4/7/03 - A compromise bill designed to bring full 9-1-1 services to cell phone users in Kansas appears to have stalled out for this year in a House Committee.
SB153 passed the Senate Feb. 28 by a vote of 26-12. The bill was assigned to the House Utilities Committee March 5, where it remained when the Legislature’s regular session for this year ended April 4.
It could be raised during the “veto session” that begins April 30. However, a legislative spokesman said the bill would more likely remain in the committee until the next legislative session begins in January 2004. If it is voted on then, it would not have to return to the Senate and could be approved.
The bill was a compromise crafted by Sen. Karin Brownlee, R-Olathe. It was one of two bills (SB180) dealing with e9-1-1, an enhanced version of 9-1-1 service that allows operators to locate emergency callers who use cell phones.

3/3/03 - SB153, a compromise bill designed to bring full 9-1-1 services to cell phone users in Kansas, passed the state Senate Feb. 28 by a 26-12 vote.
The bill was a result of a compromise crafted by Sen. Karin Brownlee, R-Olathe. It was one of two bills (SB180) dealing with e9-1-1, an enhanced version of 9-1-1 service that allows operators to locate emergency callers who use cell phones.
The bill now moves on to the House for consideration. If signed by the governor, it will become effective July 1.
For bill status, call (785) 296-2149.

2/25/03 - Truckers making emergency calls in Kansas may soon be able to receive the same service as land line callers. Sen. Karin Brownlee, R-Olathe, has proposed a compromise that will bring e9-1-1 service to the state.
There are currently two bills dealing with e9-1-1, an enhanced version of 9-1-1 service that allows operators to locate emergency callers who use cell phones. A spokeswoman at the Senate Commerce Committee, which Brownlee chairs, said that elements of one of the bills, SB180, would be combined with the other bill, SB153. The new compromise bill will be an amended version of SB153.
The bill would set up a 75-cent fee on every cell phone bill in Kansas. Of the total fee, 25 cents would go to cities to set up e9-1-1 equipment; the second 25 cents would go to cell phone companies to set up the equipment on their end to send the 9-1-1 signal to emergency operators; the last 25 cents would be put in a fund for rural counties that cannot afford to set up the system.
The new version of the bill is expected within a few days. For bill status, call (785) 296-2149.