Resolve, Regarding Implementation and Funding of E-9-1-1 Dispatch Protocols

Sec. 1. Stakeholder group. Resolved: That the Public Utilities Commission, Emergency Services Communications Bureau shall convene a stakeholder group to develop recommendations regarding standardized dispatch protocol requirements and use of the E-9-1-1 fund to cover costs of emergency dispatch protocol implementation. The bureau shall invite, at a minimum, representatives of the Department of Public Safety, public safety answering points, dispatch centers that are not public safety answering points, chiefs of police, county sheriffs, fire chiefs, county commissioners, emergency medical service providers, dispatchers, the Maine Municipal Association, the Maine Emergency County Communications Association and the Maine Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association to participate in the stakeholder group. The stakeholder group shall examine and make recommendations regarding:

1. The use of funds available in the E-9-1-1 fund to cover costs associated with the adoption and implementation of standardized dispatch protocols and related requirements, with attention to efficient and effective use of funds and providing relief to local taxpayers;

2. Issues identified by stakeholders related to the adoption and implementation of standardized dispatch protocols for fire 9-1-1 calls and medical 9-1-1 calls, with consideration of staffing, training, funding, quality assurance, dispatch response time and effectiveness of emergency services; and

3. Potential future implementation of standardized dispatch protocols for police 9-1-1 calls on a mandatory or voluntary basis.

Sec. 2. Report. Resolved: That, no later than November 1, 2019, the Public Utilities Commission, Emergency Services Communication Bureau shall submit a report on the work of the stakeholder group established in section 1 to the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology. The report must include the recommendations of the stakeholder group regarding the issues identified in section 1, along with an outline of changes to law or rule necessary to implement those recommendations. The committee may report out a bill to the Second Regular Session of the 129th Legislature related to the report.