SEATTLE-Thirteen states passed enhanced 911 legislation this year, according to Xypoint Corp., a wireless intelligent network services provider that tracks legislative efforts on E911 across the country.
A total of 27 states have adopted some form of E911 legislation since the Federal Communications Commission mandated that wireless carriers provide enhanced 911 services in a two-phase process. Carriers are not required to implement the E911 mandated functions until cost-recovery methods have been adopted and public safety answering points request it.
States that adopted bills this year addressing cost recovery and immunity include Alabama, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Florida and Pennsylvania passed laws dealing with immunity, and Georgia and Virginia passed legislation specifically addressing cost-recovery.
Missouri passed a bill creating a 50-cent surcharge and immunity, but the legislation requires a public vote in April. Illinois, Ohio and Michigan each reached political consensus on bills but were unable to pass legislation on time, said Xypoint.
