§5312.1. Legislative study.

(a) Requirement.--The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee shall study the 911 and wireless E-911 funding systems under section 5311.4 (relating to Wireless E-911 Emergency Services Fund). In conducting the study, the committee shall consider cost-benefit analyses to determine the cost effectiveness of the systems both within the agency and the counties. At a minimum, the committee shall inquire into and make recommendations with respect to:

(1) The efficacy by which the VoIP service 911 fee, the contribution rate, the wireless E-911 surcharge and the prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge are collected and remitted for intended purposes set forth in this chapter.

(2) The expenditures authorized for payment from a county's restricted account for the purposes of nonrecurring and recurring charges billed for the 911 system.

(3) Disbursements made by the agency from the fund.

(4) The method and amount of funding collected through the VoIP service 911 fee, the contribution rate, the wireless E-911 surcharge and the prepaid wireless E-911 surcharge in comparison to 911 and wireless E-911 funding systems utilized in other states.

(5) The feasibility and effectiveness of consolidating PSAPs in this Commonwealth.

(6) Any other cost-saving measures that may be utilized by the PSAPs or the agency which will not jeopardize public safety.

(7) National initiatives being considered or implemented in other states intended to provide cost savings in 911 systems without impacting public safety.

(8) A review of the current auditing requirements of State and county 911 expenditures under this chapter.

(9) The issues the Commonwealth will need to consider in incorporating "Next Generation 911" and other nontraditional communication technologies into its emergency response system.

(10) Any technology-neutral 911 funding options by either the Commonwealth or political subdivisions which do not rely on disparate technologies, fee amounts and grant structures.

(b) Report.--The committee shall submit a final report with recommendations to the Secretary of the Senate and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives by December 31, 2011, and shall transmit a copy of the final report to the Legislative Reference Bureau for publication in the Pennsylvania Bulletin within 30 days of the submission of the final report.

Notation

Effective Date.  Section 8(1)(i) of Act 118 of 2010 provided that section 5312.1 shall take effect immediately.

Special Provisions in Appendix.  See section 7(b)(3) of Act 118 of 2010 in the appendix to this title for special provisions relating to continuation of prior law.