C.S.H.B. 3491 78(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


C.S.H.B. 3491
By: Raymond
County Affairs
Committee Report (Substituted)



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Currently H&SC, Chapter 771 limits the use of 9-1-1 revenue to 9-1-1 call
delivery.  Other costs not directly attributable to 9-1-1 call delivery
are not allowed.  HB 3491  would allow Commission on State Emergency
Communications (CSEC) to provide the most populous county within a region
the ability to fund other services that are closely tied to operating a
9-1-1 system that fall outside of call delivery.   The State 9-1-1 Program
is set up through a regional approach were the most populous county within
the region generates the most revenue to operate the 9-1-1 program.  Also,
the most populous county within the region has the most costs associated
with operating a 9-1-1 system.  This bill would allow these counties to
fund services, if there are sufficient appropriated funds, that have
historically have not been funded because of the current limits of Health
and Safety Code, Chapter 771.  


RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the committee's opinion that this bill does not expressly grant any
additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, department, agency, or
institution. 

ANALYSIS

This bill applies only to fees and surcharges collected under this
subchapter in the county which has the highest population within the
region.  Those fees and surcharges may be used for any costs considered
necessary by the Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) if
such costs are attributable to designing a 9-1-1 system, or obtaining and
maintaining equipment and personnel necessary to establish and operate a
public safety answering point and related operations or other related
answering points and operations. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a two-thirds vote of each
house.  If the Act does not receive the vote necessary for immediate
effect, the Act takes effect September 1, 2003. 


COMPARISON OF ORIGINAL TO SUBSTITUTE

CSHB 3491 is a Legislative Council draft of the bill as originally filed
with no substantive changes.