Substitute House Bill 1703 - Session Law Chapter 203 Year 2022 as Recommended by Appropriations

Source

Section 1

The ongoing modernization of the statewide 911 emergency communications system is essential to public safety. Implementing new technologies with the modernization to next generation 911 requires clarifying changes to update requirements and definitions currently in statute.

Section 3

This section modifies existing section 38.52.030. Here is the modified chapter for context.

  1. The director may employ such personnel and may make such expenditures within the appropriation therefor, or from other funds made available for purposes of emergency management, as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this chapter.

  2. The director, subject to the direction and control of the governor, shall be responsible to the governor for carrying out the program for emergency management of this state. The director shall coordinate the activities of all organizations for emergency management within the state, and shall maintain liaison with and cooperate with emergency management agencies and organizations of other states and of the federal government, and shall have such additional authority, duties, and responsibilities authorized by this chapter, as may be prescribed by the governor.

  3. The director shall develop and maintain a comprehensive, all-hazard emergency plan for the state which shall include an analysis of the natural, technological, or human caused hazards which could affect the state of Washington, and shall include the procedures to be used during emergencies for coordinating local resources, as necessary, and the resources of all state agencies, departments, commissions, and boards. The comprehensive emergency management plan shall direct the department in times of state emergency to administer and manage the state's emergency operations center. This will include representation from all appropriate state agencies and be available as a single point of contact for the authorizing of state resources or actions, including emergency permits. The comprehensive emergency management plan must specify the use of the incident command system for multiagency/multijurisdiction operations. The comprehensive, all-hazard emergency plan authorized under this subsection may not include preparation for emergency evacuation or relocation of residents in anticipation of nuclear attack. This plan shall be known as the comprehensive emergency management plan.

  4. In accordance with the comprehensive emergency management plans and the programs for the emergency management of this state, the director shall procure supplies and equipment, institute training programs and public information programs, and shall take all other preparatory steps, including the partial or full mobilization of emergency management organizations in advance of actual disaster, to insure the furnishing of adequately trained and equipped forces of emergency management personnel in time of need.

  5. The director shall make such studies and surveys of the industries, resources, and facilities in this state as may be necessary to ascertain the capabilities of the state for emergency management, and shall plan for the most efficient emergency use thereof.

  6. The emergency management council shall advise the director on all aspects of the communications and warning systems and facilities operated or controlled under the provisions of this chapter.

  7. The director, through the state 911 coordinator, shall coordinate and facilitate implementation and operation of a statewide 911 emergency communications network.

  8. The director shall appoint a state coordinator of search and rescue operations to coordinate those state resources, services and facilities (other than those for which the state director of aeronautics is directly responsible) requested by political subdivisions in support of search and rescue operations, and on request to maintain liaison with and coordinate the resources, services, and facilities of political subdivisions when more than one political subdivision is engaged in joint search and rescue operations.

  9. The director, subject to the direction and control of the governor, shall prepare and administer a state program for emergency assistance to individuals within the state who are victims of a natural, technological, or human caused disaster, as defined by RCW 38.52.010(13). Such program may be integrated into and coordinated with disaster assistance plans and programs of the federal government which provide to the state, or through the state to any political subdivision thereof, services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds by way of gift, grant, or loan for purposes of assistance to individuals affected by a disaster. Further, such program may include, but shall not be limited to, grants, loans, or gifts of services, equipment, supplies, materials, or funds of the state, or any political subdivision thereof, to individuals who, as a result of a disaster, are in need of assistance and who meet standards of eligibility for disaster assistance established by the department of social and health services: PROVIDED, HOWEVER, That nothing herein shall be construed in any manner inconsistent with the provisions of Article VIII, section 5 or section 7 of the Washington state Constitution.

  10. The director shall appoint a state coordinator for radioactive and hazardous waste emergency response programs. The coordinator shall consult with the state radiation control officer in matters relating to radioactive materials. The duties of the state coordinator for radioactive and hazardous waste emergency response programs shall include:

    1. Assessing the current needs and capabilities of state and local radioactive and hazardous waste emergency response teams on an ongoing basis;

    2. Coordinating training programs for state and local officials for the purpose of updating skills relating to emergency mitigation, preparedness, response, and recovery;

    3. Utilizing appropriate training programs such as those offered by the federal emergency management agency, the department of transportation and the environmental protection agency; and

    4. Undertaking other duties in this area that are deemed appropriate by the director.

  11. The director is responsible to the governor to lead the development and management of a program for interagency coordination and prioritization of continuity of operations planning by state agencies. Each state agency is responsible for developing an organizational continuity of operations plan that is updated and exercised annually in compliance with the program for interagency coordination of continuity of operations planning.

  12. The director shall maintain a copy of the continuity of operations plan for election operations for each county that has a plan available.

  13. Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the director is responsible to the governor to lead the development and management of a program to provide information and education to state and local government officials regarding catastrophic incidents and continuity of government planning to assist with statewide development of continuity of government plans by all levels and branches of state and local government that address how essential government functions and services will continue to be provided following a catastrophic incident.

Section 4

This section modifies existing section 38.52.440. Here is the modified chapter for context.

  1. Subject to the availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the director, through the state 911 coordinator, and in collaboration with the department of health, the department of social and health services, the Washington state patrol, the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, the Washington council of police and sheriffs, the state fire marshal's office, a representative of a first responder organization with experience in addressing the needs of a person with a disability, and other individuals and entities at the discretion of the director, must assess, and report back to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 1, 2018, regarding:

    1. The resources, capabilities, techniques, protocols, and procedures available or required in order to include as part of the enhanced 911 emergency service the ability to allow an immediate display on the screen indicating that a person with a disability may be present at the scene of an emergency, the caller's identification, location, phone number, address, and if made available, additional information on the person with a disability that would assist the first responder in the emergency response;

    2. How best to acquire, implement, and safeguard a secure website and the information in the system provided by a person with a disability, or a parent, guardian, or caretaker of a person with a disability in order to make such information directly available to first responders at the scene of an emergency or on the way to the scene of an emergency;

    3. What information provided by a person must remain confidential under state or federal law, or otherwise should remain confidential without written permission to release it for purposes of chapter 295, Laws of 2017 or the information is otherwise releasable or available under other provisions of law; and

    4. The need to provide various agencies and employees that are first responders and emergency personnel immunity from civil liability for acts or omissions in the performance of their duties, and what standard should apply, such as if the act or omission is the result of simple negligence, gross negligence, or willful misconduct.

  2. For purposes of this section:

    1. Both "accident" and "emergency" mean an unforeseen combination of circumstances or a resulting situation that results in a need for assistance or relief and calls for immediate action; and

    2. "Person with a disability" means an individual who has been diagnosed medically to have a physical, mental, emotional, intellectual, behavioral, developmental, or sensory disability.

Section 5

This section modifies existing section 38.52.500. Here is the modified chapter for context.

The legislature finds that a statewide emergency communications network of 911 telephone service, which allows an immediate display of a caller's identification and location, would serve to further the safety, health, and welfare of the state's citizens, and would save lives. The legislature, after reviewing the study outlined in section 1, chapter 260, Laws of 1990, further finds that statewide implementation of 911 telephone service is feasible and should be accomplished as soon as practicable.

Section 6

This section modifies existing section 38.52.501. Here is the modified chapter for context.

The legislature finds that statewide 911 emergency communications service has proven to be a lifesaving service and that routing a 911 call to the appropriate public safety answering point with a display of the caller's identification and location should be available for all users of telecommunications services, regardless of the technology used to make and transmit the 911 call. The legislature also finds that it is in the best public interest to ensure that there is adequate ongoing funding to support necessary 911 system upgrades as technology evolves to next generation 911 technology and beyond for 911 emergency communications baseline service statewide that supports emerging communications devices.

Section 7

This section modifies existing section 38.52.505. Here is the modified chapter for context.

The adjutant general shall establish rules on minimum information requirements of automatic location identification for the purposes of 911 emergency service. Such rules shall permit the chief of a local fire department or a chief fire protection officer or such other person as may be designated by the governing body of a city or county to take into consideration local circumstances when approving the accuracy of location information generated when calls are made to 911 from facilities within his or her service area.

Section 8

This section modifies existing section 38.52.510. Here is the modified chapter for context.

  1. Each county, singly or in combination with one or more counties, must provide or participate in countywide or multicounty-wide 911 emergency communications systems so that 911 is available throughout the state. The county must provide funding for the 911 communications system in the county in an amount equal to the amount the maximum tax under RCW 82.14B.030(1) would generate in the county less any applicable administrative fee charged by the department of revenue or the amount necessary to provide full funding of the system in the county. The state 911 coordination office established by RCW 38.52.520 must assist and facilitate 911 implementation throughout the state.

  2. A county may request a Washington state patrol public safety answering point to become a primary public safety answering point and receive 911 calls from a specific geographical area and may cancel that designation at any time.

Section 9

This section modifies existing section 38.52.520. Here is the modified chapter for context.

A state 911 coordination office, headed by the state 911 coordinator, is established in the emergency management division of the department. Duties of the office include:

  1. Administering the 911 account established in RCW 38.52.540;

  2. Seeking advice and assistance from, and providing staff support for the enhanced 911 advisory committee;

  3. Providing and supporting 911 emergency communications systems, which may include procurement, funding, ownership, and management;

  4. Assisting the counties and Washington state patrol public safety answering points by distributing state 911 emergency communications system funding within the priorities identified in RCW 38.52.545. When designated as a primary public safety answering point by the county, the state 911 coordination office may provide funding for Washington state patrol public safety answering point 911 emergency communications systems;

  5. Develop forms, submission dates, and methods as necessary for all public safety answering points to submit reports;

  6. Recommending to the utilities and transportation commission by August 31st of each year the level of the state 911 emergency communications system excise tax established in RCW 82.14B.030(5) for the following year;

  7. Establishing rules that:

    1. Determine eligible components of the 911 emergency communications system, its administration, and operation that the state and county 911 excise taxes, under RCW 82.14B.030, may be used to fund;

    2. Determine how appropriated funds from the state 911 account shall be distributed, considering the baseline level of 911 emergency communications system service needs of individual counties and county-designated Washington state patrol primary public safety answering points for specific assistance; and

    3. Specify statewide 911 emergency communications system and service standards, consistent with applicable state and federal law. The authority given to the state 911 coordinator in this section is limited to setting standards as set forth in this section and does not constitute authority to regulate radio communications service companies or interconnected voice over internet protocol service companies; and

  8. Annually providing a complete report to the 911 advisory committee on :

    1. Efforts to modernize their existing enhanced 911 emergency communications system;

    2. All public safety answering points expenditures for administrative and operational costs and expenses of the 911 emergency communications system; and

    3. Any additional data that may be identified by the 911 advisory committee.

Section 10

This section modifies existing section 38.52.525. Here is the modified chapter for context.

The state 911 coordination office may develop and provide public education materials relating to the 911 emergency communications system.

Section 11

This section adds a new section to an existing chapter 38.52. Here is the modified chapter for context.

The 911 advisory committee is created to advise and assist the state 911 coordinator in coordinating and facilitating the implementation and operation of 911 throughout the state. The director shall appoint:

  1. County 911 representatives from diverse urban and rural geographical counties;

  2. The statewide 988 coordinator or designee identified by the office of the governor;

  3. Those who represent diverse geographical areas of the state and include state residents who are members of the national emergency number association, the association of public communications officials Washington chapter, the Washington state fire chiefs association, the Washington association of sheriffs and police chiefs, the Washington state council of firefighters, the Washington state council of police officers, the Washington ambulance association, the Washington state firefighters association, the Washington state association of fire marshals, the Washington fire commissioners association, the Washington state patrol, the association of Washington cities, and the Washington state association of counties;

  4. The utilities and transportation commission or commission staff;

  5. A representative of a voice over internet protocol company;

  6. An equal number of representatives of large and small local exchange telephone companies and large and small radio communications service companies offering commercial mobile radio service in the state;

  7. A representative of the Washington state department of health; and

  8. Other members identified and appointed by the director.

Section 12

This section modifies existing section 38.52.532. Here is the modified chapter for context.

  1. Annually, the 911 advisory committee must provide an update on the status of 911 service in the state to the appropriate committees in the legislature. The update must include progress by the state 911 coordination office and the counties towards continual growth and maintenance of a 911 emergency communications system with greater efficiencies in 911 operations including, but not limited to, regionalization of facilities, centralization of equipment, statewide purchasing**, strategic plan performance, and fiscal health of the 911 emergency communications system.**

  2. To assist with modernization of the 911 emergency communications system, all counties operating public safety answering points in Washington state, with the exception of tribal nations, must assist the 911 advisory committee to update the legislature annually within the requirements of RCW 38.52.520(8) by providing annual public safety answering point expenditure reports and additional information as necessary requested by the state 911 coordinator's office.

  3. To assist with modernization of the 911 emergency communications system, public safety answering points providing service in multiple counties shall report to the county where they are physically located. Public safety answering points providing services outside of Washington state borders shall limit reporting to those areas within the boundaries of Washington state. Counties receiving services from a public safety answering point outside of Washington state must report the cost of services into their county.

Section 13

This section modifies existing section 38.52.535. Here is the modified chapter for context.

The state 911 coordination office and the 911 advisory committee may participate in efforts to set uniform national standards for the 911 emergency communications system.

Section 14

This section modifies existing section 38.52.540. Here is the modified chapter for context.

  1. The 911 account is created in the state treasury. All receipts from the state 911 excise taxes imposed by RCW 82.14B.030 must be deposited into the account. Moneys in the account must be used to support the priorities established in RCW 38.52.545, procure, fund, and manage the statewide 911 emergency communications system network, purchase goods and services that support the counties and Washington state patrol public safety answering points in providing 911 baseline level of service statewide, assist the counties and Washington state patrol public safety answering points to provide 911 emergency communications systems and associated administrative and operational costs, acquire 911 hardware, software, and technology appropriate to support a 911 emergency communications system, 911 emergency communications training and public education, support the statewide coordination and management of the 911 emergency communications system, and for modernization needs as technology evolves of the 911 emergency communications systems statewide.

  2. Funds generated by the 911 excise tax imposed by RCW 82.14B.030(5), (6), and (8) may not be distributed to any county that has not imposed the maximum county 911 excise tax allowed under RCW 82.14B.030(1) through (3).

  3. The state 911 coordinator, with the advice and assistance of the 911 advisory committee, is authorized to enter into statewide agreements to improve the efficiency of the 911 emergency communications system and shall specify by rule the additional purposes for which moneys, if available, may be expended from this account.

Section 15

This section modifies existing section 38.52.545. Here is the modified chapter for context.

In specifying rules defining the purposes for which available state 911 moneys may be expended, the state 911 coordinator, with the advice and assistance of the 911 advisory committee, must consider needs necessary to provide a baseline level of 911 service by individual counties and their designated Washington state patrol public safety answering points. Priorities for available 911 emergency communications system funding are as follows:

  1. To procure, fund, and manage the statewide 911 network and supporting services, and assure that 911 dialing is operational statewide;

  2. To assist counties and Washington state patrol public safety answering points to provide 911 emergency communications systems and associated administrative and operational costs as necessary to assure that they can achieve a baseline level of service for 911 operations; and

  3. To assist counties and their designated Washington state patrol public safety answering points to acquire 911 hardware, software, and technology to support a 911 emergency communications system baseline level of service.

Section 16

This section modifies existing section 38.52.550. Here is the modified chapter for context.

A telecommunications company, radio communications service company, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service company, providing emergency communications systems or services or a business or individual providing database information to 911 emergency communications personnel is not liable for civil damages caused by an act or omission of the company, business, or individual**, the state, political subdivisions and any 911 public corporations** in the:

  1. Good faith release of information not in the public record, including unpublished or unlisted subscriber information to emergency service providers responding to calls placed to an 911 emergency communications service; or

  2. Design, development, installation, maintenance, or provision of consolidated 911 emergency communications systems or services other than an act or omission constituting gross negligence or wanton or willful misconduct.

Section 17

This section modifies existing section 38.52.561. Here is the modified chapter for context.

The state 911 coordinator, with the advice and assistance of the 911 advisory committee, must set nondiscriminatory, uniform technical and operational standards consistent with the rules of the federal communications commission for the transmission of 911 calls from radio communications service companies and interconnected voice over internet protocol service companies to 911 emergency communications systems. These standards must be modernized to align with national standards adopted by the state of Washington in rule making and not exceed the requirements set by the federal communications commission. The authority given to the state 911 coordinator in this section is limited to setting standards as set forth in this section and does not constitute authority to regulate radio communications service companies or interconnected voice over internet protocol service companies.

Section 18

This section modifies existing section 38.52.575. Here is the modified chapter for context.

  1. Information contained in an automatic number identification or automatic location identification database that is part of a county 911 emergency communications system as defined in RCW 82.14B.020 and intended for display at a public safety answering point with incoming 911 voice or data is exempt from public inspection and copying under chapter 42.56 RCW.

  2. Information voluntarily submitted to be contained in a database that is part of or associated with a county 911 emergency communications system as defined in RCW 82.14B.020 and intended for the purpose of display at a public safety answering point with incoming 911 voice or data is exempt from public inspection and copying under chapter 42.56 RCW.

  3. This section shall not be interpreted to prohibit:

    1. Display of information at a public safety answering point;

    2. Dissemination of information by the public safety answering point to police, fire, or emergency medical responders for display on a device used by police, fire, or emergency medical responders for the purpose of handling or responding to emergency calls or for training;

    3. Maintenance of the database by a county;

    4. Dissemination of information by a county to local agency personnel for inclusion in an emergency notification system that makes outgoing calls to telephone numbers to provide notification of a community emergency event;

    5. Inspection or copying by the subject of the information or an authorized representative; or

    6. The public disclosure of information prepared, retained, disseminated, transmitted, or recorded, for the purpose of handling or responding to emergency calls, unless disclosure of any such information is otherwise exempted under chapter 42.56 RCW or other law.

Section 19

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.010. Here is the modified chapter for context.

The legislature finds that the state and counties should be provided with an additional revenue source to fund 911 emergency communications systems throughout the state on a multicounty or countywide basis. The legislature further finds that the most efficient and appropriate method of deriving additional revenue for this purpose is to impose an excise tax on the use of switched access lines, radio access lines, and interconnected voice over internet protocol service lines.

Section 20

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.020. Here is the modified chapter for context.

As used in this chapter:

  1. "911 emergency communications system" means a public 911 communications system consisting of a network, database, and on-premises equipment that is accessed by dialing or accessing 911 and that enables reporting police, fire, medical, or other emergency situations to a public safety answering point. The system includes the capability to selectively route incoming 911 voice and data to the appropriate public safety answering point that operates in a defined 911 service area and the capability to automatically display the name, address, and telephone number of incoming 911 voice and data at the appropriate public safety answering point.

  2. "Consumer" means a person who purchases a prepaid wireless telecommunications service in a retail transaction.

  3. "Emergency services communication system" means a multicounty or countywide communications network, including an enhanced or next generation 911 emergency communications system, which provides rapid public access for coordinated dispatching of services, personnel, equipment, and facilities for police, fire, medical, or other emergency services.

  4. "Enhanced 911 emergency communications system" means a public communications system consisting of a network, database, and on-premises equipment that is accessed by dialing or accessing 911 and that enables reporting police, fire, medical, or other emergency situations to a public safety answering point. The system includes the capability to selectively route incoming 911 voice or data to the appropriate public safety answering point that operates in a defined 911 service area and the capability to automatically display the name, address, and telephone number of incoming 911 voice or data at the appropriate public safety answering point. "Enhanced 911 emergency communications system" includes the modernization to next generation 911 systems.

  5. "Interconnected voice over internet protocol service" has the same meaning as provided by the federal communications commission in 47 C.F.R. Sec. 9.3 on January 1, 2009, or a subsequent date determined by the department.

  6. "Interconnected voice over internet protocol service line" means an interconnected voice over internet protocol service that offers an active telephone number or successor dialing protocol assigned by a voice over internet protocol provider to a voice over internet protocol service customer that has inbound and outbound calling capability, which can directly access a public safety answering point when such a voice over internet protocol service customer has a place of primary use in the state.

  7. "Local exchange company" has the meaning ascribed to it in RCW 80.04.010.

  8. "Next generation 911 emergency communications system" means a public communications system consisting of networks, databases, and public safety answering point 911 hardware, software, and technology that is accessed by the public in the state through 911. The system includes the capability to: Route incoming 911 voice and data to the appropriate public safety answering point that operates in a defined 911 service area; answer incoming 911 voice and data; and receive and display incoming 911 voice and data, including automatic location identification and automatic number identification, at a public safety answering point. "Next Generation 911 emergency communications system" includes future modernizations to the 911 system.

  9. "Place of primary use" means the street address representative of where the subscriber's use of the radio access line or interconnected voice over internet protocol service line occurs, which must be:

    1. The residential street address or primary business street address of the subscriber; and

    2. In the case of radio access lines, within the licensed service area of the home service provider.

  10. "Prepaid wireless telecommunications service" means a telecommunications service that provides the right to use mobile wireless service as well as other nontelecommunications services including the download of digital products delivered electronically, content, and ancillary services, which must be paid for in full in advance and sold in predetermined units or dollars of which the number declines with use in a known amount.

  11. "Private telecommunications system" has the meaning ascribed to it in RCW 80.04.010.

  12. "Radio access line" means the telephone number assigned to or used by a subscriber for two-way local wireless voice service available to the public for hire from a radio communications service company. Radio access lines include, but are not limited to, radio-telephone communications lines used in cellular telephone service, personal communications services, and network radio access lines, or their functional and competitive equivalent. Radio access lines do not include lines that provide access to one-way signaling service, such as paging service, or to communications channels suitable only for data transmission, or to nonlocal radio access line service, such as wireless roaming service, or to a private telecommunications system.

  13. "Radio communications service company" means every corporation, company, association, joint stock, partnership, and person, their lessees, trustees, or receivers appointed by any court, and every city or town making available facilities to provide commercial mobile radio services, as defined by 47 U.S.C. Sec. 332(d)(1), or cellular communications services for hire, sale, and both facilities-based and nonfacilities-based resellers, and does not include radio paging providers.

  14. "Retail transaction" means the purchase of prepaid wireless telecommunications service from a seller for any purpose other than resale.

  15. "Seller" means a person who sells prepaid wireless telecommunications service to another person.

  16. "Subscriber" means the retail purchaser of telecommunications service, a competitive telephone service, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service. "Subscriber" does not include a consumer, as defined in this section.

  17. "Switched access line" means the telephone service line which connects a subscriber's main telephone(s) or equivalent main telephone(s) to the local exchange company's switching office.

Section 21

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.030. Here is the modified chapter for context.

Subject to the enactment into law of the 2013 amendments to RCW 82.08.0289 in section 107, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess., the 2013 amendments to RCW 80.36.430 in section 108, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess., and the 2013 amendments to RCW 43.20A.725 in section 109, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess.:

  1. The legislative authority of a county may impose a county 911 excise tax on the use of switched access lines in an amount not exceeding seventy cents per month for each switched access line. The amount of tax must be uniform for each switched access line. Each county must provide notice of the tax to all local exchange companies serving in the county at least sixty days in advance of the date on which the first payment is due. The tax imposed under this subsection must be remitted to the department by local exchange companies on a tax return provided by the department. The tax must be deposited in the county 911 excise tax account as provided in RCW 82.14B.063.

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    1. The legislative authority of a county may also impose a county 911 excise tax on the use of radio access lines:

      1. By subscribers whose place of primary use is located within the county in an amount not exceeding seventy cents per month for each radio access line. The amount of tax must be uniform for each radio access line under this subsection (2)(a)(i); and

      2. By consumers whose retail transaction occurs within the county in an amount not exceeding seventy cents per retail transaction. The amount of tax must be uniform for each retail transaction under this subsection (2)(a)(ii).

    2. The county must provide notice of the tax to all radio communications service companies serving in the county at least sixty days in advance of the date on which the first payment is due. The tax imposed under this section must be remitted to the department by radio communications service companies, including those companies that resell radio access lines, and sellers of prepaid wireless telecommunications services, on a tax return provided by the department. The tax must be deposited in the county 911 excise tax account as provided in RCW 82.14B.063.

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    1. The legislative authority of a county may impose a county 911 excise tax on the use of interconnected voice over internet protocol service lines in an amount not exceeding seventy cents per month for each interconnected voice over internet protocol service line. The amount of tax must be uniform for each line and must be levied on no more than the number of voice over internet protocol service lines on an account that are capable of simultaneous unrestricted outward calling to the public switched telephone network.

    2. The interconnected voice over internet protocol service company must use the place of primary use of the subscriber to determine which county's 911 excise tax applies to the service provided to the subscriber.

    3. The tax imposed under this section must be remitted to the department by interconnected voice over internet protocol service companies on a tax return provided by the department.

    4. The tax must be deposited in the county 911 excise tax account as provided in RCW 82.14B.063.

    5. To the extent that a local exchange carrier and an interconnected voice over internet protocol service company contractually jointly provide a single service line, only one service company is responsible for remitting the 911 excise taxes, and nothing in this section precludes service companies who jointly provide service from agreeing by contract which of them must remit the taxes collected.

  4. Counties imposing a county 911 excise tax must provide an annual update to the 911 coordinator detailing the proportion of their county 911 excise tax that is being spent on:

    1. Efforts to modernize their existing 911 communications system; and

    2. 911 operational costs.

  5. A state 911 excise tax is imposed on all switched access lines in the state. The amount of tax may not exceed twenty-five cents per month for each switched access line. The tax must be uniform for each switched access line. The tax imposed under this subsection must be remitted to the department by local exchange companies on a tax return provided by the department. Tax proceeds must be deposited by the treasurer in the 911 account created in RCW 38.52.540.

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    1. A state 911 excise tax is imposed on the use of all radio access lines:

      1. By subscribers whose place of primary use is located within the state in an amount of twenty-five cents per month for each radio access line. The tax must be uniform for each radio access line under this subsection (6)(a)(i); and

      2. By consumers whose retail transaction occurs within the state in an amount of twenty-five cents per retail transaction. The tax must be uniform for each retail transaction under this subsection (6)(a)(ii). Until July 1, 2018, a seller of prepaid wireless telecommunications service may charge an additional five cents per retail transaction as compensation for the cost of collecting and remitting the tax.

    2. The tax imposed under this section must be remitted to the department by radio communications service companies, including those companies that resell radio access lines, and sellers of prepaid wireless telecommunications service, on a tax return provided by the department. Tax proceeds must be deposited by the treasurer in the 911 account created in RCW 38.52.540. The tax imposed under this section is not subject to the state sales and use tax or any local tax.

  7. For purposes of the state and county 911 excise taxes imposed by subsections (2) and (6) of this section, the retail transaction is deemed to occur at the location where the transaction is sourced to under RCW 82.32.520(3)(c).

  8. A state 911 excise tax is imposed on all interconnected voice over internet protocol service lines in the state. The amount of tax may not exceed twenty-five cents per month for each interconnected voice over internet protocol service line whose place of primary use is located in the state. The amount of tax must be uniform for each line and must be levied on no more than the number of voice over internet protocol service lines on an account that are capable of simultaneous unrestricted outward calling to the public switched telephone network. The tax imposed under this subsection must be remitted to the department by interconnected voice over internet protocol service companies on a tax return provided by the department. Tax proceeds must be deposited by the treasurer in the 911 account created in RCW 38.52.540.

  9. For calendar year 2011, the taxes imposed by subsections (5) and (8) of this section must be set at their maximum rate. By August 31, 2011, and by August 31st of each year thereafter, the state 911 coordinator must recommend the level for the next year of the state 911 excise tax imposed by subsections (5) and (8) of this section, based on a systematic cost and revenue analysis, to the utilities and transportation commission. The commission must by the following October 31st determine the level of the state 911 excise taxes imposed by subsections (5) and (8) of this section for the following year.

Section 22

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.040. Here is the modified chapter for context.

Subject to the enactment into law of the 2013 amendments to RCW 82.08.0289 in section 107, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess., the 2013 amendments to RCW 80.36.430 in section 108, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess., and the 2013 amendments to RCW 43.20A.725 in section 109, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess.:

  1. Except as provided otherwise in subsection (2) of this section:

    1. The state 911 excise tax and the county 911 excise tax on switched access lines must be collected from the subscriber by the local exchange company providing the switched access line.

    2. The state 911 excise tax and the county 911 excise tax on radio access lines must be collected from the subscriber by the radio communications service company, including those companies that resell radio access lines, providing the radio access line to the subscriber, and the seller of prepaid wireless telecommunications service.

    3. The state and county 911 excise taxes on interconnected voice over internet protocol service lines must be collected from the subscriber by the interconnected voice over internet protocol service company providing the interconnected voice over internet protocol service line to the subscriber.

    4. The amount of the tax must be stated separately on the billing statement which is sent to the subscriber.

  2. [Empty]

    1. The state and county 911 excise taxes imposed by this chapter must be collected from the consumer by the seller of a prepaid wireless telecommunications service for each retail transaction occurring in this state.

    2. The department must transfer all tax proceeds remitted by a seller under this subsection (2) as provided in RCW 82.14B.030 (2) and (6).

    3. The taxes required by this subsection to be collected by the seller must be separately stated in any sales invoice or instrument of sale provided to the consumer.

Section 23

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.042. Here is the modified chapter for context.

Subject to the enactment into law of the 2013 amendments to RCW 82.08.0289 in section 107, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess., the 2013 amendments to RCW 80.36.430 in section 108, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess., and the 2013 amendments to RCW 43.20A.725 in section 109, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess.:

  1. [Empty]

    1. The state and county 911 excise taxes imposed by this chapter must be paid by:

      1. The subscriber to the local exchange company providing the switched access line, the radio communications service company providing the radio access line, or the interconnected voice over internet protocol service company providing the interconnected voice over internet protocol service line; or

      2. The consumer to the seller of prepaid wireless telecommunications service.

    2. Each local exchange company, each radio communications service company, and each interconnected voice over internet protocol service company must collect from the subscriber, and each seller of prepaid wireless telecommunications service must collect from the consumer, the full amount of the taxes payable. The state and county 911 excise taxes required by this chapter to be collected by a company or seller, are deemed to be held in trust by the company or seller until paid to the department. Any local exchange company, radio communications service company, seller of prepaid wireless telecommunications service, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service company that appropriates or converts the tax collected to its own use or to any use other than the payment of the tax to the extent that the money collected is not available for payment on the due date as prescribed in this chapter is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.

  2. If any local exchange company, radio communications service company, seller of prepaid wireless telecommunications service, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service company fails to collect the state or county 911 excise tax or, after collecting the tax, fails to pay it to the department in the manner prescribed by this chapter, whether such failure is the result of its own act or the result of acts or conditions beyond its control, the company or seller is personally liable to the state for the amount of the tax, unless the company or seller has taken from the buyer in good faith documentation, in a form and manner prescribed by the department, stating that the buyer is not a subscriber or consumer or is otherwise not liable for the state or county 911 excise tax.

  3. The amount of tax, until paid by the subscriber to the local exchange company, the radio communications service company, the interconnected voice over internet protocol service company, or to the department, or until paid by the consumer to the seller of prepaid wireless telecommunications service, or to the department, constitutes a debt from the subscriber to the company, or from the consumer to the seller. Any company or seller that fails or refuses to collect the tax as required with intent to violate the provisions of this chapter or to gain some advantage or benefit, either direct or indirect, and any subscriber or consumer who refuses to pay any tax due under this chapter is guilty of a misdemeanor. The state and county 911 excise taxes required by this chapter to be collected by the local exchange company, radio communications service company, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service company must be stated separately on the billing statement that is sent to the subscriber.

  4. If a subscriber has failed to pay to the local exchange company, radio communications service company, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service company, or a consumer has failed to pay to the seller of prepaid wireless telecommunications service, the state or county 911 excise taxes imposed by this chapter and the company or seller has not paid the amount of the tax to the department, the department may, in its discretion, proceed directly against the subscriber or consumer for collection of the tax, in which case a penalty of ten percent may be added to the amount of the tax for failure of the subscriber or consumer to pay the tax to the company or seller, regardless of when the tax is collected by the department. Tax under this chapter is due as provided under RCW 82.14B.061.

Section 24

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.050. Here is the modified chapter for context.

The proceeds of any tax collected under this chapter shall be used by the state or county only for the 911 emergency communications system and its administrative and operational costs.

Section 25

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.060. Here is the modified chapter for context.

A county legislative authority imposing a tax under this chapter must establish by ordinance all necessary and appropriate procedures for the administration of the county 911 excise taxes by the department. A county legislative authority imposing a tax under this chapter must provide the department notification of the imposition of the tax or a change in the tax no less than seventy-five days before the effective date of the imposition of the tax or the change in the tax.

Section 26

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.061. Here is the modified chapter for context.

  1. The department must administer and adopt rules as may be necessary to enforce and administer the state and county 911 excise taxes imposed or authorized by this chapter. Chapter 82.32 RCW, with the exception of RCW 82.32.045, 82.32.145, and 82.32.380, applies to the administration, collection, and enforcement of the state and county 911 excise taxes.

  2. The state and county 911 excise taxes imposed or authorized by this chapter, along with reports and returns on forms prescribed by the department, are due at the same time the taxpayer reports other taxes under RCW 82.32.045. If no other taxes are reported under RCW 82.32.045, the taxpayer must remit tax on an annual basis in accordance with RCW 82.32.045.

  3. The department may relieve any taxpayer or class of taxpayers from the obligation of remitting monthly and may require the return to cover other longer reporting periods, but in no event may returns be filed for a period greater than one year.

  4. The state and county 911 excise taxes imposed or authorized by this chapter are in addition to any taxes imposed upon the same persons under chapters 82.08, 82.12, and 82.14 RCW.

  5. Returns must be filed electronically using the department's online tax filing service or other method of electronic reporting as the department may authorize as provided in RCW 82.32.080.

Section 27

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.063. Here is the modified chapter for context.

  1. Counties imposing the 911 excise tax under RCW 82.14B.030 must contract with the department for the administration and collection of the tax. The department may deduct a percentage amount, as provided by contract, of no more than two percent of the 911 excise taxes collected to cover administration and collection expenses incurred by the department. If a county imposes a 911 excise tax with an effective date of January 1, 2011, the county must contract with the department for the administration and collection of the tax by October 15, 2010.

  2. The remainder of any portion of the county 911 excise tax under RCW 82.14B.030 that is collected by the department must be deposited in the county 911 excise tax account hereby created in the custody of the state treasurer. Expenditures from the account may be used only for distribution to counties imposing the 911 excise tax. Only the director of the department or his or her designee may authorize expenditures from the account. The account is not subject to allotment procedures under chapter 43.88 RCW, and an appropriation is not required for expenditures.

Section 28

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.065. Here is the modified chapter for context.

  1. All moneys that accrue in the county 911 excise tax account created in RCW 82.14B.063 must be distributed monthly to the counties in the amount of the taxes collected on behalf of each county, minus the administration and collection fee retained by the department as provided in RCW 82.14B.063.

  2. If a county imposes by resolution or ordinance a 911 excise tax that is in excess of the maximum allowable county 911 excise tax provided in RCW 82.14B.030, the ordinance or resolution may not be considered void in its entirety, but only with respect to that portion of the 911 excise tax that is in excess of the maximum allowable tax.

Section 29

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.150. Here is the modified chapter for context.

  1. A local exchange company, radio communications service company, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service company must file tax returns on a cash receipts or accrual basis according to which method of accounting is regularly employed in keeping the books of the company. A company filing returns on a cash receipts basis is not required to pay tax on debt subject to credit or refund under subsection (2) of this section.

  2. A local exchange company, radio communications service company, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service company is entitled to a credit or refund for state and county 911 excise taxes previously paid on bad debts, as that term is used in 26 U.S.C. Sec. 166, as amended or renumbered as of January 1, 2003.

Section 30

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.200. Here is the modified chapter for context.

Subject to the enactment into law of the 2013 amendments to RCW 82.08.0289 in section 107, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess., the 2013 amendments to RCW 80.36.430 in section 108, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess., and the 2013 amendments to RCW 43.20A.725 in section 109, chapter 8, Laws of 2013 2nd sp. sess.:

  1. Unless a seller, local exchange company, radio communications service company, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service company has taken from the buyer documentation, in a form and manner prescribed by the department, stating that the buyer is not a subscriber, consumer, or is otherwise not liable for the tax, the burden of proving that a sale of the use of a switched access line, radio access line, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service line was not a sale to a subscriber, consumer, or was not otherwise subject to the tax is upon the person who made the sale.

  2. If a seller, local exchange company, radio communications service company, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service company does not receive documentation, in a form and manner prescribed by the department, stating that the buyer is not a subscriber, consumer, or is otherwise not liable for the tax at the time of the sale, have such documentation on file at the time of the sale, or obtain such documentation from the buyer within a reasonable time after the sale, the seller, local exchange company, radio communications service company, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service company remains liable for the tax as provided in RCW 82.14B.042, unless the seller, local exchange company, radio communications service company, or interconnected voice over internet protocol service company can demonstrate facts and circumstances according to rules adopted by the department that show the sale was properly made without payment of the state or county 911 excise tax.

  3. The penalty imposed by RCW 82.32.291 may not be assessed on state or county 911 excise taxes due but not paid as a result of the improper use of documentation stating that the buyer is not a subscriber or consumer or is otherwise not liable for the state or county 911 excise tax. This subsection does not prohibit or restrict the application of other penalties authorized by law.

Section 31

This section modifies existing section 82.14B.210. Here is the modified chapter for context.

  1. Upon termination, dissolution, or abandonment of a corporate or limited liability company business, any officer, member, manager, or other person having control or supervision of state 911 excise tax funds collected and held in trust under RCW 82.14B.042, or who is charged with the responsibility for the filing of returns or the payment of state 911 excise tax funds collected and held in trust under RCW 82.14B.042, is personally liable for any unpaid taxes and interest and penalties on those taxes, if such officer or other person willfully fails to pay or to cause to be paid any state 911 excise taxes due from the corporation under this chapter. For the purposes of this section, any state 911 excise taxes that have been paid but not collected are deductible from the state 911 excise taxes collected but not paid. For purposes of this subsection "willfully fails to pay or to cause to be paid" means that the failure was the result of an intentional, conscious, and voluntary course of action.

  2. The officer, member, manager, or other person is liable only for taxes collected that became due during the period he or she had the control, supervision, responsibility, or duty to act for the corporation described in subsection (1) of this section, plus interest and penalties on those taxes.

  3. Persons liable under subsection (1) of this section are exempt from liability if nonpayment of the state 911 excise tax funds held in trust is due to reasons beyond their control as determined by the department by rule.

  4. Any person having been issued a notice of assessment under this section is entitled to the appeal procedures under RCW 82.32.160 through 82.32.200.

  5. This section applies only if the department has determined that there is no reasonable means of collecting the state 911 excise tax funds held in trust directly from the corporation.

  6. This section does not relieve the corporation or limited liability company of other tax liabilities or otherwise impair other tax collection remedies afforded by law.

  7. Collection authority and procedures prescribed in chapter 82.32 RCW apply to collections under this section.


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