BILL ANALYSIS
AB 423
Page 1
GOVERNOR'S VETO
AB 423 (Torres)
As Amended July 14, 2009
2/3 vote
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|ASSEMBLY: |63-15|(June 3, 2009) |SENATE: |35-0 |(September 3, |
| | | | | |2009) |
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|ASSEMBLY: |66-8 |(September 9, | | | |
| | |2009) | | | |
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Original Committee Reference: U. & C.
SUMMARY : Requires the review of technical and operational
standards for 911 systems by the Office of the Chief Information
Officer OCIO). Specifically, this bill:
1)Requires OCIO to evaluate standards for recruitment and
training of public safety dispatchers.
2)Adds one representative from the Commission on Peace Officer
Standards and Training (POST) and one representative from the
Office of the State Fire Marshal to the State 911 Advisory
Board.
3)Modifies the requirement that the State 911 Advisory Board
advise OCIO on training standards for county coordinators and
911 system answering point managers to also advise OCIO
concerning issues related to the receipt of calls in a
language other than English.
The Senate amendments make technical changes to conform to the
Governor's Reorganization Plan No. 1 of the 2009-10 Regular
Session.
EXISTING LAW :
AB 423
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1)Requires the Communications Division of the Department of
General Services (DGS) to review and update technical and
operational standards for 911 systems, after consultation with
specified entities and individuals.
2)Creates the advisory board to advise the Communications
Division on several subjects, including technical and
operational standards for the California 911 system and
training standards for county coordinators and public safety
dispatch center managers.
3)Requires POST to adopt, and authorizes POST to amend from time
to time, rules establishing minimum standards relating to the
recruitment and training of local public safety dispatchers.
AS PASSED BY THE ASSEMBLY , this bill was substantially similar
to the current version of the bill.
FISCAL EFFECT : According to the Senate Appropriations
Committee, OCIO estimates the need for two telecommunications
systems manager 1 positions. At a mid-salary range of $5,328
plus 33% for benefits, annual costs would be approximately
$170,000 to develop and implement the training and recruitment
program requirements.
COMMENTS : The Warren-911-Emergency Assistance Act (911 Act) of
1976 was enacted to reduce the time required for a citizen to
request and receive emergency aid. The 911 Act established DGS
as the state oversight entity in order to ensure cooperation
between the public agencies, public safety agencies, and
telephone service areas that were involved with implementation.
Because DGS lacked expertise in this subject area, the 911 Act
also created a board to advise DGS on specific issues, including
technical and operational standards for the 911 system and
training standards for county coordinators and dispatch center
managers.
According to the author's office, AB 423 addresses potential
improvements in the procedures for recruiting, training, and
ongoing skill development for 911 dispatchers, who perform a
crucial function in the public safety system. Their job is
AB 423
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high-stress, and requires precise and effective
performance in order to relay calls accurately from the public
and making the call to the proper emergency responder.
Recruitment hurdles and high rates of turnover make filling all
dispatcher positions challenging.
The Governor's Reorganization Plan (GRP) No. 1 of the 2009-10
Session is intended to consolidate statewide information
technology functions under OCIO. One of the changes resulting
from GRP No. 1 was to move the 911 Advisory Board to OCIO. The
Senate amendments reflect this change.
GOVERNOR'S VETO MESSAGE :
"I am returning Assembly Bill 423 without my signature. This
bill would make additions to the membership of the 911 Advisory
Board as well as expand the scope of its mission in the areas of
dispatcher recruitment, training, and addressing the needs of
non-English speaking callers. While I support the goals of this
legislation, this measure would lead to the duplication of
efforts
that cannot be justified during these difficult financial times.
Numerous national organizations, including the Commission on
Peace Officer Standards and Training, already offer training for
dispatchers.
"Given the additional costs associated with this measure, I am
unable to sign this bill."
Analysis Prepared by: Nina Kapoor / U. & C. / (916) 319-2083
FN: 0003439