i_911tf_2016a_2016-10-25t09:06:58z5 Hearing Summary

Date: 10/25/2016

02:24 PM -- Public Testimony



Senator Scheffel called the committee back to order and explained the procedures for public testimony.





02:25 PM -- Ms. Jaci Marie Louise, representing 911 Solutions, Inc., testified to the task force. She commented on the PUC process. Ms. Louise discussed the 911 surcharge and remittance. She stated that her organization works with authority boards to audit the remittance process. She stated that not all companies are following the law. She stated concerns regarding the auditing processes, and the challenges she faces in auditing. Ms. Louise responded to questions about her company, and the work she does not her clients concerning the surcharge and remittances.





02:30 PM -- Ms. Patti West, representing BRETSA Boulder County, testified before the task force. She stated that 911 stakeholders should work together through the PUC process to present possible solutions to the General Assembly. She stated that more time is need to study the issues, and that the task force has not enough time to study the issues.





02:34 PM -- Ms. Athena Butler, Executive Director, Denver 911, testified to the task force. She discussed an incident where callers could not reach 911 by phone because of a carrier outage. Ms. Butler explained that there are many entities that must work together to send calls from customers to PSAPs. She stressed the costs associated with needed updates to the 911 system, and that existing fees were not sufficient to build out the system.





02:37 PM -- Mr. Greg Romberg, representing the Colorado Press Association and Colorado Broadcasters Association, testified to the task force. Mr. Romberg discussed issues relating to CORA, and stated that he does not believe that CORA needs to be amended to address concerns relating to 911 service. He states that be believes existing exemptions in CORA would protect confidential information shared between the state and the federal government about 911 service.





02:40 PM -- Mr. Joe Benkert, representing Boulder 911 Authority, testified before the task force. He stated that the existing system functions well. He stated that the PUC needs regulatory authority over all originating service providers. He further discussed implementing new 911 technologies.





02:44 PM -- Mr. Bruce Romero, representing the Colorado 9-1-1 Resource Center, testified to the task force. Mr. Romero stated that the FCC has reported that states raid funds that are meant to be for 911 services. He also discussed different funding models, and that they should be studied by a task force. He also addressed the PUC rulemaking process.





02:47 PM -- Mr. Dave Sehnert, representing Mission Critical Partners, testified to the task force. He discussed oversight authorities in other states, specifically Tennessee. He stated that Tennessee has a statewide oversight board, and discussed the composition of the board. Mr. Sehnert responded to a question, stating that Tennessee's board does not have regulatory authority.