NCJ Number
201395
Journal
Homeland Defense Journal Volume: 1 Issue: 4 Dated: July 2003 Pages: 26-29
Date Published
July 2003
Length
4 pages
Annotation
This article examines the development status of an enhanced 911 (E911) calling capability that will allow responders to pinpoint the location of callers who are using mobile or cell phones.
Abstract
Currently, the implementation of a national E911 system is slowed by technical, funding, and legislative barriers. In February, four legislators from both parties launched the E911 Caucus to fight for full implementation of E911. On June 12th, Senators Conrad Burns (R-MT) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) introduced the Enhanced 911 Emergency Act of 2003. The bill mandates that the National Telecommunication and Information Administration create an E911 task force and facilitate coordination between communications systems at all levels of government. Financially, it authorizes $500 million per year in grants for enhancing emergency communication. The grant program requires consultation with the Department of Homeland Defense. Further, the bill requires the Federal Communications Commission to review fees for enhancing E911 services twice a year. States would have to certify that no E911 fees are being used for any other purpose. The article includes the text of an interview with Senator Burns regarding the features and expected impact of the bill.