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Minutes for SB420 - Committee on Utilities
Short Title
Amending the Kansas 911 act.
Minutes Content for Wed, Feb 28, 2018
Chairman Olson opened the hearing on the bill and called for the Office of Revisor of Statutes overview of the bill.
Matt Sterling explained that the bill would: 1.) add definition; 2.) specify certain powers/restrictions of the 911 Coordinating Council; 3.) change the distribution of fees; 4.) increase the minimum annual contribution to counties; and 5.) add to the permissible uses of the 911 fee by public safety answering points (PSAPs). (Attachment 3)
Proponent Senator Marci Francisco informed the committee that she has served as a legislative member of the 911 Coordinating Council since it was formed in 2011. She shared history of the Council and suggested that the current bill recognizes the recent development of a hosted solution of the Text-to-911 (Next Generation 9-1-1 or NG911) program and attempts to address the future funding needs of the program. (Attachment 4)
Proponent Scott Ekberg suggested that the 9-1-1 Coordinating Council supports the bill provisions that provide the proposed changes necessary to the efficient and sustained management of the NG911 migration. He quantified the financial details of the program General Fund expenditures and county PSAP fund distributions. (Attachment 5)
Proponent Sherry Massey explained the purpose and attributes of the NG911 program system. She indicated that it will allow citizens in need to communicate with 9-1-1 communications officers using whatever device (including persons that can't speak or explain in words or are not able to share their location) and whatever medium that can be utilized safely and effectively. She cautioned that the current plan can't be implemented without adequate funding going forward. (Attachment 6)
Due to committee time restraints Chairman Olson suspended the hearing until March 1, 2018.
