An Act to Update and Clarify Provisions Related to 9-1-1 Services
Sponsored By: Melanie Sachs (Democratic)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
11 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 2 costs, 4 mixed.
Criminal charges for false 9-1-1 info
People who knowingly give false information to 9-1-1 or emergency personnel can be charged. The law updates the wording so the rule clearly covers modern 9-1-1 services.
Modern 9-1-1 tech and caller data
The law defines 9-1-1 service to include Internet‑based calls and requires automatic number and location data on calls. Providers must supply this data and work with the bureau through a named contact. It clarifies who counts as an originating service provider. It recognizes both physical and virtual 9-1-1 centers (PSAPs) that dispatch or route calls.
9-1-1 access on disconnected home lines
If your home phone service is suspended or disconnected, the law requires 9-1-1 access‑only service. You can still call 9-1-1 from that line for emergencies.
New statewide 9-1-1 bureau and standards
The law creates the Emergency Services Communication Bureau inside the Public Utilities Commission. The bureau runs and oversees the statewide 9-1-1 system. It sets technical and operating standards, with advice from the 9-1-1 Council. It also runs a quality‑assurance program to audit 9-1-1 performance.
PTSD presumption ends for dispatchers 2025
The rebuttable presumption that PTSD is work‑related for covered public safety workers, including 9-1-1 dispatchers, ends October 1, 2025. After that date, these workers no longer have the easier, presumptive path to workers’ compensation for PTSD.
Provider 9-1-1 liability limits clarified
The law includes originating service providers and their employees and agents under telecom provider rules. For negligence, damages are capped at $300,000 (or a larger cap in existing law). There is no cap for intentional, willful, or reckless conduct.
How the 9-1-1 fund is used
The bureau uses the 9-1-1 fund to pay staff and statewide operations, including new technologies. It provides free dispatcher training and quality tools and may hire third‑party quality reviewers. It can award one‑time grants for PSAP consolidation or transfers, up to $1,000,000 each two‑year budget period if funds are available. Money in the fund does not lapse at year‑end, and interest stays in the fund.
Stronger penalties for noncompliant providers
Providers that knowingly fail to pay 9-1-1 surcharges can be fined up to $500 for each day the payment is late. The Public Utilities Commission can also fine carriers up to $1,000 per day for 9-1-1 rule violations and, in extreme cases, revoke authority to operate in Maine.
Statewide 9-1-1 surcharges on phone bills
You may pay a 9-1-1 surcharge on your phone bill. It cannot be more than $0.35 per line per month and no more than 25 lines per account (max $8.75 monthly). Prepaid wireless purchases can be charged up to $0.35 per retail transaction. Providers must send surcharge money to the State on a set schedule. The law blocks any other state or local 9-1-1 fees on phone service.
PSAP consolidation, local contracts, and notice
The bureau sets a goal of 16 to 24 9-1-1 centers (PSAPs) statewide and must study costs and impacts before any cuts. Towns and counties without a PSAP must contract with one or the Department of Public Safety will serve and bill them. PSAPs must give at least one year’s notice before stopping service, unless the bureau allows a shorter time. When fees are population‑based, inmates in municipal jails are not counted.
PUC 9-1-1 rules and technical updates
The Public Utilities Commission must issue routine technical rules to carry out the 9-1-1 law. It can require new multiline phone systems to send location and support emergency response. These rules only apply to systems installed or replaced after the rules take effect and cannot force local governments to spend more local money. The law also removes an outdated statutory subsection.
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
Signed by Governor, ACTPUB Chapter 167
5/30/2025PASSED TO BE ENACTED, in concurrence.
5/27/2025SenatePASSED TO BE ENACTED. Sent for concurrence. ORDERED SENT FORTHWITH.
5/27/2025HouseReport 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.
5/22/2025SenateCONSENT 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.
5/22/2025HouseThe Bill was REFERRED to the Committee on ENERGY, UTILITIES AND TECHNOLOGY in concurrence
4/8/2025SenateCommittee 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
Amendment C-A (H-203), adopted by House & Senate
Enacted
Introduced
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