BILL ANALYSIS
By: Janek
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE
The Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network (network) was established in 1983 and has responsibility for the implementation and enhancement of the 9-1-1 communication infrastructure. This includes both the network and database services for land-based and cellular communication. In addition, under two separate interlocal agreements, the network has been providing services to the remaining cities and unincorporated areas of Fort Bend County that are not partially located in Harris County. Under this agreement, the network has been reimbursed for expenses it incurred for providing services to the areas. However, these areas are not stipulated to in the enabling legislation. Now as a result of budget cuts to the Commission on State Emergency Communications, the network has been informed that it will not be reimbursed for money spent in the areas not stipulated in the enabling legislation.
This is the only agreement of its kind in the state and will affect no other 9-1-1 emergency networks. As proposed, S.B. 621 enables the Greater Harris County 9-1-1 Emergency Network to administer emergency communication services to portions of Fort Bend County.
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 authorizes a public agency (agency) that has a regional planning commission interlocal agreement with an emergency communications district (district) to receive 9-1-1 service for at least 10 years to become part of the district by resolution of the agency's governing body and approval by the board of a district. The agency must be located wholly or partly in a county adjacent to another county where a district is created.
EFFECTIVE DATE
September 1, 2005.