BILL ANALYSIS
AB 2283
Page 1
Date of Hearing: April 12, 2004
ASSEMBLY COMMITTEE ON UTILITIES AND COMMERCE
Sarah Reyes, Chair
AB 2283 (Chu) - As Amended: April 1, 2004
SUBJECT : "211" telephone number system.
SUMMARY : Requires information and referral providers to use the
abbreviated dialing code 2-1-1 consistent with orders of the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and the California
Public Utilities Commission (CPUC). Requires CPUC to designate
a 2-1-1 lead entity. Specifically, this bill :
1)Requires information and referral providers to use the
abbreviated dialing code 2-1-1 consistent with orders of FCC
and CPUC.
2)Limits civil liability of providers of information and
referral service using the 2-1-1 dialing code except in case
of willful or wanton misconduct.
3)Makes CPUC responsible for the selection of 2-1-1 providers.
4)Authorizes all state agencies to provide assistance in
promoting the use of 2-1-1 dialing for access to social
services.
5)Requires CPUC to designate a 2-1-1 lead entity responsible
for:
a) Performing planning, administrative, fiscal, and
reporting functions required under any state and federal
2-1-1 funding program.
b) Developing a plan for implementation of 2-1-1 services
throughout the state.
c) Allocating 2-1-1 funds.
6)Requires CPUC in designating a lead entity to assure that the
lead entity meets a specific list of criteria.
EXISTING LAW :
1)FCC has designated 2-1-1 to be the national abbreviated
dialing code to be used to access non-emergency community
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information and referral providers to enable a caller to
obtain information concerning social services not currently
addressed by either the 9-1-1 or the 3-1-1 system.
2)Under existing authority, CPUC has established procedures to
certify information and referral providers as eligible to
operate telephone services that allow them to receive calls
from people dialing 2-1-1 and to require local exchange
carriers to provide 2-1-1 call origination services.
FISCAL EFFECT : Unknown.
COMMENTS : FCC has designated 2-1-1 as a national abbreviated
dialing code to be used to access non-emergency community
information and referral providers. In areas where the 2-1-1
dialing has been implemented a party dialing 2-1-1 will be
automatically routed to a service that can provide him or her
with information concerning available social services. The
system works much the same way 9-1-1 dialing is used for
emergency situations. Unlike the 9-1-1 program, 2-1-1 dialing
is not funded through telephone surcharges, but instead must be
funded through private and public grants.
Pursuant to an FCC order, CPUC has issued a decision
establishing the procedures needed to authorize 2-1-1 dialing in
California. CPUC has authorized 2-1-1 programs in Los Angeles,
Alameda, and Contra Costa counties. Currently five other
applications are pending at CPUC.
While CPUC has already begun to authorize 2-1-1 programs, this
bill will create a lead entity responsible for allocating any
available 2-1-1 funding. The lead entity will also be
responsible for the planning, administrative, fiscal, and
reporting functions required under any state or federal 2-1-1
funding program.
According to the sponsor and supporters of AB 2283, this bill
will help bring 2-1-1 dialing to the entire state by creating a
lead entity for planning and implementing a California program.
Under the existing CPUC program, 2-1-1 dialing is beginning to
appear in the larger urban counties, but the sponsor believes
that without a single designated 2-1-1 planning and
administrative entity, 2-1-1 dialing in the smaller and rural
counties will be a long time in coming.
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Under this bill, the lead entity will not be a governmental
entity. This bill grants no clear oversight authority of the
lead entity by any state agency. Given the fact that the prime
roles of the lead entity will be developing a statewide program
for 2-1-1 dialing and allocating any available state or federal
grant money, the committee may wish to consider amending this
bill to leave authority over the 2-1-1 with CPUC but to give
CPUC clear guidance on meeting objectives of the 2-1-1 program.
Other Amendments
While the current 2-1-1 program is not funded through general
fund moneys or ratepayer dollars, this bill could result in
additional costs to CPUC or other state agencies that work with
the lead entity. The committee may wish to consider amending
this bill to protect the general fund and ratepayers by
specifying that a lead entity will not be funded by ratepayer
surcharges or the general fund.
REGISTERED SUPPORT / OPPOSITION :
Support
California Alliance of Information and Referral Services
(Sponsor)
California Foundation for Independent Living Centers
Junior Leagues of California State Public Affairs Committee
Service Employees International Union (SEIU)
California National Emergency Number Association
Homes, Inc.
AT&T
Mental Health Association in San Diego County
Eden I&R, Inc.
Orange County Department of Education
Reach Out
211 San Diego Coalition
Info Line of San Diego County
Community Health Improvement Partners
The United Way San Diego County
Interface Children Family Services
5 individuals
Opposition
None on file.
AB 2283
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Analysis Prepared by : Edward Randolph / U. & C. / (916)
319-2083