Illinois General Assembly - Bill Status for HB4990

Amends the Universal Telephone Service Protection Law of 1985 in the Public Utilities Act. Provides that provisions concerning the authority to serve as a 9-1-1 system provider do not apply to a not-for-profit entity that is involved in a regional pilot project to implement Next Generation 9-1-1 based on the Research and Innovative Technology Administration in the United States Department of Transportation. Effective immediately.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Emergency Telephone System Act. Provides that for the limited purpose of permitting a board, governmental entity (unit of local government authorized to provide 9-1-1 services under the Act where no Emergency Telephone System Board exists), group of boards, or governmental entities to participate in a Regional Pilot Project to implement next generation 9-1-1, the Illinois Commerce Commission may forbear from applying any rule adopted under the Emergency Telephone Systems Act as it applies to conducting of the Regional Pilot Project to implement next generation 9-1-1, if the Commission determines, after notice and hearing, that specified criteria are met. Provides that if the Commission authorizes a Regional Pilot Project, then telecommunications carriers shall not be liable for any civil damages as a result of any act or omission, except willful or wanton misconduct, in connection with developing, adopting, operating, or implementing any plan or system required by specified provisions. Adds provisions concerning the development of a plan and approval process for the pilot project. Authorizes the Emergency Telephone System Board to participate in a Regional Pilot Project to implement next generation 9-1-1. Provides that expenditures in a specified account may be used to defray expenses incurred in participation in a Regional Pilot Project to implement next generation 9-1-1. Amends the Public Utilities Act. Provides that for the limited purpose of a Regional Pilot Project to implement next generation 9-1-1, the Commission may forbear from applying certain rules to implementation of the Regional Pilot Project to implement next generation 9-1-1 if the Commission determines, after notice and hearing, that specified criteria are met. Provides that the Commission may exercise such forbearance with respect to one, and only one, Regional Pilot Program as authorized by specified provisions of the Emergency Telephone Systems Act to implement next generation 9-1-1. Effective immediately.

Replaces everything after the enacting clause with the bill as amended by House Amendment No. 1 with the following changes. Defines "qualified governmental entity". Changes the language to provide that for the limited purpose of permitting a board, a qualified governmental entity, a group of boards, or a group of qualified governmental entities to participate in a Regional Pilot Project to implement next generation 9-1-1, as defined in the Act, the Illinois Commerce Commission may forbear from applying any rule adopted under the Emergency Telephone Systems Act as it applies to conducting of the Regional Pilot Project to implement next generation 9-1-1, if the Commission determines, after notice and hearing, that specified criteria are met. Changes the language to provide that a board, a qualified governmental entity, a group of boards, or a group of qualified governmental entities involved in a Regional Pilot Project to implement next generation 9-1-1, as defined in the Act, shall submit a plan to the Commission describing in detail the Regional Pilot Project no fewer than 180 days prior to the implementation of the plan. Amends the Wireless Emergency Telephone Safety Act. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission must conduct a study to determine the future technological and financial needs of the wireless 9-1-1 systems. Sets forth requirements for the study. Provides that the Illinois Commerce Commission must report its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly within one year after the effective date of the amendatory Act. Effective immediately.

Makes changes in the definition of "next generation 9-1-1". Provides that the defined term is "Regional Pilot Project" rather than "Regional Pilot Project" to implement next generation 9-1-1. Provides that the exemption from civil liability is for any act or omission in connection with developing, adopting, operating, implementing, or delivering or receiving calls in connection with any plan or system authorized by certain provisions of the Act (rather than in connection with developing, adopting, operating, or implementing any plan or system required by those provisions).

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