Sec. 1. 25 MRSA §2927, sub-§3, as amended by PL 1999, c. 651, §2, is further amended to read:

3. Expenditure of funds. The bureau may use the revenues in the E-9-1-1 fund to fund staff and to defray costs associated with the implementation, operation and management of E-9-1-1. The bureau, to the extent it determines sufficient funds are available in the E-9-1-1 fund, shall use revenues in the E-9-1-1 fund to reimburse local exchange carriers and cellular and wireless telecommunications service providers for eligible expenses incurred by the carriers and service providers. For purposes of this subsection, the term "eligible expenses" means expenses:

A. Incurred in preparing, correcting, verifying or updating subscriber information for use in databases necessary to implement the E-9-1-1 system; and

B. Determined by the Public Utilities Commission to meet the requirements of paragraph A and to be reasonable expenses for the services provided.; and

C.__Approved by the bureau to be properly incurred by cellular and wireless telecommunications service providers for the implementation of E-9-1-1 technologies and procedures.

The Public Utilities Commission, in consultation with the bureau, shall establish procedures for reviewing and approving expenses pursuant to paragraph B.

SUMMARY

This bill provides that landline and cellular and wireless telecommunications service providers share ratably in the costs of implementing E-9-1-1 service in the State. Currently, cellular and wireless customers contribute to the E-9-1-1 fund, but only landline telephone service providers are entitled to reimbursement for implementation costs.