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Managing America: Health & Safety

TheWeekInCongress.com (TM)

Week Ending June 27, 2008

H.R.3403 A bill to promote and enhance public safety by facilitating the rapid deployment of IP-enabled 911 and E-911 services, encourage the Nation's transition to a national IP-enabled emergency network, and improve 911 and E-911 access to those with disabilities.

Earlier law is amended to require that Internet Protocol-enabled voice service providers to provide 911 services to their subscribers. States and Tribes may impose a fee for the service but it may not exceed fees charged for the same service from telecommunication service businesses.

The FCC will have a role in facilitating and coordinating the requirement. Grants are available for a State to migrate to an IP-enabled emergency network and a national plan for migration is ordered. The bill also authorizes a $43.5 million Treasury loan to implement ENHANCE 911 passed in 2004. The note and funds were authorized in 2004 but were not acted on.

The carriers are authorized to disclose or permit access to call location information in emergencies. IP-enabled providers are directed to provide subscriber list information to emergency service providers. The data is prohibited from use for business competitive purposes.

Sponsor:  Rep. Bart Stupak (TN-6^th)

Vote: Passed House by voice vote November, 2008. Passed Senate by voice vote June 25, 2008

Cost to the taxpayers: No discernible cost. Expense of implementing the regulation may ultimately be passed on to consumers.

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