MULTILINE TELEPHONE SYSTEM RULES

House Bill 4249 as introduced

Sponsor:  Rep. Michele Hoitenga

Committee:  Communications and Technology

Complete to 4-16-19

SUMMARY:

House Bill 4249 would amend section 413 of the Emergency 9-1-1 Service Enabling Act to eliminate the ability of the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) to promulgate rules establishing requirements for multiline telephone systems (MLTS).

Additionally, the bill would repeal section 405 of the Act, which currently requires each service user with an MLTS to install the necessary equipment and software to provide specific location information for a 9-1-1 call by December 31, 2019. The bill would also rescind administrative rules R 484.901 to R 484.906 of the Michigan Administrative Code, which are the corresponding rules pertaining to MLTS requirements.

MCL 484.1413 and MCL 484.1405 (repeal)

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

The Emergency 9-1-1 Service Enabling Act established emergency 9-1-1 districts and provides for the maintenance of universal emergency 9-1-1 service systems. Usually, when an individual calls 9-1-1, the caller's phone number and address are displayed to a public safety answering point (PSAP). The system identifies the caller's location, enabling emergency services to be sent to the appropriate place; however, the system might not properly locate a call made from an MLTS, particularly if the building the person is calling from is large or the site is remote from the provided location information.

In 2015, the MPSC amended rule R 484.903 requiring MLTS operators to install necessary equipment and software to ensure that the specific location information of a 9-1-1 call will be relayed through the system.

The current December 31, 2019, deadline for installation was established by 2016 PA 244. The deadline for installation has been extended several times. 2012 PA 260 placed a sunset (expiration) date of December 31, 2021, on the entire act.

FISCAL IMPACT:

House Bill 4249 would not be expected to have a significant fiscal impact on the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs or other units of state and local government.

                                                                                         Legislative Analyst:   Dana Adams

                                                                                                 Fiscal Analyst:   Marcus Coffin

■ This analysis was prepared by nonpartisan House Fiscal Agency staff for use by House members in their deliberations, and does not constitute an official statement of legislative intent.