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MaineLD 1436132nd Maine Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

An Act to Update and Clarify Provisions Related to 9-1-1 Services

Sponsored By: Melanie Sachs (Democratic)

Became Law

TELECOMMUNICATIONSTELECOMMUNICATIONS - 9-1-1 EMERGENCY SYSTEM

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

8 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 3 mixed.

PTSD presumption for 9-1-1 dispatchers

If a qualified psychiatrist or psychologist diagnoses a 9-1-1 dispatcher with PTSD and finds extraordinary work stress was the main cause, it is presumed work‑related. This supports workers’ compensation benefits. This presumption ends on October 1, 2025.

State 9-1-1 bureau and oversight

The law creates a statewide Emergency Services Communication Bureau to run 9-1-1. A 17‑member council advises the bureau and the PUC. The bureau sets a quality program to audit 9-1-1 dispatch centers. A 9-1-1 center must give the bureau at least one year’s notice before ending service to a town or county, unless the bureau allows less time.

Stronger 9-1-1 rules for providers

The law defines which companies must support 9-1-1, including wireline, wireless, and internet voice. It clarifies 9-1-1 calls must reach the right center with caller number and location information, including for IP services. Providers must give the bureau required data, coordinate work, and keep a main contact. Penalties can be up to $1,000 per day, and authority can be revoked in rare cases. The PUC may set rules for multiline phone systems, but only for systems added or replaced after the rules and without forcing new local spending. The PUC must also write rules for 9-1-1 access‑only service where practical.

Fewer 9-1-1 centers, local opt-outs

The bureau aims for 16 to 24 9-1-1 centers. Before reducing centers, it must review contracts and write findings on costs and benefits, including effects on ratepayers and local governments. A county or town can choose not to join the state 9-1-1 system. The bureau is not required to answer 9-1-1 calls for areas that opt out.

Ban on advertising other emergency numbers

Only 9-1-1 may be advertised for emergency help. This includes services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing. The rule aims to reduce confusion and speed help.

9-1-1 surcharges on phone bills

The law places a statewide 9-1-1 surcharge on many landline, VoIP, and non‑prepaid wireless services. A separate prepaid wireless 9-1-1 surcharge applies to prepaid customers. The prepaid surcharge does not apply to prepaid service paid with federal universal service support funds, but can apply to optional prepaid services. Prepaid 9-1-1 surcharge money must be deposited into a separate state account. The old funding section is repealed, so the new framework governs funding.

Limits on 9-1-1 provider liability

The law treats originating providers and their on‑the‑job workers as telecommunications providers. For negligent acts, damages are capped at $300,000 per occurrence or the amount in Title 14, section 8105(1), whichever is greater. For intentional, willful, or reckless acts, there is no cap.

Privacy and data use in 9-1-1

The bureau owns all 9-1-1 databases, wherever they are stored, and state confidentiality rules apply. The bureau director may share confidential 9-1-1 data with call centers and responders only as needed to run the system. Phone companies may give the name and address for unlisted numbers to process 9-1-1 calls and provide emergency help.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Melanie Sachs

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

Actions Timeline

  1. ACTPUB Chapter 167

    5/1/2026

  2. PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.

    5/27/2025Senate

  3. PASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/27/2025House

  4. Report READ and ACCEPTED, in concurrence.READ ONCE.Committee Amendment "A" (H-203) READ and ADOPTED, in concurrence.Under suspension of the Rules, READ A SECOND TIME and PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED AS AMENDED BY Committee Amendment "A" (H-203), in concurrence.Ordered sent down forthwith.

    5/22/2025Senate

  5. CONSENT CALENDAR - FIRST DAYUnder suspension of the rules CONSENT CALENDAR - SECOND DAY.The Bill was PASSED TO BE ENGROSSED as Amended by Committee Amendment "A" (H-203).Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    5/22/2025House

  6. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY in concurrence

    4/8/2025Senate

  7. Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology suggested and ordered printed. The Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY.Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.

    4/3/2025House

Bill Text

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