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House Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
House of Representatives
Session of 2019 - 2020
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | January 25, 2019 02:04 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Representative Stephen Barrar |
| To: | All House members |
| Subject: | Reauthorization of the 911 System in the Commonwealth |
| I will be introducing legislation to extend the sunset date for our 911 system in the Commonwealth and to continue our transition to Next Generation 911 (NG 911). In 2015, we past Act 12, which was an extensive rewrite of our 911 statute. This rewrite was both timely and necessary so that we could move forward in updating and enhancing our Commonwealth’s 911 emergency communications capabilities. My proposal amends Chapter 53 of Title 35 (Health and Safety), commonly referred to as our emergency management code, which sunsets on June 30, 2019. In addition to the extension of the statute and 911 surcharge for another four years, I am proposing a few additional changes to improve the operations of our 911 system as well as the 911 Advisory Board. First, the exemption provided for under the current statute to certain political subdivisions, which had 911 centers established prior to the effective date of the original 1990 law will be removed, leaving 911 planning countywide to be conducted solely by the counties or by the counties on a regional level. Secondly, I propose to add the chair of the State Geospatial Coordinating Board to the 911 Advisory Board. This is necessary since geospatial mapping and geographic information systems are a critical part of NG 911. Additionally, I believe the Pennsylvania Association of Councils of Governments should be part of the board membership to provide a regional perspective. Finally, since the passage of Act 12 and subsequent provisions of the act have been executed, there remains language in the statute that is no longer necessary; therefore, my proposal removes the antiquated language. Please join me in sponsoring this legislation. |
Introduced as HB859