Part 12.
COMMISSION ON STATE EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS
Chapter 251.
REGIONAL PLANS--STANDARDS
1 TAC §251.1
The Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) proposes
an amendment to §251.1, concerning regional plans for 9-1-1 service,
to simplify the language and make it more uniform and consistent.
This section is proposed as part of Rule Review of Chapter 251 pursuant
to Government Code, §2001.039. The rule continues to be essential to
the CSEC's operations and per statutory authority.
The amendment provides updated language and removes the definitions from
this section and places it within a new proposed rule that will contain all
pertinent definitions in one location to help reduce unnecessary duplication
and ensure consistency of definitions.
Paul Mallett, executive director, has determined that for the first five-year
period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state
or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.
Mr. Mallett has determined that for each year of the first five years the
section is to be in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of
enforcing the section will be improved 9-1-1 call delivery systems in 9-1-1
regions throughout the state. No historical data is available, however, there
appears to be no direct impact on small or large businesses. There is no anticipated
economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the section as proposed.
There is no anticipated local employment impact as a result of enforcing the
section.
Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted in writing within 30 days
after publication of the proposal in the
Texas Register
to Paul Mallett, Executive Director, Advisory Commission on State
Emergency Communications, 333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 2-212, Austin, Texas
78701-3942.
The amendment is proposed under Texas Health and Safety Code,
Chapter 771, §§771.051, 771.055, 771.056, 771.057, and 771.075;
and Title 1 Texas Administrative Code, Part 12, Chapter 251, Regional Plan
Standards, which provide the Commission on State Emergency Communications
with the authority to plan, develop, provide provisions and the enhancement
of effective and efficient 9-1-1 service.
No other statute, code or article is affected by this amendment.
§251.1.Regional Strategic Plans for 9-1-1 Service.
(a)
Purpose. The Commission on State Emergency Communications
(Commission) herein establishes a framework for regional planning commissions
(RPCs) to use in the development of regional strategic plans for provisioning
9-1-1 service. Regional strategic plans should include, but not be limited
to, the elements and subsections of this rule. Other rules provide specific
standards for performance of these requirements.
(b)
Definitions. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise,
terms contained in this rule are defined as shown in Commission Rule 251.14,
General Provisions and Definitions.
(c)
Regional Plan Submission. All regional strategic plans
for 9-1-1 service, or amendments to those regional plans, must be submitted
to the Commission by a RPC as specified by Health and Safety Code, Chapter
771, §771.056, Submission of Regional Plan to the Commission, and §771.057,
Amendment of Plan. The RPC shall comply with all applicable federal and state
laws in carrying out its approved regional plan.
(d)
Regional Plan Scope. All regional plans for 9-1-1 service
submitted for approval must address the entire geographic area within the
boundaries of a RPC. The regional plan must identify all participating public
safety agencies. All counties with a population greater than 120,000, according
to the latest federal census, must have 9-1-1 service by September 1, 1995.
In counties with less than 120,000 in population, resolutions supporting the
regional plan must be included for all participating cities and counties.
Because the definition of Public Agency in Health and Safety Code, Chapter
771, §771.001(7) creates a possibility of overlapping jurisdictions,
the city or county government of that area should submit the resolution to
support the regional plan.
(e)
Regional Plan Criteria. The regional plan must include
a description of how the 9-1-1 service is to be administered, a description
of how money is to be allocated within the region, projected financial operating
information for the two state fiscal years following the submission of the
regional plan, strategic planning information for the five state fiscal years
following the submission of the regional plan, and a detailed description
of the equipment, network, and database services as required by Health and
Safety Code, Chapter 771, §771.055, Strategic Planning.
(f)
All regional plans for 9-1-1 service must include the following
equipment and service:
(1)
Automatic Number Identification (ANI) level of service;
(2)
Automatic Location Identification (ALI) level of service;
(3)
Wireless Phase I E9-1-1 level of service;
(4)
One
Primary PSAP
[
(5)
TDD/TTY or TDD/TTY compatible equipment in compliance with
the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and in compliance with Commission
Rule 251.4, Guidelines for the Provisioning of Accessibility Equipment;
(6)
A standby power supply for the 9-1-1 equipment;
(7)
Forced disconnect feature to allow the PSAP to clear incoming
circuits when necessary;
(8)
The following redundant crucial service items at each PSAP:
(A)
Network connections between each telephone central office
or mobile switch and the SR;
(B)
Network connections from the SR to the PSAP;
(C)
Network connections from the ALI database to the PSAP;
(D)
Database routers;
(E)
Telephone sets and/or integrated ANI and ALI display call
taking positions;
(F)
Stand-alone TDD units as applicable; and
(G)
Any other equipment essential to the 9-1-1 call-taking
function;
(9)
A published ten-digit emergency telephone number that can
accept emergency calls;
(10)
A positive response to each 9-1-1 call to include an audible
ringing tone connecting to a PSAP where either the call is answered by personnel
at the PSAP or a recorded announcement provides further information; and
(11)
The following required elements to insure the reliability
of the 9-1-1 equipment and service:
(A)
Contingency routing plan;
(B)
Network testing plan;
(C)
Local monitoring plan;
(D)
Capital asset plan;
(E)
Network diagrams;
(F)
Database maintenance plan; and
(G)
Equipment maintenance plan.
(g)
Amendments to Regional Plan. A regional plan may be amended
according to procedure established in accordance with Commission Rule 251.6,
Guidelines for Strategic Plans, Amendments, and Revenue Allocation.
(h)
Call Taking Positions. Requests for an increase in the
number of positions within a PSAP should be submitted for approval in the
regional strategic plan along with justification for the increase. If an increase
in the number of positions is required after the regional plan has been approved
and the addition of the position(s) will require no additional funding, the
RPC shall follow the requirements for amendment in accordance with Commission
Rule 251.6, Guidelines for Strategic Plans, Amendments, and Revenue Allocation.
If additional funding is required for the additional position(s), the request
shall be submitted to the Commission for consideration and approval in accordance
with Commission Rule 251.6, Guidelines for Strategic Plans, Amendments, and
Revenue Allocation.
No amendment request is necessary when increased
call taking positions to a PSAP or PSAPs do not increase the total number
of call taking positions within the region.
Each PSAP shall be equipped
with adequate call taking positions to meet anticipated call volume. Factors
that may be considered in determining the proper number of positions include:
(1)
Historical 9-1-1 call volume and growth;
(2)
Call duration information;
(3)
Anticipated area population growth; and
(4)
Peak 9-1-1 call volume patterns.
(i)
Adding a PSAP. Should there be a need to add a new PSAP
within the region, the RPC
shall follow the requirements for amendments
in accordance with Commission Rule 251.6, Guidelines for Strategic Plans,
Amendments, and Revenue Allocation. The amendment
shall provide the
Commission written justification supporting the request. Appropriate justification
shall include statistical information such as call volume and growth rates,
or jurisdictional changes within the region. All requests for a new PSAP must
include specific costs for equipment and services, as well as a complete written
description and schematic illustrating the relationship of the proposed PSAP
to the balance of the region's network. [
(j)
Mobile PSAP Procedures. When a RPC is approved to add a
mobile PSAP, they must submit a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for that
PSAP that includes, at a minimum:
(1)
Designation of responsible local agency;
(2)
Proposed hours of operation;
(3)
Primary location of operation;
(4)
Procedure for notification of relocation of PSAP;
(5)
Asset management plan or insurance coverage to safeguard
the equipment;
(6)
Security plan for control of the equipment and data;
(7)
Revised Interlocal Agreement to include the mobile PSAP;
and
(8)
Plan for equipment disposal upon termination of the use
of the mobile PSAP.
(k)
Contracts. The RPC shall execute interlocal agreements
between itself and its local governments responsible for PSAPs relating to
the planning, development, operation and provision of 9-1-1 service, the use
of 9-1-1 funds and adherence to applicable law in accordance with Commission
Rule 251.12, Contracts for 9-1-1 Services.
(l)
Procurement. The RPC shall use competitive procurement
practices and procedures similar to those required by state law for cities
or counties, as well as any additional Commission policies, in conjunction
with the procurement of 9-1-1 Customer Premises Equipment, 9-1-1 Network,
and 9-1-1 Database Services, and any other items to be obtained with 9-1-1
funds in accordance with Commission Rule 251.8, Guidelines for the Procurement
of Equipment and Services with 9-1-1 funds.
(m)
Equipment Management. The RPC is responsible for the 9-1-1
equipment in accordance with Commission Rule 251.5, Guidelines for 9-1-1 Equipment
Management and Disposition. Any integration of expanded third-party applications
onto a call taking position must be in accordance with Commission Rule 251.7,
Guidelines for Implementing Integrated Service. If changes or extensions of
9-1-1 service occur, the RPC is to administer and report them in accordance
with Commission Rule 251.2, Guidelines for Changing or Extending 9-1-1 Service
Arrangements.
(n)
Testing. The RPC shall test all 9-1-1 Customer Premises
Equipment (including TDD/TTY), 9-1-1 Network, and 9-1-1 Database services.
Testing shall occur when new service or equipment is installed, service or
equipment is modified, and on a regular basis to ensure system reliability
and compliance with ADA. A schedule for ongoing testing shall be developed
by the RPC and shall be available to the Commission for monitoring.
(o)
Monitoring. The Commission reserves the right to perform
on-site monitoring of the RPC and/or its performing local governments or PSAPs,
including mobile PSAPs, for compliance with applicable law in accordance with
Commission Rule 251.11, Monitoring Policies and Procedures.
(p)
Performance Reporting. A RPC shall submit financial and
performance reports to the Commission at least quarterly on a schedule to
be established by the Commission. The financial report shall identify actual
implementation costs by county, strategic plan priority level, and component.
The performance report shall reflect the progress of implementing the region's
strategic plan including, but not limited to, the status of equipment, services,
and program deliverables in a format to be determined by the Commission.
This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been reviewed
by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority to adopt.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on July 5, 2004.
TRD-200404381
Paul Mallett
Executive Director
Commission on State Emergency Communications
Earliest possible date of adoption: August 15, 2004
For further information, please call: (512) 305-6933
1 TAC §251.6
The Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) proposes
an amendment to §251.6, concerning guidelines for submission requests
from regional planning commissions on strategic plans, amendments and allocation
of funds.
This section is proposed as part of Rule Review of Chapter 251 pursuant
to Government Code, §2001.039. The rule continues to be essential to
the CSEC's operations and per statutory authority.
The amendment provides updated language and removes the definitions from
this section and places it within a new proposed rule that will contain all
pertinent definitions in one location to help reduce unnecessary duplication
and ensure consistency of definitions. Parts of this section may be incorporated
into Program Policy Statements in the future that will allow for more detailed
instructions and flexibility to meet program needs. Other revisions align
the strategic plan budget levels with the current 2004-2005 components, and
reflects the new budget components for the 2006-2007 plan. Revisions were
also made to (g), Amendments to Regional Strategic Plans, in order to provide
examples of the occasions that require an amendment to be presented to the
Commission.
Paul Mallett, executive director, has determined that for the first five-year
period the rule is in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state
or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rule.
Mr. Mallett also has determined that for each year of the first five years
the section is in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of enforcing
the section will be improved system for funds allocation and implementation
levels for the 9-1-1 program statewide. No historical data is available, however,
there appears to be no direct impact on small or large businesses. There is
no anticipated economic cost to persons who are required to comply with the
section as proposed. There is no anticipated local employment impact as a
result of enforcing the section.
Comments on the amendment may be submitted in writing within 30 days after
publication of the proposal in the
Texas Register
to Paul Mallett, Executive Director, Commission on State Emergency
Communications, 333 Guadalupe Street, Suite 2-212, Austin, Texas 78701-3942.
The amendment is proposed pursuant to the Texas Health and Safety
Code, Chapter 771, §§771.051, 771.071, 771.0711, 771.072, and 771.075;
and Title 1 Texas Administrative Code, Part 12, Chapter 251, Regional Plan
Standards, which provide the Commission on State Emergency Communications
with the authority to plan, develop, fund, and provide provisions for the
enhancement of effective and efficient 9-1-1 service.
No other code, article, or statute is affected by this amendment.
§251.6.Guidelines for Strategic Plans, Amendments, and Revenue Allocation.
(a)
Purpose. The purpose of this rule is to
provide the structure and guidelines for regional strategic plans, funding
of the plans, and amendments to the plans.
(b)
[
(c)
Definitions. Unless the context clearly
indicates otherwise, terms contained in this rule are defined as shown in
Commission Rule 251.14, General Provisions and Definitions.
(d)
[
(1)
Level I: The equipment, network and database equipment
and/or services that provide the essential elements of 9-1-1 service, including
the maintenance and replacement of equipment.
(A)
Network;
(B)
Wireless Phase I;
(C)
Database;
(D)
Equipment
Lease
;
(E)
Equipment Purchase
[
(F)
Language Line; and
[
(G)
Equipment Maintenance.
(2)
Level II: The activities, equipment, and/or services that
provide auxiliary enhancements to the delivery of 9-1-1 calls and
[
(A)
Database Maintenance
[
(B)
MIS
[
(C)
Mapped ALI
[
(D)
PSAP Room Prep
[
(E)
PSAP
Training
[
(F)
[
(G)
Wireless Phase II.
(3)
Level III: The activities, equipment, and/or services that
provide auxiliary enhancements to the delivery of 9-1-1 calls and the level
of service provided to the region.
(A)
Network Diversity;
(B)
Training Positions;
(C)
Emergency Power;
(D)
Recorders;
(E)
Pagers;
(F)
Maintenance/Repair (ancillary equipment); and
[
(G)
Other.
(4)
Level IV: Use of Revenue in Certain Counties.
The activities, equipment, and/or services that provide auxiliary enhancements
to the 9-1-1 system of a county subject to Health & Safety Code Chapter
771 with a population over 700,000, or the county that hast he highest population
within an RPC participating in the Commission program to include, but not
limited to:
(A)
Design of a 9-1-1 System;
(B)
Purchase of Equipment;
(C)
Maintenance of Equipment; and
(D)
Personnel Match.
(e)
[
(1)
Level I: The equipment, network and database equipment
and/or services that provide the essential elements of 9-1-1 service, including
the maintenance and replacement of equipment.
(A)
Network;
(B)
Wireless [
(C)
Database;
(D)
Equipment Lease;
(E)
Language Line; and
[
(F)
Equipment Maintenance.
[
[
(2)
Level II: The activities, equipment, and/or services that
directly support and enhance 9-1-1 call delivery and data maintenance for
the level of service provided to the region.
(A)
Database
[
(B)
MIS;
(C)
Mapped ALI;
(D)
PSAP Room Prep;
(E)
PSAP Training;
and
(F)
Public Education
.
[
[
(3)
Level III: The activities, equipment, and/or services that
provide auxiliary enhancements to the delivery of 9-1-1 calls and the level
of service provided to the region.
(A)
Network Diversity;
(B)
PSAP Supplies; and
[
[
[
[
(C)
[
[
(4)
Level IV: Use of Revenue in Certain Counties.
The activities, equipment, and/or services that provide auxiliary enhancements
to the 9-1-1 system of a county subject to Health & Safety Code Chapter
771 with a population over 700,000, or the county that has the highest population
within an RPC participating in the Commission program to include, but not
limited to:
(A)
Design of a 9-1-1 System;
(B)
Purchase of Equipment;
(C)
Maintenance of Equipment; and
(D)
Personnel match.
(f)
[
(1)
The Commission shall establish the format of strategic
plans for the sake of identifying overall statewide requirements in its implementation.
[(2)
Strategic plans shall be reviewed and
amended, as appropriate, on a biennial basis.]
[(3)
Each biennial review and update of strategic
plans shall reflect a reconciliation of all actual implementation costs by
component incurred for the year involved against projected strategic plan
costs and revenues.]
(2)
[
(3)
[
(4)
A RPC shall submit performance reports
at least quarterly on a schedule to be established by the Commission. The
performance report shall reflect the progress of implementing the region's
strategic plan, including the status of equipment, services and program deliverables,
in a format to be determined by the Commission.
(g)
[
(1)
A regional planning commission
RPC
may make
changes to its approved regional strategic plan to accommodate unanticipated
requirements and/or to prevent disruption of its implementation schedule,
contingent upon compliance with all Commission policies and procedures.
Examples of occasions when an amendment must be submitted to the Commission
include, but are not limited to:
(A)
Requests for approval of items under Commission Rule
251.3, Use of Revenue in Certain Counties;
[
(B)
Requests to shift budget authority from the Administrative
budget to the Program budget, and vice versa;
[
(C)
Requests to increase the total percentage
of staff time charged to the 9-1-1 program (FTE), when the increase exceeds
the total amount of time charged for all personnel funded with 9-1-1 funds
in the current approved plan;
(D)
Requests to add a call-taking position
at a PSAP when the total number of call-taking positions for the region would
increase;
(E)
Requests for exceptions to Commission
policy;
(F)
Requests for additional funds; and
(G)
As required by other Commission rule,
or upon a request from the Commission.
(2)
Requests for amendments
[
(3)
Emergency situations requiring amendments to regional plans
that require additional funding may be presented to the Commission for review
and consideration contingent upon the availability of such funds within level
priorities as established by the Commission.
(h)
[
(1)
Service Fee allocation - Consistent with §771.056
(d), and §771.078 the Commission shall allocate, by contract, service
fee revenue to
RPCs
[
(2)
Equalization Surcharge Funds
(A)
Within the context of §771.056(d), the Commission
shall consider any revenue insufficiencies to represent need for equalization
surcharge funding support.
(B)
Consistent with this rule, the Commission shall allocate,
by agreement, equalization surcharge funds and service fees to
RPCs
[
(C)
The Commission may allocate equalization surcharge to an
emergency communication
(District)
[
(D)
Equalization surcharge funds shall be allocated first to
eligible recipients requiring such funds for administrative budgetary purposes,
followed by Level I, II, and III activities in that order.
(E)
If sufficient equalization surcharge funds are not available
to fund all
RPC
[
(i)
In reverse order of priority, reducing the number of priority
level components supported with equalization surcharge funds;
(ii)
Requesting that regional strategic plans be adjusted to
allow for more implementation time as appropriate; and/or
(iii)
In order of priority, proportionally allocating available
funds among requesting agencies.
(F)
The Commission may elect to hold a balance of equalization
surcharge funds in reserve for emergencies and other contingencies.
(i)
[
(1)
Paging Systems. Funding for the paging systems may be approved
when such systems are the most effective means of 9-1-1 call delivery and
they do not replace other paging or radio alerting systems. Funding for paging
will be limited to systems, where alternative systems or the systems now in
use cause significant delay in 9-1-1 call delivery and where existing radio
systems can be modified to accommodate paging. Funding for pagers (receivers)
will be limited to three, providing pagers to only necessary core responders
within an organization (e.g., in a 15-member volunteer emergency medical group,
only the on-call ambulance driver and one or two attendants would be furnished
pagers).
(2)
Voice Recording Equipment. Voice loggers may be approved
when the primary use of the equipment is in support of the 9-1-1 call-taking
and call-delivery function. Extra capacity on such systems may be used for
other public safety functions (such as dispatch); however, 9-1-1 funding will
not be authorized for systems whose capacity clearly exceed actual or anticipated
9-1-1 requirements. Shared funding of larger systems to accommodate both a
9-1-1 PSAP and a PSAP operating agency's other needs will be considered on
a case-by-case basis. Other considerations include:
(A)
The Commission will normally fund voice recording capability
in a PSAP to record the conversation on each answering position used to answer
emergency calls on a regular basis. (This means one recording channel per
9-1-1 answering position instead of one channel per incoming line.)
(B)
The Commission will also fund recording capability to record
the transfer of an emergency call from the PSAP first answering the call to
the agency that is responsible for providing the required emergency services.
This recording capability will be limited to the minimum amount required to
record the transfer of the caller and relaying of information to the service
provider.
(C)
The Commission will fund the purchase of voice recorders
as justified, to record 9-1-1 call delivery. Call volumes requiring recording
in excess of 90 minutes per day will normally be required to justify larger
systems.
(D)
The funding of recording devices to transfer information
from another recorder will be approved only upon specific justification of
need.
(E)
Funding for search capability for recorders will be limited
to the ability to locate an event by date and time.
(F)
The Commission will not normally fund the purchase of both
voice logging recorders and instant playback recorders in the same location.
(G)
When the operator of a 9-1-1 PSAP and the providers of
emergency services desire to use the same recording equipment funded by
regional strategic plan
[
(i)
When the minimum size of recorder that can be purchased
to serve the PSAP provides more channels than are needed by the PSAP to record
the delivery of 9-1-1 calls, the other agency may use the extra channels and
all funding will be provided by the Commission.
(ii)
When the PSAP requires a given size of recording equipment,
and the other agency requires additional channels, the Commission will fund
the size of recording equipment needed to record only the delivery of 9-1-1
calls, and the other agency will fund all additional equipment.
(iii)
When the recording requirements of the other agency requires
additional features or capabilities than would be required by the PSAP alone,
the Commission will fund the equivalent amount of the system needed to serve
the 9-1-1 functions of the PSAP alone. For instance, if the PSAP could use
a recording system to record the delivery of 9-1-1 calls, but another agency
needs to record a radio channel that requires the capacity of a larger recorder,
the Commission will fund the equivalent cost of the smaller system.
(H)
To assist the Commission in reviewing and approving requests
for funding for voice recording devices for 9-1-1 call delivery, requests
for funding should include a worksheet, provided by the Commission, for each
PSAP location.
(I)
In reviewing requests for recording systems, the Commission
will award funding, when justified, for the actual costs of basic recording
systems not to exceed $10,000 on 4-channel or equivalent systems, and not
to exceed $20,000 on up to 10-channel or equivalent recording systems. Requests
for any other recording systems will require separate approval by the Commission.
(J)
The Commission will consider funding of recording capabilities
greater than those suggested by the guidelines when sufficient justification
is provided as part of a
regional strategic plan
[
(j)
[
(1)
Where conditions exist that indicate a need for emergency
power systems to support 9-1-1 call delivery, UPS should be considered as
the emergency power system. Emergency generators (power backup) should be
approved only in locations with a documented history of or potential for extended
interruptions of commercial power supplies. Generally, 9-1-1 funding will
not be used to provide both a generator and UPS. At least 75 percent of the
capacity of any UPS system or generator funded should directly support an
existing (or planned) 9-1-1 system.
(2)
Each request for UPS must include a worksheet showing the
calculations used to determine the system size and batteries required. This
worksheet must identify all equipment to be powered and the operating voltage
and current drain of each piece of equipment. The request for UPS must identify
the load capacity of the system requested and the length of time the batteries
will operate the PSAP 9-1-1 equipment. The request should also indicate whether
the 9-1-1 equipment has any built-in UPS capability.
(3)
The length of time that a UPS battery will be required
to provide emergency power is a major factor in determining the cost of the
UPS system. Each request for UPS must provide information justifying the size
of the batteries requested. Information concerning the history of power failures
at the PSAP location and the average time to restore power should be obtained
from the local power company.
(4)
If the history of power failures, or the expected restoration
time, is more than can be economically justified for UPS batteries, an emergency
generator can be considered. Any request for an emergency generator, in addition
to a UPS, shall include a comparison of the cost of a UPS with sufficient
batteries to the cost of the combination of the UPS and an emergency generator.
(5)
There may be circumstances that justify the installation
of an emergency generator (backup power), in addition to an UPS, as the primary
system for a PSAP location. In these cases, the request for the emergency
generator must include an explanation and comparison of the relevant costs.
(6)
When the operator of a 9-1-1 PSAP and the providers of
emergency services desire to share the emergency power system funded by the
Commission, the following guidelines will apply to determine the amount to
be funded by the Commission:
(A)
When the minimum size of emergency power system that can
be purchased to serve the PSAP provides more capacity than is needed by the
PSAP, the other agency may use the extra capacity and all funding will be
provided by the Commission.
(B)
When the PSAP requires a given size of emergency power
system, and the other agency requires additional capacity, the Commission
will fund the size of emergency power equipment needed to supply the PSAP
alone and the other agency will fund all additional capacity.
(7)
Funding may be approved for surge protection devices when
they are used for protection of 9-1-1 specific electronic equipment. Documented
justification must be provided.
[
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This agency hereby certifies that the proposal has been
reviewed by legal counsel and found to be within the agency's legal authority
to adopt.
Filed with the Office of
the Secretary of State on July 5, 2004.
TRD-200404383
Paul Mallett
Executive Director
Commission on State Emergency Communications
Earliest possible date of adoption: August 15, 2004
For further information, please call: (512) 305-6933
P-PSAP
] per RPC.
If there is more than one PSAP, the system may be arranged for two or more
PSAPs to share the 24-hour duty requirement;
If additional funding is required
to facilitate the addition of a PSAP, the request must be accompanied by a
plan amendment, which will require Commission approval.
] These requirements
apply to the addition of a remote or mobile PSAP, as well as, Primary and
Secondary PSAPs.
(a)
]
Background
[
Policy and Procedures
]. As authorized by the Texas Health and Safety
Code, Chapter 771, the [
Advisory
] Commission on State Emergency
Communications (Commission) may impose 9-1-1 emergency service fees and equalization
surcharges to support the planning, development, and provision of 9-1-1 service
throughout the State of Texas. In accordance with §771.055, such service
implementation shall be consistent with regional plans developed by regional
planning commissions
(RPC)
. These regional plans must meet standards
established by the Commission and "...include a description of how money allocated
to the region under this chapter is to be allocated in the region." Section
771.057 addresses amendments to regional plans and indicates that such amendments
may be adopted in accordance with procedure established by the Commission.
(b)
] Strategic Plan Levels. Regional
strategic plans developed in accordance with Chapter 771, along with the commensurate
allocation of the above described funds, shall reflect implementation consistent
with the following
four
[
three
] major strategic plan
levels (in order of priority)
for
[
through
] state fiscal
years 2004-2005
[
year 2003
].
Language Line
];
Equipment maintenance.
]
directly support and enhance 9-1-1 call delivery and data maintenance for
] the level of service provided to the region.
Addressing Maintenance
];
Graphic MSAG
];
MIS
];
Mapped ALI
];
Room Prep
];
PSAP Training/
]Public Education; and
Ancillary Maintenance & Repair; and
]
(c)
] New Strategic Plan Levels.
Regional strategic plans developed in accordance with Chapter 771, along with
the commensurate allocation of the above described funds, shall reflect implementation
consistent with the following
four
[
three
] major strategic
plan levels (in order of priority) beginning state
appropriations
[
fiscal
] year
2006
[
2004
].
Phase I
];
Equipment Purchase;
]
Language Line;
]
(G)
Equipment Maintenance.
]
Addressing
] Maintenance;
; and
]
(G)
Wireless Phase II.
]
Training Positions;
]
(C)
Emergency Power;
]
(D)
Recorders;
]
(E)
Pagers;
]
(F)
] Ancillary Maintenance &
Repair
.
[
; and
]
(G)
Other.
]
(d)
] Strategic Plans. Regional
strategic plans developed in compliance with Chapter 771 shall include a strategic
plan that projects
financial operating information
[
regional
9-1-1 service costs,
] at least two years into the future; and
strategic planning information
[
program goals and strategies
]
at least five years into the future.
(4)
] Strategic plans shall be consistent
with the
four
[
three
] major implementation priority
levels identified above[
, in subsection (b) (1), (2) and (3), of this
section
] and
with
all applicable Commission policies and
rules.
(5)
] A
RPC
[
regional
planning commission
] shall submit financial [
and performance
]
reports at least quarterly on a schedule to be established by the Commission.
The financial report shall identify actual implementation costs by county,
strategic plan priority level, and component. [
The performance report
shall be submitted along with each financial report requesting 9-1-1 funds
and shall reflect the progress of implementing the region's strategic plan,
including the status of equipment, services and program deliverables, in a
format to be determined by the Commission.
]
(e)
] Amendments to Regional Strategic
Plans.
The changes do not
require additional service fees or equalization surcharge funds; and
]
The changes are
consistent with all Commission policies and procedures.
]
Changes made
]
to the regional plan
shall
[
must
] be
submitted
[
reported
] in writing to the Commission no more than twice
a year on a schedule to be established by the Commission. The documentation
required for changes will be an amended budget, narrative, related worksheets
and a letter indicating executive approval of the amendment
according
to Commission
policy.
(f)
] Allocation of Revenue.
regional planning commissions
]
contingent on the availability of appropriated funds.
regional planning commissions
] based upon statewide strategic plan contingent
on the availability of appropriated funds over a two-year period.
district
] based
on
District
[
district
] requests and availability of
appropriated funds.
regional planning commission
] strategic
plan and
District
[
district
] requests, funds shall be
allocated to provide a consistent level of 9-1-1 service throughout the State
of Texas in accordance with the priority levels described. Such allocation
methods may include, but are not limited to, one or more of the following:
(g)
] Funding Parameters. The Commission
will look favorably on plan amendments for tandem and/or database service
arrangements and ancillary equipment that will improve the effectiveness and
reliability of 9-1-1 call delivery systems. This will include the following
when the equipment is for 9-1-1 call delivery: surge protection devices, uninterrupted
power source (UPS), power backup, voice recorders, paging systems for 9-1-1
call delivery, security devices, and other back-up communication services.
Regions shall refer to the strategic planning guidelines for instructions
as to the appropriate budget line item to which the costs for purchase and
maintenance of these items should be assigned.
Regional Strategic Plan
], the following
guidelines will apply to determine the amount to be funded by the Commission:
Regional
Strategic Plan
].
(h)
] Emergency Power Equipment.
Each PSAP location should be evaluated by the RPC to determine if an emergency
power system is required to insure the ability to answer 9-1-1 calls in the
event that the standard power supply is interrupted. A PSAP that receives
a relatively small number of emergency calls per day may be able to provide
acceptable service without the availability of ANI or ALI for short periods
of time. If the same PSAP is located in a location that is subject to prolonged
power outages, it may need emergency power sources. Other considerations include:
(i)
Definitions. The following words and terms
when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context
clearly indicates otherwise.
]
(1)
9-1-1 Call Delivery--Delivery of a 9-1-1
call to the agency responsible for providing the emergency service required.
]
(2)
9-1-1 Funds--Funds assessed and disbursed
in accordance with Chapter 771 of the Texas Health and Safety Code.
]
(3)
Emergency Communications District--A public
agency or group of public agencies acting jointly that provided 9-1-1 service
before September 1, 1987, or that had voted or contracted before that date
to provide that service; or a district created under Health and Safety Code,
Chapter 772, Subchapter B, C, or D.
]
(4)
Paging Systems--A radio system capable
of transmitting tone, digital, and/or voice signals to small receiving devices
designed to be carried by an individual.
]
(5)
Power Backup--Power provided by a generator
in the event regular utility services are interrupted.
]
(6)
Recorders--Devices that capture and retain
sound, including, but not limited to the following:
]
(A)
Voice Loggers--A device that records sound
on a permanent source for later review.
]
(B)
Instant Recall Recorder--A device that
records and temporarily stores calls for immediate review.
]
(7)
Regional Strategic Plan--Each regional
planning commission shall develop and plan for the establishment and operation
of 9-1-1 service throughout the region that the regional planning commission
serves. The service must meet the standards established by the Commission.
]
(8)
Regional Planning Commission (RPC)--A
commission established under Local Government Code, Chapter 391, also referred
to as a regional council of governments (COG), or simply, a regional council.
]
(9)
Security Devices--Devices whose use is
specific to the protection of 9-1-1 systems from intentional damage.
]
(10)
Strategic Plan--As part of a regional
strategic plan, a document identifying 9-1-1 equipment and related activity,
by strategic plan component, required to support planned levels of 9-1-1 service
within a defined area of the state. The strategic plan shall cover a two year
financial planning period and a five year plan outlining regional goals and
strategies, and specifically projects 9-1-1 implementation costs and revenues
associated with the above including equalization surcharge requirements.
]
(A)
Strategic Plan Component--Within a 9-1-1
implementation priority level, a category of 9-1-1 activity and/or equipment
generally associated with 9-1-1 implementation cost.
]
(B)
Strategic Plan Level--A Commission established
statewide implementation priority generally associated with a level of 9-1-1
service - e.g., Automatic Number Identification, ANI.
]
(11)
Surge Protection Devices--Devices designed
to protect sensitive electronic equipment by preventing excessive electrical
power from reaching and damaging such equipment.
]
(12)
Uninterrupted Power Source (UPS)--Equipment
that is designed to provide a constant power source for electronic systems.
Capable of operating independently, for a designated period of time, should
public or emergency electrical power sources fail.
]