What's happening
This bill requires all state and local emergency call centers in New York to be able to process text message requests within three years.
Why it matters
Expands Access for Vulnerable Populations. By requiring emergency call centers to process text messages, the bill ensures that people who are deaf, hard of hearing, speech-impaired, or in situations where speaking is unsafe (such as during a home invasion or domestic violence incident) can still reach emergency services.
Modernizes Emergency Response Infrastructure. Mandating the adoption of enhanced 911 systems capable of handling texts pushes local and state agencies to invest in up-to-date technology, potentially improving overall reliability and effectiveness of emergency communications.
Sets a Clear Timeline and Compliance Standard. The three-year deadline creates urgency and a firm expectation for compliance, helping to avoid indefinite delays and ensuring that all communities, regardless of resources or location, receive this critical upgrade.
Aligns with Federal Standards. By specifying compatibility with federal law and board approval, the bill aims to maintain interoperability and consistency across different jurisdictions and emergency systems, reducing confusion and technical barriers.
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Who cares
Headline styles
Allow 911 Texting
Plain English, a few words. Used as the page title.
Sponsors
No co-sponsors yet.
History
- Referred to local government
- Referred to local government
Full text
1 pageUnderlined is new[Struck] is removedOfficial text on nysenate.gov ↗
STATE OF NEW YORK
1443
2019-2020 Regular Sessions
IN SENATE
January 14, 2019
Introduced by Sen. SANDERS -- read twice and ordered printed, and when printed to be committed to the Committee on Local Government
AN ACT to amend the county law, in relation to requiring public safety answering points to be equipped with a system for processing requests for emergency services via text message
The People of the State of New York, represented in Senate and Assembly, do enact as follows:
Section 1. The county law is amended by adding a new section 336 to read as follows:
§ 336. Requests for emergency services via text message. No later than three years from the effective date of this section, each state and local public safety answering point shall be equipped with an emergency enhanced 911 system approved by the board in a manner that is consistent with federal law, for the processing of requests for emergency services sent via text message.
§ 2. This act shall take effect immediately.
EXPLANATION--Matter in italics (underscored) is new; matter in brackets
[ ] is old law to be omitted.
LBD06146-01-9
Reflowed for reading: line numbers and page breaks removed. Cite the official text.
Sponsor's memo
Title of bill
An act to amend the county law, in relation to requiring public safety answering points to be equipped with a system for processing requests for emergency services via text message
Purpose
To require public safety answering points to be equipped with a system for processing requests for emergency services via text message.
Summary of provisions
Section 1 amends the county law by adding a new section 336 providing within the next three years each local public safety answering point shall be equipped with an emergency enhanced 911 system approved by the board in a manner that is consistent with federal law, for the process- ing of requests for emergency services sent via text message.
Section 2 provides this act shall take effect immediately.
Existing law
New law
Justification
With text messaging becoming the preferred method of communication, especially among younger people, text-to-911 services are increasingly useful for reporting emergencies. The FCC reports that as of May 16, 2014, text-to-911 was available in 16 states, including parts of New York. Vermont and Maine were the only two states with the service avail- able statewide.
Text-to-911 additionally allows those in emergency situations to send photographs, more easily and accurately depicting the scene. Further, those in domestic violence, home invasion and similar emergencies may fear aggravating their perpetrators by calling 911. Text-to-911 allows a safe and quiet method for contacting appropriate authorities. New York provides a model for the rest of the nation to follow. By requiring the entire state to be equipped for text-to-911 capability within the next three years, New York will send the message that it continues to be ahead of the curve in best utilizing technological advances.
Legislative history
01/27/16 Referred to Local Government
Fiscal implications
Undetermined
Local fiscal implications
Undetermined
Effective date
This act shall take effect immediately.
Summaries, headlines and scores are AI-generated from the official bill text. How we score bills. Source: NYS Open Legislation.