided to the consumer by the seller or otherwise
disclosed to the consumer. A retail transaction that is
effected in person by a consumer at a business location of
the seller shall be treated as occurring in this Commonwealth
if that business location is in this Commonwealth, and any
other retail transaction shall be treated as occurring in
20150HB0911PN1687 - 69 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
this Commonwealth if the retail transaction is treated as
occurring in this Commonwealth for the purposes of section
202(e.1) of the act of March 4, 1971 (P.L.6, No.2), known as
the Tax Reform Code of 1971.
(3) A prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge is a liability of
the consumer and not of the seller or any provider, except
that the seller shall be liable to remit the prepaid wireless
E-911 surcharges that the seller collects from consumers as
provided under paragraph (6), including the charges that the
seller is deemed to collect if the amount of the surcharge
has not been separately stated in an invoice, receipt or
other similar document provided to the consumer by the
seller.
(4) The amount of the prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge
that is collected by a seller from a consumer, whether or not
the amount is separately stated on an invoice, receipt or
similar document provided to the consumer by the seller,
shall not be included in the base for measuring a tax, fee,
surcharge or other charge that is imposed by the
Commonwealth, a political subdivision or an intergovernmental
agency.
(5) The prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge shall be
proportionately increased or reduced, as applicable, upon any
change to the wireless E-911 surcharge imposed under
subsection (b). The increase or reduction shall be effective
on the effective date of the change to the surcharge imposed
under subsection (b) or, if later, the first day of the first
calendar month to occur at least 60 days after the effective
date of the change to the surcharge imposed under subsection
(b). The Department of Revenue shall provide not less than 30
20150HB0911PN1687 - 70 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
days' notice of an increase or reduction on its public
Internet website.
(6) Prepaid wireless E-911 surcharges collected by a
seller shall be remitted to the Department of Revenue at the
times provided under Article II of the Tax Reform Code of
1971. The department shall establish payment procedures that
substantially coincide with the payment procedures of Article
II of the Tax Reform Code of 1971, except the department may
require the filing of returns and the payment of the
surcharge by electronic means.
(7) During the first 180 days after the effective date
of this section, a seller may deduct and retain 35% of the
prepaid wireless surcharges collected by the seller from
consumers for direct start-up costs. After the implementation
period, a seller may deduct and retain up to 3% of prepaid
wireless E-911 surcharges that are collected by the seller
from consumers for administrative purposes.
(8) The assessment, audit, appeal, collection and
enforcement procedures and other pertinent provisions
applicable to the sales and use tax imposed under Article II
of the Tax Reform Code of 1971 shall apply to prepaid
wireless E-911 surcharges.
(9) The department shall establish procedures by which a
seller of prepaid wireless telecommunications service may
document that a sale is not a retail transaction, which
procedures shall substantially coincide with the procedures
for documenting sale for resale transactions for sales and
use tax purposes under Article II of the Tax Reform Code of
1971.
(10) The department shall pay all remitted prepaid
20150HB0911PN1687 - 71 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
wireless E-911 surcharges to the State Treasurer for deposit
into the fund within 30 days of receipt, for use as provided
in this chapter. The department may retain up to 2% of
remitted surcharges to pay for department expenses directly
related to the costs of administering the collection and
remittance of prepaid wireless E-911 surcharges.
(11) The provisions of section 5311.9 (relating to
immunity) shall apply to providers and sellers of prepaid
wireless telecommunications service.
(12) The prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge shall be the
only E-911 funding obligation imposed regarding prepaid
wireless telecommunications service in this Commonwealth. No
tax, fee, surcharge or other charge may be imposed by the
Commonwealth, a political subdivision or an intergovernmental
agency for E-911 funding purposes, on a provider, seller or
consumer with respect to the sale, purchase, use or provision
of prepaid wireless telecommunications service.
(c) Remittance of fees.--On a quarterly basis, each wireless
provider shall remit the fees collected under subsection (b) to
the State Treasurer for deposit into the fund.
(d) Reimbursement of wireless provider and PSAP costs.--
(1) From every remittance, the wireless provider shall
be entitled to deduct and retain an amount not to exceed 2%
of the gross receipts collected as reimbursement for the
administrative costs incurred by the wireless provider to
bill, collect and remit the surcharge.
(2) Wireless providers and PSAPs shall be entitled to
payment from the fund in the manner provided in section
5311.5(c) for the following costs:
(i) recurring costs approved by the agency under
20150HB0911PN1687 - 72 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
agency rules associated with the development,
implementation, operation and maintenance of wireless E-
911 service in the geographic area served by the
requesting PSAP; and
(ii) nonrecurring costs approved by the agency under
agency rules associated with the development,
implementation, operation and maintenance of wireless E-
911 service in the geographic area served by the
requesting PSAP.
(3) In no event shall costs be paid that are not related
to a wireless provider's or PSAP's compliance with
requirements established by the wireless E-911 State plan,
the FCC E-911 Order or the wireless E-911 provisions of an
agency-approved county plan or amended county plan.
(4) Costs incurred by a PSAP or wireless provider for
wireless E-911 service shall be paid by the agency provided
that the costs comply with the requirements of this section
and section 5311.5, were incurred after January 1, 1998, and
are determined by the agency, after application in accordance
with section 5311.5(c), to be eligible for payment from the
fund. Costs that the agency determines to be eligible shall
be paid as provided in section 5311.5.
(5) Nothing in this chapter shall prevent a wireless
provider from recovering its costs of implementing and
maintaining wireless E-911 service directly from its
customers, whether itemized on the customer's bill or by any
other lawful method. No wireless provider that levies a
separate fee for provision of E-911 wireless service in the
geographic area served by the requesting PSAP may receive a
reimbursement for the same costs.
20150HB0911PN1687 - 73 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(e) Reporting by wireless providers.--With each remittance a
wireless provider shall supply the following information to the
State Treasurer and to the agency:
(1) The total fees collected through the wireless E-911
surcharge from its wireless service customers during the
reporting period.
(2) The total amount retained by it as reimbursement for
administrative costs to cover its expenses of billing,
collecting and remitting the fees collected from the wireless
E-911 surcharge during the reporting period.
(3) Until the nonrecurring costs have been recovered by
a wireless provider, the total amount it has been reimbursed
by the agency for nonrecurring costs associated with the
development, implementation, operation and maintenance of
wireless E-911 service during the reporting period.
(f) Information to be supplied by wireless providers.--
Wireless providers shall provide the agency with the information
it shall request in writing in order to discharge its
obligations under this section, including the collection and
deposit of the wireless E-911 surcharge and its administration
of the fund. Information supplied by wireless providers under
this section shall remain confidential, and release of the
information shall be governed by section 5311.7 (relating to
public disclosure and confidentiality of information).
(g) Prohibition.--No part of the fund, including an excess
amount under section 5311.6(a) (relating to reporting), shall be
used for any purpose unless expressly authorized by this
chapter.
(h) Surcharge sunset.--The wireless E-911 surcharge fee
established in subsections (b) and (b.1) shall terminate on June
20150HB0911PN1687 - 74 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
30, 2015, unless extended by an act of the General Assembly.
§ 5311.5. Disbursement of fund amounts by agency.
(a) Expenditures for wireless E-911 systems.--During each
fiscal year the agency may, only in furtherance of the wireless
E-911 State plan, disburse money from the Wireless E-911
Emergency Services Fund to PSAPs with agency-approved county
plans or amended county plans and wireless providers for the
following purposes:
(1) To pay the costs of PSAPs and wireless providers
provided for in section 5311.4(a)(1) and (d)(2) (relating to
Wireless E-911 Emergency Services Fund) and the costs of
PSAPs provided for in section 5311.4(a)(2).
(2) To train emergency service personnel regarding
receipt and use of wireless E-911 service information.
(3) To educate consumers regarding the operations,
limitations, role and responsible use of wireless E-911
service.
(b) Limitations on use of fund amounts by PSAPs.--No PSAP
shall receive a disbursement from the fund for any cost
necessary to house the wireless E-911 system or for the purchase
of real estate, cosmetic remodeling, ambulances, fire engines or
other emergency vehicles, utilities, taxes and other expenses as
determined by the agency. No PSAP may be funded for more than
70% of its agency-approved personnel training, salary and
benefit costs during the agency's fiscal year.
(c) Manner of payment.--Each PSAP and wireless provider
shall submit to the agency each year, not later than 120 days
before the first day of the agency's fiscal year, the eligible
costs it expects to incur for wireless E-911 service during the
next fiscal year of the agency. The submission may include
20150HB0911PN1687 - 75 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
eligible costs that the PSAP or wireless provider has already
incurred for wireless E-911 service at the time of the
submission. The agency shall review the submission, ensure that
the costs are eligible for payment from the fund and notify the
submitting PSAP or wireless provider, not later than 30 days
before the first day of the agency's fiscal year, of the
eligible costs. The agency shall disburse funds to each PSAP and
wireless provider for costs the agency determines to be eligible
only up to the amount of fund revenue available for distribution
during the agency's fiscal year. No costs may be carried forward
for payment by the agency in subsequent fiscal years, except
that the agency shall fund all approved and unfunded costs
submitted in wireless fiscal year 2012-2013 that are applied for
in wireless fiscal year 2013-2014. Payment shall be made in four
equal payments during the first month of each quarter of the
agency's fiscal year as follows:
(1) The agency shall first pay the costs approved for
each PSAP that are payable in the quarter.
(2) Following the payment of approved costs to a PSAP
for Phase I deployment of wireless E-911 service as set forth
in the FCC E-911 Order, but only after the PSAP has issued
its request to wireless providers to furnish Phase I wireless
E-911 service pursuant to the FCC E-911 Order, the agency
shall pay the approved costs of wireless providers that are
payable in the quarter to provide the requested wireless E-
911 service to that PSAP.
(3) Following the payment of approved costs to a PSAP
for Phase II deployment of wireless E-911 service as set
forth in the FCC E-911 Order, but only after the PSAP has
issued its request to wireless providers to furnish Phase II
20150HB0911PN1687 - 76 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
wireless E-911 service pursuant to the FCC E-911 Order, the
agency shall pay the approved costs of wireless providers
that are payable in the quarter to provide the requested
wireless E-911 service to that PSAP.
(4) In any quarter of the agency's fiscal year, all
costs specified in section 5311.4(a)(1) that are approved by
the agency for payment to PSAPs or wireless providers shall
be paid before any other costs payable under this chapter are
paid to any PSAP or wireless provider. In the first quarter
of the agency's fiscal year, the agency shall determine
whether payments to PSAPs and wireless providers during the
preceding fiscal year exceeded or were less than the eligible
costs incurred by each PSAP and wireless provider submitting
costs during the fiscal year. Each PSAP and wireless provider
shall provide verification of the costs as required by the
agency. Any overpayment shall be refunded to the agency or,
with the agency's approval, may be used to pay agency-
approved costs the PSAP or wireless provider submitted for
the current fiscal year of the agency. The agency shall
reconsider a determination of eligible costs under this
subsection upon request by a submitting PSAP or wireless
provider and shall provide a procedure for the
reconsideration.
(d) Pro rata sharing of fund amounts.--
(1) If the total amount of money in the fund in any
quarter is insufficient to pay for both agency-approved PSAP
costs and agency-approved wireless provider costs which are
payable in the quarter under subsection (c) for both Phase I
deployment and Phase II deployment of wireless E-911 service
as set forth in the FCC E-911 Order, then payments from the
20150HB0911PN1687 - 77 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
fund for that quarter shall be made as follows:
(i) The agency-approved Phase I deployment costs of
a PSAP and those wireless providers to which the PSAP has
issued its request for Phase I wireless E-911 service
shall be paid before any agency-approved costs for Phase
II deployment are paid.
(ii) If, notwithstanding subparagraph (i), the total
amount of money in the fund in the quarter is
insufficient to pay all Phase I deployment costs of both
PSAPs and wireless providers which are payable in the
quarter, then each requesting PSAP and each requesting
wireless provider shall receive, for payment of Phase I
deployment costs, a pro rata share of the total amount of
money in the fund in the quarter.
(iii) If the total amount of money in the fund in
the quarter is insufficient to pay all agency-approved
Phase II deployment costs of both PSAPs and wireless
providers which are payable in the quarter, then each
requesting PSAP and each requesting wireless provider
shall receive, for payment of Phase II deployment costs,
a pro rata share of the total money in the fund which are
available in the quarter for payment of Phase II
deployment costs.
(2) For any PSAP or wireless provider, pro rata shares
shall be computed based upon the total dollar amount of money
available in the fund for payment of Phase I or Phase II
deployment costs, whichever is applicable, multiplied by the
ratio of:
(i) the total dollar amount of agency-approved but
unpaid costs of that PSAP or wireless provider for Phase
20150HB0911PN1687 - 78 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
I or Phase II deployment, whichever is applicable; to
(ii) the total dollar amount of all agency-approved
but unpaid costs.
(e) Triennial financial audit.--The agency shall require a
triennial financial audit of each PSAP's use of the
disbursements it has received from the fund and of a wireless
provider's collection, deduction, retention, remittance and use
of the amounts collected by the wireless provider under the
wireless E-911 surcharge or the disbursements it received from
the fund. These triennial financial audits shall be consistent
with guidelines established by the agency, and the cost of each
audit shall be paid from the fund.
§ 5311.6. Reporting.
(a) Annual report by agency.--Not later than March 1 of each
year, the agency, after consideration of the recommendations of
the advisory committee, shall submit an annual report, which may
be combined with that required by section 5303(a)(5) (relating
to telecommunications management), to the Governor and the
General Assembly. Subject to the provisions of section 5311.7(b)
(relating to public disclosure and confidentiality of
information), the report shall include at least the following:
(1) The extent to which wireless E-911 systems currently
exist in this Commonwealth.
(2) Those PSAPs which completed installation of wireless
E-911 systems pursuant to the wireless E-911 State plan and
the costs and expenses for installation.
(3) An itemization by PSAP or wireless provider, project
and description and expenditure for each Wireless E-911
Emergency Services Fund disbursement made in the fiscal year
just concluded. The itemization shall include an explanation
20150HB0911PN1687 - 79 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
of how each project contributed to the fulfillment of the
existing wireless E-911 State plan.
(4) The planned expenditures for the next fiscal year
for installation of wireless E-911 systems pursuant to the
wireless E-911 State plan.
(5) The total aggregate fees collected from all wireless
providers in the fiscal year just concluded based upon the
reports of the providers submitted under section 5311.4(e)
(relating to Wireless E-911 Emergency Services Fund) and any
other funds received by the fund.
(6) The amount of any unexpended funds carried forward
in the fund.
(7) The amount of any remaining unpaid agency-approved
PSAP costs or wireless provider costs being carried forward
for payment during the next fiscal quarter.
(8) Any advances in a wireless provider's system
technology or expansion of its customer service area which
further the goal of providing access to a wireless E-911
system regardless of the customer's geographic location on
any interstate highway in this Commonwealth.
(b) Study of wireless E-911 emergency services
implementation and operation.--The agency, after consideration
of the recommendations of the advisory committee, shall report
to the Governor and the General Assembly no less than
triennially its recommendations concerning wireless E-911
implementation and operation, including, but not limited to,
necessary or required actions which must be undertaken in
response to the Federal Communication Commission's directive in
the FCC E-911 Order. The report shall recommend measures to be
taken by the General Assembly.]
20150HB0911PN1687 - 80 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
§ 5311.7. [Public disclosure and confidentiality] Prohibition
against release of information.
(a) Annual report of agency.--The annual report of the
agency shall be a public document.
(b) Prohibition against release of information.--[Neither
the] The State Treasurer, [the] agency, [nor any] board,
employee, agent or representative of a PSAP or public agency
shall not divulge any information acquired with respect to any
[wireless provider or VoIP provider, its customers] provider,
revenues [or], expenses, trade secrets, commercial information
and other proprietary information [while acting or claiming to
act as the employee, agent or representative, and all
information is required to be kept confidential except that
aggregations of information which do not identify or effectively
identify numbers of customers, revenues or expenses, trade
secrets, commercial information and other proprietary
information attributable to any individual wireless provider or
VoIP provider may be made public]. Any information acquired
shall be kept confidential except that aggregations of
information that do not effectively identify numbers of
consumers or subscribers, revenues or expenses, trade secrets,
commercial information and other proprietary information
attributable to any provider may be made public.
[§ 5311.8. Wireless provider and VoIP provider records.
(a) Access.--Upon request from and pursuant to agreement
with a PSAP, each wireless provider shall provide E-911 service
database information, and each VoIP provider shall provide VoIP
service database information or automatic location information
as permitted under the law to the requesting PSAP. The
information shall remain the property of the disclosing wireless
20150HB0911PN1687 - 81 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
provider or VoIP provider and, except as otherwise provided by
applicable Federal or State law, shall be used by the PSAP only
in connection with providing emergency response services to a
call to a 911 system or to a wireless E-911 system.
(b) Violations.--A person commits a misdemeanor of the third
degree if the person does any of the following:
(1) Uses or discloses wireless E-911 service database
information or VoIP service database information for purposes
other than handling a call to a 911 system or to a wireless
E-911 system without the consent of the wireless service
customer or VoIP service customer or as otherwise provided by
applicable Federal or State law.
(2) Knowingly uses the telephone number of a 911 system,
wireless E-911 system or VoIP service database information to
avoid any charges for the services of a local exchange
carrier, competitive local exchange carrier, interexchange
carrier, wireless provider or VoIP provider.
(c) Privacy waived.--The provisions of 66 Pa.C.S. § 2906
(relating to dissemination of telephone numbers and other
identifying information) shall not apply to wireless providers
or VoIP providers to the extent they are engaged in providing
wireless E-911 service, 911 service or related services.
§ 5311.9. Immunity.
(a) Generally.--
(1) This subsection applies to all of the following:
(i) A wireless provider or VoIP provider.
(ii) An officer or director of a wireless provider
or VoIP provider.
(iii) An employee or agent of a wireless provider or
VoIP provider.
20150HB0911PN1687 - 82 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
(iv) A vendor of a wireless provider or VoIP
provider.
(2) Except as set forth in paragraph (3), a person
specified in paragraph (1) is immune from liability for civil
damages resulting from or caused by an act or omission in the
development, design, installation, operation, maintenance,
performance or provision of wireless E-911 service or 911
service of:
(i) the wireless provider or VoIP provider;
(ii) an officer or director of the wireless provider
or VoIP provider;
(iii) an employee or agent or the wireless provider
or VoIP provider; or
(iv) a supplier of the wireless provider or VoIP
provider.
(3) Immunity under paragraph (2) does not apply to
willful or wanton misconduct.
(b) Parity of liability.--A wireless provider or VoIP
provider shall have the same immunity from liability for
transmission errors or failures, network outages or other
technical problems that arise in the course of handling
emergency calls or providing emergency services, including
wireless E-911 service, as a local exchange carrier enjoys in
the course of handling the calls or providing the services.
(c) Release of information.--
(1) This subsection applies to all of the following:
(i) A wireless provider or VoIP provider.
(ii) An employee or agent of a wireless provider or
VoIP provider.
(2) A person specified in paragraph (1) is immune from
20150HB0911PN1687 - 83 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
liability for releasing, as required by this chapter or any
other law, wireless service customer information or VoIP
service customer information to the agency or to any 911
system or wireless E-911 system, public agency or PSAP.
§ 5311.10. Agency funding for wireless E-911 support.
The agency is authorized to retain up to 2% of the annual
wireless E-911 surcharge and prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge
proceeds to pay for agency expenses directly related to
administering the wireless E-911 provisions of this chapter.
Expenses under this section include personnel, travel,
administrative, financial auditing and printing costs.]
§ 5311.11. Rate regulation.
Nothing in this chapter shall be construed to constitute the
regulation of the rates charged by [wireless] providers for any
service or feature which they provide to their [wireless
service] subscribers or customers or to prohibit [a wireless
provider from charging a wireless service customer for any
service or feature provided to the customer] charges to a
subscriber or customer for any service provided to a subscriber
or customer.
[§ 5311.12. Regulations.
The council has the power to issue statements of policy and
to promulgate regulations for the implementation of this
chapter.
§ 5311.13. Enforcement.
In addition to any powers expressly enumerated in this
chapter, the agency has the power and duty to enforce and
execute, by its regulations or otherwise, this chapter. The
agency may institute injunction, mandamus or other appropriate
legal proceedings to enforce this chapter and regulations
20150HB0911PN1687 - 84 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
promulgated under this chapter.
§ 5311.14. Collection and disbursement of VoIP 911 fee.
(a) VoIP service customer 911 contribution.--
(1) Each VoIP provider or telecommunications carrier
shall collect a $1 fee per month for each telephone number or
successor dialing protocol assigned by a VoIP provider to a
VoIP service customer number that has outbound calling
capability. The following apply:
(i) The fee, minus the actual uncollectibles
experienced by the VoIP provider, shall be remitted:
(A) quarterly; or
(B) at the option of the provider or
telecommunications carrier, monthly.
(ii) The remittance shall be made as follows:
(A) Except as set forth in clause (B), to the
county treasurer.
(B) In a home rule county, as follows:
(I) To the county official responsible for
the collection and disbursement of funds.
(II) At the option of the remitter, to the
State Treasurer. Election of the option shall be
by regulations established by the agency, which
shall include appropriate notification to the
affected counties of the exercise of this option.
(iii) The fee shall be stated separately in the VoIP
service customer's paper or electronic billing, and the
fee shall be collected apart from and in addition to any
fee levied by the VoIP provider in whole or in part for
the provision of 911 services or E-911 services.
(2) In the case of VoIP service customers purchasing
20150HB0911PN1687 - 85 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
multiple dial tone telephone access lines from a VoIP
provider, the following multipliers shall be applied to
determine the contribution rate of each customer:
(i) For the first 25 lines, each line shall be
billed at the approved contribution rate.
(ii) For lines 26 through 100, each line shall be
billed at 75% of the approved contribution rate.
(iii) For lines 101 through 250, each line shall be
billed at 50% of the approved contribution rate.
(iv) For lines 251 through 500, each line shall be
billed at 20% of the approved contribution rate.
(v) For lines 501 or more, each line shall be billed
at 17.2% of the approved contribution rate.
(3) If a VoIP provider receives a partial payment for a
monthly bill from a VoIP service customer, the VoIP provider:
(i) may first apply the payment against the amount
the VoIP service customer owes the VoIP provider; and
(ii) shall then remit to the county or the State
Treasurer the lesser amount resulting from the
application of the payment.
(4) The fees collected and remitted under this
subsection shall not:
(i) be subject to taxes or charges levied by the
Commonwealth or a political subdivision; nor
(ii) be considered revenue of the VoIP provider for
any purpose.
(5) As reimbursement for administrative costs to cover
its expenses of billing, collecting and remitting the fees
during the reporting period, the VoIP provider is allowed to
retain for reimbursement up to the following percentages of
20150HB0911PN1687 - 86 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
the total fees collected under this subsection:
(i) If remittance is made to the county, 2%.
(ii) If remittance is made to the State Treasurer,
1%.
(6) To the extent that a VoIP provider obtains
connections to the public switched telephone network from a
telecommunications carrier, that telecommunications carrier
shall not be required to assess or make contributions to any
911 or E-911 fund in connection with the customers or the
telephone numbers for which the VoIP provider is responsible
for collecting and making contributions under this section.
If, however, the telecommunications carrier is, by agreement
with the VoIP provider, required to make 911 or E-911
contributions on behalf of the VoIP provider customer, the
VoIP provider shall not be responsible for collecting and
making contributions under this section.
(b) Reporting by VoIP providers.--
(1) With each remittance under subsection (a), a VoIP
provider and telecommunications carrier shall supply the
following information to the individual receiving the
remittance and to the agency the total fees collected under
subsection (a)(1) from its VoIP service customers during the
reporting period. If the telecommunications carrier has
remitted the fees to the county or the agency pursuant to an
agreement with the VoIP provider, the VoIP provider shall
provide notification of the reporting agreement along with
the telecommunications carrier's name and 911 or E-911
account number.
(2) A VoIP provider and telecommunications carrier shall
provide the county or, if remitting to the State Treasurer,
20150HB0911PN1687 - 87 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
the agency with requested information, including the primary
place of use of each interconnected VoIP service customer, in
order to discharge its obligations under this section. The
information shall be in writing. This paragraph includes the
collection and deposit of the VoIP fee and its administration
of the fund.
(b.1) Confidentiality.--Information supplied by VoIP
providers under this section shall remain confidential, and
release of the information shall be governed by section 5311.7
(relating to public disclosure and confidentiality of
information).
(c) Collection enforcement.--A VoIP provider has no
obligation to take legal action to enforce the collection of a
fee imposed under this section.
(d) Deposit of remitted fees.--The individual who receives
fees remitted under this section shall deposit receipts into the
restricted account established under section 5307(c) (relating
to collection and disbursement of contribution).
(e) Establishment of fund.--There is established in the
State Treasury a nonlapsing restricted interest-bearing account
to be known as the VoIP 911 Emergency Services Fund. The VoIP
911 Emergency Services Fund shall consist of the fees remitted
to the State Treasurer under this section.
(f) Distribution of fees.--Money in the VoIP 911 Emergency
Services Fund and the interest it accrues are appropriated on a
continuing basis to the agency to be disbursed by the agency.
The agency shall make quarterly disbursements from the account
to each county by March 31, June 30, September 30 and December
31 in an amount equal to the amount of fees collected from VoIP
service customers located in that county. The disbursements are
20150HB0911PN1687 - 88 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
for the purpose of assisting counties with the implementation of
an agency-approved plan adopted under section 5305 (relating to
county plan). The agency may retain up to 1% of the fees for
costs incurred in administering this subsection.]
Section 7. Title 35 is amended by adding sections to read:
§ 5311.15. Shared residential MLTS service.
Operators of shared residential MLTS serving residential
customers shall ensure that a telecommunications system at least
six months after the effective date of this section is connected
to the public switched telephone network such that calls to 911
result in one distinctive ANI and ALI for each living unit.
§ 5311.16. Business MLTS.
(a) General rule.--For an MLTS serving business locations at
least six months after the effective date of this section, the
MLTS operator shall deliver the 911 call with an ELIN which
shall result in one of the following:
(1) An ERL which provides, at a minimum, the building
and floor location of a caller.
(2) An ability to direct response through an alternative
and adequate means of signaling by the establishment of a
private 911 emergency answering point.
(b) Reasonable effort.--The MLTS manager must make a
reasonable effort to ensure that 911 callers are aware of the
proper procedures for calling for emergency assistance.
(c) Exceptions.--Workspaces with less than 7,000 square feet
on a single level, and located on a single contiguous property,
are not required to provide more than one ERL, and key telephone
systems are not required to provide more than one ERL.
§ 5311.17. Shared communications services.
Providers of shared communications services installed at
20150HB0911PN1687 - 89 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
least six months after the effective date of this section shall
assure that the MLTS is connected to the public switched
telephone network such that calls to 911 from any telephone
result in ALI for each respective ERL of each entity sharing the
telecommunications services.
§ 5311.18. Temporary residence.
Businesses providing MLTS service to a temporary residence
shall permit the dialing of 911, and the MLTS operator shall
ensure that the MLTS is connected to the public switched
telephone network. If PBX or other private switch ALI records
are not provided for each individual station, the MLTS operator
of the temporary residence shall provide specific location
information for the caller to the PSAP.
§ 5311.19. Local notification.
In addition to any other requirement of this chapter,
applicable to its type of MLTS service, an MLTS operator:
(1) Shall implement local notifications if operating an
MLTS service installed after the effective date of this
section.
(2) May implement local notification if operating an
MLTS service installed before the effective date of this
section.
§ 5311.20. ALI database maintenance.
If applicable, MLTS operators must arrange to update the ALI
database with an appropriate Master Street Address Guide MASTER
STREET ADDRESS GUIDE valid address and callback information for
each MLTS telephone, such that the location information
specifies the ERL of the caller. These updates must be
downloaded or otherwise made available to the ALI database
provider as soon as practicable for a new MLTS installation, or
20150HB0911PN1687 - 90 -
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
within one business day of record completion of the actual
changes for MLTS installed before the effective date of this
section. The information is subject to all Federal and State
privacy and confidentiality laws. The MLTS operator shall audit
accuracy of information contained in the ALI database at least
once annually.
§ 5311.21. Industry standards.
Local exchange carriers and providers shall be responsible
for providing 911 call interconnectivity through the use of
generally accepted industry standards.
§ 5311.22. Dialing instructions.
An owner or operator of a multiline telephone system
installed after the effective date of this section shall ensure
that the system is connected to the public switched telephone
network in such a manner that when a user dials 911, the
emergency call connects directly to the appropriate 911 system:
(1) without first dialing any numbers or set of numbers;
and
(2) without being intercepted by a switchboard operator,
attendant or other designated onsite individual.
§ 5311.23. MLTS signaling.
An MLTS shall support 911 calling by using any generally
accepted industry standard signaling protocol designed to
produce an automatic display of caller information on the video
terminal of the PSAP call taker unless the MLTS operator is
exempt or a waiver has been granted.
§ 5311.24. MLTS operator education.
Each public agency providing 911 educational programs is
encouraged to develop a program to educate MLTS operators
related to accessing 911 emergency telephone systems and
20150HB0911PN1687 - 91 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
coordinate adequate testing of the MLTS interface to the 911
system.
§ 5311.25. Limitation of liability.
A local exchange carrier, Internet service provider,
manufacturer or provider of MLTS, MLTS manager, MLTS operator or
911 service provider shall not be liable for civil damages or
penalties as a result of any act or omission, except willful or
wanton misconduct, in connection with developing, adopting,
operating or implementing any plan or system required under this
chapter.
Section 8. Section 5312.1 of Title 35 is repealed:
[§ 5312.1. Legislative study.
(a) Requirement.--The Legislative Budget and Finance
Committee shall study the 911 and wireless E-911 funding systems
under section 5311.4 (relating to Wireless E-911 Emergency
Services Fund). In conducting the study, the committee shall
consider cost-benefit analyses to determine the cost
effectiveness of the systems both within the agency and the
counties. At a minimum, the committee shall inquire into and
make recommendations with respect to:
(1) The efficacy by which the VoIP service 911 fee, the
contribution rate, the wireless E-911 surcharge and the
prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge are collected and remitted
for intended purposes set forth in this chapter.
(2) The expenditures authorized for payment from a
county's restricted account for the purposes of nonrecurring
and recurring charges billed for the 911 system.
(3) Disbursements made by the agency from the fund.
(4) The method and amount of funding collected through
the VoIP service 911 fee, the contribution rate, the wireless
20150HB0911PN1687 - 92 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
E-911 surcharge and the prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge in
comparison to 911 and wireless E-911 funding systems utilized
in other states.
(5) The feasibility and effectiveness of consolidating
PSAPs in this Commonwealth.
(6) Any other cost-saving measures that may be utilized
by the PSAPs or the agency which will not jeopardize public
safety.
(7) National initiatives being considered or implemented
in other states intended to provide cost savings in 911
systems without impacting public safety.
(8) A review of the current auditing requirements of
State and county 911 expenditures under this chapter.
(9) The issues the Commonwealth will need to consider in
incorporating "Next Generation 911" and other nontraditional
communication technologies into its emergency response
system.
(10) Any technology-neutral 911 funding options by
either the Commonwealth or political subdivisions which do
not rely on disparate technologies, fee amounts and grant
structures.
(b) Report.--The committee shall submit a final report with
recommendations to the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief
Clerk of the House of Representatives by December 31, 2011, and
shall transmit a copy of the final report to the Legislative
Reference Bureau for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin
within 30 days of the submission of the final report.]
Section 9. Title 35 is amended by adding sections to read:
§ 5313. Legislative report.
Within two years of the effective date of this section, the
20150HB0911PN1687 - 93 -
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
agency IN CONSULTATION WITH THE BOARD shall prepare and submit
to the General Assembly a report and recommendations on the
impacts of current and anticipated technological and market
changes on the provision of 911 communications service,
including the structure and adequacy of the surcharge and fund
provided for under this chapter. :
(1) THE STRUCTURE AND ADEQUACY OF THE SURCHARGE AND FUND
PROVIDED FOR UNDER THIS CHAPTER;
(2) OTHER LOCAL REVENUE OPTIONS TO SUPPORT 911 SERVICES;
AND
(3) ANY BENEFITS THAT COULD BE DERIVED FROM DISPATCHING
ALL 911 CALLS FROM COUNTY PSAPS.
§ 5314. Inventory.
(a) Comprehensive inventory required.--The agency, in
consultation with the Pennsylvania State Police and the board,
shall conduct a comprehensive inventory of each county PSAP's
AND EACH PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE BARRACKS' THAT HAS A REMOTE
DISPATCH POINT facilities, hardware, software, communications
infrastructure, network capabilities and related equipment and
services procured to determine the status of each PSAP's 911
system's stage of advancement to NG911 and to develop a
comprehensive State plan for the implementation, operation,
maintenance and funding of a Statewide NG911 emergency services
Internet Protocol network that supports the interoperable and
coordinated delivery of Federal, State, regional and local
government NG911 emergency services .
(b) Contents.--The inventory shall include, but is not
limited to:
(1) A record of databases, networks, radio, telephone
and equipment and correlated networks at each PSAP AND EACH
20150HB0911PN1687 - 94 -
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE BARRACKS THAT HAS A REMOTE DISPATCH
POINT .
(2) A record of all data systems, including, but not
limited to, call and dispatch and record management systems.
(3) PSAP 911 AND EACH PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE BARRACKS
THAT HAS A REMOTE DISPATCH POINT emergency and nonemergency
call volumes.
(4) Equipment/network system geographic limitations and
capabilities.
(5) Identification of new equipment that may be required
to and equipment that may be reused to achieve NG911 status.
(6) A record of equipment or facilities that are or can
be shared or colocated.
(7) A record of all leased equipment and date of each
lease termination date.
(8) A record of personnel resources and costs, including
pension and benefit obligations at each PSAP AND EACH
PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE BARRACKS THAT HAS A REMOTE DISPATCH
POINT .
(9) PSAP ease of ability THE AGENCY'S ASSESSMENT OF THE
ABILITY OF PSAPS AND EACH PENNSYLVANIA STATE POLICE BARRACKS
THAT HAS A REMOTE DISPATCH POINT to merge with or form a
regional ESiNET or connect directly to PA StarNet or
subsequent microwave network .
(c) Counties to cooperate.--Counties shall cooperate with
the agency by supplying all of PROVIDING the information
identified in this section and other information deemed
necessary by the agency to complete a comprehensive inventory of
all PSAPs operating 911 systems within this Commonwealth AN
INVENTORY AS REQUIRED UNDER SUBSECTION (A) . Counties that do not
20150HB0911PN1687 - 95 -
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
remit PROVIDE the information requested by the agency within 45
days of the request shall result in the immediate suspension or
forfeiture of BE SUSPENDED FROM ANY GRANT OR FUNDING PROGRAM OR
BE REQUIRED TO FORFEIT fund disbursements. The agency, in
consultation with the board, the Pennsylvania State Police and
the Governor's Interoperability Council, shall complete the
inventory and issue a report detailing its findings and
recommendations to the General Assembly by October DECEMBER 31,
2015. The agency shall be responsible for maintaining and
updating the inventory on a biannual basis.
Section 10. Section 5398 of Title 35 is amended to read:
§ 5398. Termination.
This chapter shall expire [June 30, 2015] June 30, 2019.
Section 11. This act shall take effect as follows:
(1) The following provisions shall take effect
immediately:
(i) This section.
(ii) The amendment or addition of 35 Pa.C.S. §§
5303(b), (B.1), (B.2), (B.3), (B.4) AND (B.5) and, 5314
AND 5398.
(2) The addition of 35 Pa.C.S. § 5311.20 shall take
effect in 180 days.
(3) The remainder of this act shall take effect July 1,
2015, or immediately, whichever is later.
20150HB0911PN1687 - 96 -
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
<--
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24