The following e-mail from California’s NENA chapter on Sept. 13, 2010 asked for support in defeating a bill passed the by the state’s legislature, and awaiting the governor’s signature.
Hello CALNENA Members,
Our last chance to stop SB 1375 is upon us. Now is the time to get letters to the Governor requesting his veto. We need as many
letters as possible! Our legislative law firm GAC has been doing great work, but AT&T has been lobbying very hard for the passage of SB 1375.
Summary of SB 1375
The stated purpose of the SB 1375 is to address EDT/QDT lines that have been created since the inception of the 9-1-1 Emergency Communications system in California. In accordance with the provisions of the California Public Utilities Code Section 2883 no corporation may disconnect access to 9-1-1 emergency services. The connections providing this access are called EDT or QDT by the various corporations providing them. There are a large number of these lines which are no longer active due to the migration to wireless and VoIP phone services.
Unfortunately, the bill would also disconnect subscribers who are involuntarily separated due to their inability to pay for 9-1-1 service. The California Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (CALNENA) Board feels that 9-1-1 provides critical access to emergency services and should be provided to all Californians regardless of economic circumstances.
Since the bill was introduced in the Senate, 9-1-1 groups including the CALNENA and the County Coordinators Task Force have worked with the Telephone Corporations to modify the provisions to a form that is acceptable to the industry as well as to the public safety community. To date those efforts have been unsuccessful.
The Issue
SB 1375 would disconnect subscribers who are involuntarily separated due to their inability to pay for 9-1-1 service. CALNENA feels that 9-1-1 provides critical access to emergency services and should be provided to all Californians regardless of economic circumstances.
Recent Events
SB 1375 has passed both the Senate and Assembly and is sitting on the Governor’s desk to be signed.
How can you help?
CALNENA needs help from everyone!
1) Call the Governor’s’ office and encourage him to oppose this bill. His local Sacramento information is:
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
State Capitol Building
Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916-445-2841
Fax: 916-558-3160 ( new number )
E-mail: http://gov.ca.gov/interact
2) Encourage your legislative representatives, Chiefs, and Sheriff’s to write letters of opposition and contact the Governor’s office.
3) Contact your circle of professional friends and let them know about this and encourage them to call the Governor’s office.
It is close to end game. IF we can’t convince the Governor to veto this bill it will pass and 9-1-1 services will not be accessible to all Californians in need of this critical service. Attached are the fact sheets, the opposition letter, and a recent press release in opposition of SB 1375.
Thanks
Michelle Bland, ENP
CHP Statewide 9-1-1 Coordinator
2nd Vice President – CalNENA