HBA-AMW H.B. 1574 77(R)    BILL ANALYSIS


Office of House Bill AnalysisH.B. 1574
By: Junell
State Affairs
3/22/2001
Introduced



BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE 

Texas is one of only 15 states that have a statewide 9-1-1 system.  The
Commission on State Emergency Communications (commission) was given the
responsibility by the legislature for managing the statewide 9-1-1 system;
however, problems have arisen regarding the commission's management of the
system.  A 1998 state auditor's report found that the current 9-1-1 system
is inefficient and that the service responsibilities are overlapping.  The
report also found that current purchasing and revenue collection activities
are not cost-effective and that there are duplicative costs for regional
and local entities.  House Bill 1574 abolishes the commission and transfers
its powers and duties to the Public Utility Commission of Texas.  

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

It is the opinion of the Office of House Bill Analysis that rulemaking
authority previously delegated to the Commission on State Emergency
Communications is transferred to the Public Utility Commission of Texas. 

ANALYSIS

House Bill 1574 amends the Health and Safety and Transportation codes to
abolish the Commission on State Emergency Communications and transfer its
powers and duties, including the statewide 9-1-1 system, the poison control
centers, and emergency telephone call boxes, to the Public Utility
Commission of Texas. 

EFFECTIVE DATE

January 1, 2002.