CHAPTER Saf-C 7000  EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS RULES

 

REVISION NOTE:

 

Pursuant to 2003, 319:98, effective 9-4-03, rules in Chapters Emer 100 through 400 of the Bureau of Emergency Communications were transferred to the Department of Safety, which subsequently filed Document #9091, effective 2-21-08, which replaced rules in Chapters Emer 100 through 400 with Chapter Saf-C 7000.

 

Document #9091 adopted Part Saf-C 7001; readopted with amendments and renumbered Chapter Emer 100 as Part Saf-C 7002, Chapter Emer 300 as Parts Saf-C 7003 through 7004, and Chapter Emer 400 as Parts Saf-C 7005 through 7006; adopted Parts Saf-C 7007 though 7011; and repealed the former Chapter Emer 200.

 

The rules in Document #9091 therefore replace all prior filings for rules of the former Bureau of Emergency Communications in Chapters Emer 100 through Emer 400.  The filings include the following documents:

 

#7397, effective 11-2-00

#7398, effective 11-2-00

#7426, effective 1-17-01

#7606-A, effective 12-4-01

#7606-B, effective 12-4-01

 

PART Saf-C 7001  PURPOSES

 

          Saf-C 7001.01  Purpose.  The purpose of this chapter is to set forth the following:

 

          (a)  The conduct of the enhanced 911 commission meetings;

 

          (b)  The development of minimum selection, educational, and training standards for emergency public safety answering point personnel;

 

          (c)  Procedures for the conduct of investigations authorized under RSA 106-H;

 

          (d)  Procedures for the collection, maintenance and update of the necessary data base;

 

          (e)  Procedures for the necessary cooperation and coordination with telephone utilities, municipalities, and the public for the effective implementation of the enhanced 911 system;

 

          (f)  Procedures necessary for adequate funding of the enhanced 911 system; and

 

          (g)  Procedures for reimbursement to any provider of commercial mobile radio service of reasonable expenses incurred to accomplish the enhanced 911 service, pursuant to RSA 106-H:8.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

PART Saf-C 7002  DEFINITIONS

 

          Saf-C 7002.01  “Automatic location identification (ALI)” means “automatic location identification” as defined in RSA 106-H:2, I.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.02  “Automatic number identification (ANI)” means “automatic number identification” as defined in RSA 106-H:2, II.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.03  "Bureau" means "bureau" as defined in RSA 106-H:2, III. 

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.04  “Commercial mobile radio service provider” means a person or other legal entity providing wireless, two-way communication services such as cellular telephones and radio access lines.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.05  "Commission" means "commission" as defined in RSA 106-H:2, IV.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.06  “Commissioner” means the commissioner of the department of safety or his designee.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.07  “Database” means a computerized record correlating:

 

          (a)  Each street address shown on each street address guide within the state with the telephone number or numbers of the wired telephone(s) located at such address;

 

          (b)  Each wired telephone number with the name of the individual liable for payment of the account associated with such number;

 

          (c)  For each individual liable for payment of an account for wireless telephone services:

 

(1)  The billing address of the individual if that address is within the state; and

 

(2)  The wireless telephone number of the individual if the area code included in the number is an area code in use within the state; and

 

          (d)  Each street address shown on each street address guide within the state with the emergency service number for such address.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.08  "Director" means the director of the division of emergency services, communications, and management, appointed pursuant to RSA 21-P:36, or his designee.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.09  "Emergency services" means any fire, police, ambulance or rescue services and any ancillary services required for the effective delivery of such firefighting, police, ambulance and rescue services, including but not limited to:

 

          (a)  Access to interpretation services for members of the public who require police, firefighting, rescue or ambulance services in an emergency and who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech impairments; and

 

          (b)  Access to foreign language interpretation services for public and private safety agencies delivering firefighting, police, ambulance or rescue services in an emergency.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.10  “Emergency service number” means a 3 digit code which identifies the public or private safety agencies designated by each municipality to provide first and backup responses to emergencies reported to the enhanced 911 system.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.11  "Enhanced 911 system" means "enhanced 911 system" as defined in RSA 106-H:2, VII.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.12  “Enhanced ANI/ALI” means “enhanced ANI/ALI” as defined in RSA 106-H:2, VIII.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.13  “Governing body” means the board of selectment of a town, the board of aldermen or the council of a city or town with such a board or council, and, when used with reference to an unincorporated town or an unorganized place, the county commissioners.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.14  “Local exchange telecommunication carrier” means any telephone utility authorized to do business in the state pursuant to RSA 374:22, I.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.15  Master street address guide (MSAG)” means “master street address guide” as defined in RSA 106-H:2, VIII-a.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.16  “Municipality” means a town, city or unorganized place.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.17  "Private safety agency" means "private safety agency" as defined in RSA 106-H:2, IX.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.18  "Public agency" means "public agency" as defined in RSA 106-H:2, X.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.19  "Public safety agency" means "public safety agency" as defined in RSA 106-H:2, XI.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.20  "Public safety answering point" means "public safety answering point" as defined in RSA 106-H:2, XII.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.21  “Street address guide (SAG)” means “street address guide” as defined in RSA 106-H:2, XIII-a.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.22  “Supplemental ALI information” means information about the location correlated with a particular telephone number which is additional to the information routinely included in the data base.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.23  “Telecommunication services provider” means every person, party, or entity which provides communications services, including, but not limited to audio communication, print communication, or visual communication or any combination thereof, for profit on a subscription or pay-for-services basis by means of landline local telephone exchange devices, cellular telephone devices, wireless communication devices, radio, or any other communication devices or means which have access to, connect with, or interface with the NH E 9-1-1 enhanced service.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.24  “Telecommunicator” means a bureau employee who is responsible for receiving at the public safety answering point telephone calls made to 911 and transferring or relaying such calls to public or private safety agencies.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.25  “Telephone common carrier” means any person, party or entity, which provides communications, services between a point of origin and a point or reception by way of landline wire connection between 2 points. It includes resellers of such services.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.26  “Telephone company” means any local telephone service provider and any entity providing within the state commercial mobile radio service as such service is defined in 47 C.F.R. 20.3.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.27  “Verified master street address guide” means a master street address guide the accuracy of which has been confirmed by direct recorded observation of the streets listed on the guide.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7002.28  Verified street address guide” means a street address guide the accuracy of which has been confirmed by direct observation and a record made of that observation.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

PART Saf-C 7003  MINIMUM SELECTION STANDARDS FOR TELECOMMUNICATORS

 

          Saf-C 7003.01  Minimum Qualifications for Selection as a Telecommunicator.

 

          (a)  To qualify for selection as a telecommunicator, applicants shall:

 

(1)  Qualify for the register of eligible candidates prepared by the director of personnel pursuant to Per 403.01;

 

(2)  Pass a test screening for controlled substances;

 

(3)  Demonstrate normal hearing by passing a hearing test;

 

(4)  Pass written examinations administered by the bureau which test:

 

a.  Through the use of general knowledge questions, the ability to reason when increasingly pressed for time;

 

b.  Multitasking ability; and

 

c.  Psychological compatibility with the demands of the tasks required of telecommunicators; and

 

(5)  Participate in an interview designed to evaluate the applicant's potential to carry out successfully the duties of the position.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

PART Saf-C 7004  TRAINING AND CONTINUING EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

 

          Saf-C 7004.01  Training Requirements for Telecommunicators.

 

          (a)  Persons newly hired as telecommunicators shall, as a condition of continuing employment, successfully complete the following training provided by the bureau:

 

(1)  A course in basic telecommunications leading to a certification in basic telecommunications;

 

(2)  A course preparing persons to give pre-hospitalization care at the scene of a sudden illness or injury;

 

(3)  A basic course in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation leading to a certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation;

 

(4)  A basic course in emergency medical dispatch leading to a certification in emergency medical dispatch; and

 

(5)  Any other training for all telecommunicators determined by the executive director of the bureau to be necessary for adequate performance as a telecommunicator.

 

          (b)  No person newly hired as a telecommunicator shall be exempt from the requirements of Saf-C 7004.01(a).

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7004.02  Continuing Education and Certification Requirements.

 

          (a)  Telecommunicators shall:

 

(1)  After meeting the requirements of Saf-C 7004.01(a)(3) and achieving certification in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation, maintain current such certification through training provided by the bureau; and

 

(2)  After meeting the requirements of Saf-C 7004.01(a)(4) and achieving certification in emergency medical dispatch, complete annually a minimum of 12 hours of emergency medical dispatch training provided by the bureau; and

 

(3)  Complete any additional training for all telecommunicators determined by the  commissioner to constitute continuing education necessary for adequate performance as a telecommunicator.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

PART Saf-C 7005  PROCEDURES FOR COLLECTING AND UPDATING THE DATABASE

 

          Saf-C 7005.01  Collecting and Updating the Database.

 

          (a)  The bureau shall provide each local telephone service provider with a copy of the most recently updated master street address guide and the most recently updated street address guide for every municipality in the local telephone service provider's service territory.

 

          (b)  Using the guides described in paragraph (a), each local telephone service provider shall:

 

(1)  Correlate each subscriber in its service territory by telephone number with an address on a street address guide; and

 

(2)  Assure that changes in, additions to, and deletions from the correlations described in paragraph (b)(1) shall, within 3 days, be provided to the bureau or the bureau's designee for updating the data base.

 

          (c)  If the bureau should choose not to update the state owned or operated data base itself, but instead to contract for data base updating services, the bureau shall report in writing to the entity obligated to provide such services all information received by the bureau which constitutes a change in the data base.

 

          (d)  An entity contracting to provide services to update the data base shall, upon receipt of the information described in paragraph (c):

 

(1)  Change the data base in accordance with the information received; and

 

(2)  Confirm in writing that it has done so, including in the confirmation:

 

a.  The date of the data base change;

 

b.  The name of the person making the data base change;

 

c.  Any additional remarks required to inform the bureau fully about the data base change;

 

d.  The original signature of the person making the data base change; and

 

e.  The date of signing of the confirmation.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7005.02  The Role of the Public in Updating the Database.

 

          (a)  When it appears to a telecommunicator that medical assistance is needed by any person involved in the emergency reported in a call made by dialing 911, the telecommunicator shall request, and the caller shall provide, the municipality, the street address and the phone number of the location from which the call is being made.

 

          (b)  When the bureau receives information that a member of the household or business served by a specifically identified telephone number has a physical impairment or otherwise has special needs which require, for effective delivery of emergency services, that such information be added to the data base, the bureau shall confirm in writing such supplemental ALI information by mailing a statement of the information to:

 

(1)  The person providing the information;

 

(2)  The subscriber liable for payment for the services provided to the identified telephone number; and

 

(3)  The person who has the physical impairment or special needs.

 

          (c)  If the bureau receives no corrections to the written confirmation described in paragraph (b), the bureau shall enter the supplemental ALI information into the database.

 

          (d)  Supplemental ALI information shall be held confidential by the bureau, and disclosed only as necessary for the provision of emergency services.

 

PART Saf-C 7006  COOPERATION AND COORDINATION WITH TELEPHONE COMPANIES, MUNICIPALITIES AND THE PUBLIC

 

          Saf-C 7006.01  Cooperation and Coordination with Telephone Companies.

 

          (a)  Each telephone company shall register with the bureau by completing a form which requires the provision of the following information:

 

(1)  The name of the company;

 

(2)  Its employer identification number;

 

(3)  Its complete mailing address;

 

(4)  Its e-mail address, if any;

 

(5)  The name of the person, if any, whom it designates as a contact person;

 

(6)  The complete address of its business location within the state;

 

(7)  The location of its books and records if they are maintained in an out-of-state location;

 

(8)  The contact person and telephone number at the out-of-state location, if any, where its books and records are maintained;

 

(9)  Its legal structure, whether an individual, a partnership, a corporation or other entity;

 

(10)  Identification of its legal structure, if it is not an individual, partnership, or corporation;

 

(11)  The state and date of its incorporation, if it is a corporation;

 

(12)  The date of onset of its business in the state;

 

(13)  Its character as a wire or wireless company;

 

(14)  Whether it collects taxes for another retailer of telephone services, and if so, the name, telephone number and employer identification number of the other retailer; and

 

(15)  The name, telephone number and employer identification number of an agent, if any, designated to file reports with the bureau.

 

          (b)  If a telephone company designates an agent to file reports with the bureau, it shall attach to the application form a copy of the agent's power of attorney.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7006.02  Cooperation and Coordination with Municipalities.

 

          (a)  For the purpose of effective delivery of enhanced 911 services within a municipality, the bureau shall, with the agreement of the municipality, create a verified master street address guide, a verified street address guide, and a comprehensive map of the municipality if:

 

(1)  The municipality makes a written request that the bureau do so; and

 

(2)  The request is signed by a majority of the members of the governing body of the municipality.

 

          (b)  A municipality may assist in the creation of the comprehensive map by:

 

(1)  Providing the bureau with a verified master street address guide;

 

(2)  Providing the bureau with a verified street address guide; and

 

(3)  Providing the bureau annually with an updated master street address guide and an updated street address guide.

 

          (c)  For the purposes of creating the verified master street address guide, the verified street address guide, and the comprehensive map, the bureau shall, as necessity dictates, request a municipality to:

 

(1)  Designate a person to act as liaison to the bureau and provide the bureau with a copy of the most accurate road map available; 

 

(2)  Designate one or more representatives of the municipality to accompany the bureau's personnel on drives upon the municipality's public and private ways having multiple structures upon them, for the purposes of:

 

a.  Locating roads;

 

b.  Recording access points to structures; and

 

c.  Recording the location of fire hydrants, hiking trails, pay phones and other facilities which might be used in the delivery of emergency services;

 

(3)  Direct the liaison to review for accuracy and correct the road map produced by the bureau as frequently as necessary to create a complete and accurate road map of the municipality;

 

(4)  Follow the road naming guidelines set forth in paragraphs (d) and (e);

 

(5)  Timely accept the road map as complete and accurate in its representation of the names and locations of roads by providing the bureau with a letter signed by a majority of the members of the municipality's governing body;

 

(6)  Designate one or more representatives of the municipality to accompany the bureau's crew on drives upon the municipality's public and private ways having multiple structures upon them for the purpose of verifying the addresses of such structures and of the facilities described in paragraph (c)(2)c.;

 

(7)  Timely accept the address map as complete and accurate by providing the bureau with a letter signed by a majority of the members of the municipality's governing body;

 

(8)  Assign addresses in accordance with the addressing guidelines set forth in paragraph (f) whenever new addresses are assigned;

 

(9)  Reassign addresses whenever existing addresses differ from those called for by the guidelines set forth in paragraph (f); and

 

(10)  Timely accept the verified master street address guide and the verified street address guide by providing the bureau with a letter signed by a majority of the members of the municipality's governing body.

 

          (d)  The bureau shall request a municipality to name new streets and roads and rename existing streets and roads to avoid:

 

(1)  Names of streets or roads which sound like the names of other streets or roads within the municipality;

 

(2)  Names of streets or roads which incorporate special punctuation such as hyphens, apostrophes and dashes;

 

(3)  Names of streets or roads which are words of directionality, such as "north", "south", "east" and "west";

 

(4)  Names of streets or roads which are easy to confuse with the names of subdivisions and commercial developments, such as names which end in the word "plaza" or in the word "place";

 

(5) Names of streets or roads which are words commonly used as suffixes following the names of streets or roads, such as "court", "lane" and "heights"; and

 

(6)  Changes in the names of continuous streets or roads at intersections or other points along their courses.

 

          (e)  The bureau shall request that a municipality, when naming new streets and roads, avoid using the names of families or individuals.

 

          (f)  For each street or road the bureau shall request a municipality to designate the end of the street or road at which address numbering begins and to assign or reassign addresses to achieve the following result:

 

(1)  Numbers are assigned at intervals of 50 feet;

 

(2)  Odd numbers are successive on the left hand side of the street or road; and

 

(3)  Even numbers are successive on the right hand side of the street or road.

 

          (g)  Upon completion of the verified master street address guide, the verified street address guide, and the comprehensive map, the bureau shall, if requested, provide the municipality with paper copies of the comprehensive map and its governing body with the map in electronic form.

 

          (h)  For the purpose of keeping current the comprehensive map, the bureau shall request the assistance of the municipality in informing the bureau of changes in the location of roads, structures and facilities described in paragraph (c)(2)c. occurring after the completion of the comprehensive map.

 

          (i)  The bureau shall update the comprehensive map whenever the municipality informs the bureau of changes in the location of structures or facilities described in paragraph (c)(2)c., or of roads to be added to, or deleted from, the map.

 

          (j)  The bureau shall work on comprehensive maps and requests for updates of such maps on a first in, first out, basis.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7006.03  Coordination with the Public.  The bureau shall provide services which ensure that persons dialing 911 from any wired or wireless phone to request emergency firefighting, law enforcement, ambulance, medical, or rescue services receive prompt delivery of such services from local public or private providers.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7006.04  Confidentiality of Information and Records.

 

          (a)  Pursuant to RSA 106-H:14 information and records compiled by the commission or the bureau shall not be public records for the purpose of applying the provisions of RSA 91-A except  to the extent that:

 

(1)  They are limited to statistical information;

 

(2)  They are information or records relating to a call made by dialing 911 and made available only to the person making the call; or

 

(3)  They are made by a law enforcement agency for investigative purposes.

 

          (b)  When such information is not published in directories or listed in directory assistance offices, the following information shall be held confidential and disclosed only on a call by call basis for the purpose of delivering enhanced 911 services:

 

(1)  Street addresses and telephone numbers provided by members of the public pursuant to Saf-C 7005.02(a); and

 

(2)  The following information in the data base:

 

a.  Correlations between street addresses and telephone numbers; and

 

b.  Correlations between telephone numbers and the individuals liable for payment of the accounts associated with such numbers.

 

          (c)  The bureau shall maintain in secure storage records containing the information described in paragraph (b).

 

          (d)  The bureau shall dispose of such records by shredding or in another manner which maintains the security of the information they contain.

 

          (e)  The bureau shall release such records when required to do so by an order of a court which:

 

(1)  Has jurisdiction to issue the order; and

 

(2)  In the order identifies with particularity the party permitted to obtain the records and the records to be released.

 

          (f)  A law enforcement agency making a request for information or records compiled under
RSA 106-H, shall submit the request in writing on stationery bearing the letterhead of the law enforcement agency and signed by an official authorized to make the request. The letter shall set forth the facts or circumstances indicating that the information or records sought is for official investigative purposes only.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

PART Saf-C 7007  FUNDING OF THE ENHANCED 911 SYSTEM

 

          Saf-C 7007.01  Imposition of the Surcharge.

 

          (a)  The surcharge, set forth in RSA 106-H:9,  shall be assessed by local exchange telephone carrier and other telecommunication service provider to any customer or subscriber which is capable of accessing, connecting with, or interfacing with enhanced 911 by dialing or initializing or otherwise activating the enhanced 911 system through the numerals “911” by means of a landline local telephone exchange device, cellular telephone device, wireless communications device, radio, or any other communications devices or means.

 

          (b)  Data only lines which are not capable of accessing, connecting with, or interacting with enhanced 911 system shall not be subject to the surcharge.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7007.02  Calculation of Surcharge.

 

          (a)  The surcharge for local exchange telecommunication service provider and other telecommunication service provider shall be assessed as an amount per access line or telephone number for the first 25 lines or telephone numbers per customer billing account for each carrier.  The surcharge shall be calculated after the department determines:

 

(1)  The operating, capital and sufficient reserve budget requirements for the bureau, based on a 5 year expense projection;

 

(2)  The total number of access lines for which a surcharge is currently being paid;

 

(3)  The total number of telephone numbers for which a surcharge is currently being paid; and

 

(4)  Required reimbursement to wireless carriers as authorized by RSA 106-H:8.

 

          (b)  The department of safety, division of administration shall present to the commissioner and to the E-911 commission annually within 90 days of the close of each fiscal year a report detailing the financial status of the E-911 fund.

 

          (c)  The commission shall recommend to the commissioner any adjustments to the wired and wireless surcharges that are necessary to reflect increases in expenses above estimates, amounts required in order to maintain an operating reserve equal to at least one-half of the current year's budget, increases in the subscriber base, and changes in the relative percentages between wired and wireless carriers. The  commission shall present to the commissioner its recommendations as to whether the surcharge should be increased, reduced, or remain at the same level.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7007.03  Exemptions.

 

          (a)  Notwithstanding Saf-C 7007.01 above, no such surcharge shall be imposed upon more than 25 business telephone lines capable of voice transmission per customer billing account, including PBX trunks and Centrex lines. 

 

          (b)  For the purposes of this section, a PBX trunk or a Centrex line physically located in a local exchange area shall be counted as one unit.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7007.04  Collection of the Surcharge.

 

          (a)  All local exchange telecommunication service providers and other telecommunication service providers shall bill each access line or telephone number the surcharge imposed by this part and shall remit such surcharge revenue to the bureau on a monthly basis within 30 days of the last day of each month.

 

          (b)  The surcharge imposed by this chapter shall be stated as a distinct item on the subscriber’s bill.  The surcharge shall be construed as a debt of the subscriber to the local exchange telecommunication service provider or other telecommunication service provider who provides such telecommunication services, until paid, and, if unpaid, is recoverable at law in the same manner as the original charge for such telecommunication services.

 

          (c)  In the instances in which a  local exchange telecommunication service provider or other telecommunication service provider resells its services through other entities, and if the local exchange telecommunication service provider or other telecommunication service provider  collects the surcharge revenue from  any of its resellers, the local exchange telecommunication service provider or other telecommunication service provider shall transmit such surcharge revenue on behalf of its reseller(s), identifying the name of each reseller(s), and the respective amounts of surcharge revenue being transmitted on behalf of  the respective reseller(s).

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7007.05  Reporting Forms.

 

          (a)  Each local exchange telecommunication service provider or other telecommunication service provider shall remit such surcharge revenue along with a completed surcharge reporting form, DSEC 1.

 

          (b)  Each reporting local exchange telecommunication service provider or other telecommunication service provider shall submit the following on the surcharge reporting form:

 

(1)  The reporting period;

 

(2)  The number of access lines versus telephone numbers on which a surcharge is currently being paid;

 

(3)  The number of access lines or telephone numbers on which:

 

a.  Surcharge collection was paid;

 

b.  Surcharge collection was uncollectible;

 

c.  Subtotal of a. and b. above; and

 

d.  Total of revenue remitted

 

(4)  If applicable, a sworn attestation that the reporting carrier is a reseller and has remitted the requisite surcharge to an underlying carrier;

 

(5)  The name of the underlying carrier in (4) above;

 

(6)  Reporting company’s name as shown on the public utilities commission or federal communications commission license/certificate;

 

(7)  Federal employer identification number;

 

(8)  Address of the reporting company;

 

(9)  Contact person completing the form;

 

(10)  Phone number of contact person;

 

(11)  Fax number of contact person;

 

(12)  Email address of contact person; and

 

(13)  Title of the contact person.

 

          (c)  The contact person shall sign and date the form.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7007.06  Evidence of Payment Elsewhere.  All local exchange telecommunication service providers and other telecommunication service providers shall be liable for the surcharge unless they can prove to the bureau that a surcharge has been paid to another state.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7007.07  Form of Payment.  The form of payment for the surcharge revenue shall be by check made payable to the State of New Hampshire, department of safety.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7007.08  Books, Records, Papers, and Other Documents.

 

          (a)  Every local exchange telecommunication service providers or  other telecommunication service provider required to report in this state under this part, shall keep books, records, papers, and other documents which are adequate to reflect the information required by RSA 106-H:9.

 

          (b)  All books and records and other papers and documents required to be kept by this chapter shall:

 

(1)  Be kept in the English language;

 

(2)  At all times during business hours of the day, be subject to inspection by the department of revenue; and

 

(3)  Be furnished to the department of revenue either as hard copy or by electronic or digital media at the option of the department of revenue.

 

          (c)  For the purposes of (b)(3) above, if such information is submitted by electronic or digital media, it shall be in a format that is compatible with the software used by the department of revenue.

 

          (d) All records, books, papers and documents shall be retained by the local exchange telecommunication service provider or other telecommunication service provider for a period of 3 years from the due date of the report.

 

          (e)  Pursuant to RSA 82-A:11-a, the department of revenue may audit any telephone common carrier or telecommunication service provider.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7007.09  Failure to File.  A local exchange telecommunication service provider or other telecommunication service provider shall be assessed overdue surcharge amounts for past due amounts at any time.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7007.10  Audits.  Audits of the surcharge shall be conducted in accordance with the applicable rules of the department of revenue, pursuant to RSA 21-J and RSA 82-a. Any telephone common carrier or telecommunication service provider aggrieved by a determination of liability by the department of revenue may appeal pursuant to RSA 21-J.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7007.11  Hardship.

 

          (a)  If a local exchange telecommunication service provider or other telephone service provider does not have the technology to generate the information necessary to submit a reporting form, pursuant to Saf-C 7007.05, the provider may request a waiver from the commissioner.

 

          (b)  The request for a waiver shall include:

 

(1)  The name and contact information for the provider;

 

(2)  A detailed explanation as to what resources are lacking in order to generate the information required for Saf-C 7007.05;

 

(3)  Action the provider is taking to come into compliance with Saf-C 7007.05;

 

(4)  The anticipated duration for a waiver; and

 

(5)  A detailed explanation of the information or data that the provider will provide that will be the most comparable to that requested in Saf-C 7007.05.

 

          (c)  A waiver shall be granted if it complies with this section. No waiver shall be granted for a period greater than 6 months from the effective date of Saf-C 7007.05.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

PART Saf-C 7008  PROCEDURES FOR REIMBURSEMENT TO ANY PROVIDER OF COMMERCIAL MOBILE RADIO SERVICE

 

          Saf-C 7008.01  Purpose.  The purpose of this part is to set forth the procedures for reimbursement from the bureau to any provider of commercial mobile radio service of the reasonable expenses incurred prior to May 19, 2006 to accomplish the provision of enhanced 911 services, in accordance with RSA 106-H:8.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7008.02  Application for Reimbursement from Commercial Mobile Radio Service Providers.

 

          (a)  A commercial mobile radio service provider may apply to the bureau for reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred prior to May 19, 2006 for implementation of wireless 911 emergency services by submitting an application no later than April 1, 2010.

 

          (b)  An application submitted pursuant to (a) above shall contain the following:

 

(1)  An itemization of costs that the applicant has incurred, with supporting documentation, to upgrade, purchase, lease, program, install, test, operate, or maintain all data, hardware and software necessary to implement the wireless 911 emergency services in this state;

 

(2)  The date each of the costs itemized in (b)(1) above was incurred;

 

(3)  The citations to FCC orders or regulations authorizing reimbursement of the type of costs itemized in (b)(1) above; and

 

(4)  Declaration of amount of money the applicant has recovered or will recover from subscribers in the state as reimbursement for costs the applicant has incurred or will incur to implement wireless emergency 911 services in the state.

 

          (c)  The application submitted pursuant to this section shall contain language swearing or affirming, under the penalty of RSA 641:3, that the representations made in the application are accurate to the best of the signer’s knowledge.

 

          (d)  The signer of the application shall be:

 

(1)  An employee or officer of the commercial mobile radio service provider submitting the application; and

 

(2)  Designated by the commercial mobile radio service provider to sign on its behalf and bind the commercial mobile radio service provider to the representations made.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7008.03  Review of Application for Reimbursement by Commission.

 

          (a)  An incomplete application shall be returned to the applicant with an explanation as to why the application is being returned.

 

          (b)  The commission shall approve an application submitted pursuant to this part if the commission determines all of the following:

 

(1)  The itemization of costs in the application have been incurred for the purpose of promoting a cost-effective and efficient state-wide system for responding to wireless emergency 911 telephone calls in the state;

 

(2)  The costs itemized in the application are reasonable, according to guidelines set forth by the FCC and wireless cost recovery requirements; and

 

(3)  The application complies with the requirements of this chapter, state and federal laws.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7008.04  Payment of Reimbursement Claims.  Pursuant to Laws of 2006, Chapter 49:2, no approved reimbursement claim shall be paid out by the bureau until the fiscal committee of the general court has first approved the payment.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

PART SAF-C 7009  CONDUCT OF COMMISSION MEETINGS

 

          Saf-C 7009.01  Meetings.  The commission shall meet no fewer than 4 regular meetings a year, to effect the purposes of RSA 106-H:5. Special meetings shall be called by order of the chairperson or vice-chairperson. Each member of the commission shall be notified in writing of each meeting and such notice shall contain the place, date, and time of the meeting.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7009.02  Quorom.  A quorum of the commission shall consist of not less than 9 members and a majority vote by the members present shall be necessary to pass a motion unless otherwise specified by law. In the absence of the chair o vice-chair, a quorum of the commission shall designate a pro tempore officer for the officer or officers absent.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7009.03  Commission Meeting Procedures.  The commission shall conduct its meetings in the following order:

 

          (a)  Call to order;

 

          (b)  Reading of the minutes;

 

          (c)  Reading of communications and reports;

 

          (d)  Unfinished business;

 

          (e)  New business; and

 

          (f)  Adjournment.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7009.04  Public Participation.

 

          (a)  Parties wishing to bring issues to the attention of the commission during a meeting shall first notify the bureau in writing at least 14 days prior to the date of the scheduled meeting and state the nature of the issue for inclusion on the commission’s agenda.

 

          (b)  The chairman shall request additional information if it will enable the commission to accurately and completely address an issue.

 

          (c)  A person in attendance of a meeting of the commission who wishes to raise an issue but has not complied with the notice requirement in (a) shall request a waiver from the commission.

 

          (d)  All requests for waivers shall be made orally and include the following:

 

(1)  Person’s name; and

 

(2)  Nature of the issue to be considered.

 

          (e)  The chairman shall waive the requirements of paragraph (a) after considering the following:

 

(1)  Complexity of the issue or the response required;

 

(2)  Time available to the commission; and

 

(3)  Source of the information necessary to respond to the issue.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

          Saf-C 7009.05  Conduct of the Commission Meetings.  Roberts Rules of Order Newly Revised, 10th edition, dated 2000, shall govern the procedures of the commission.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

PART  Saf-C 7010  INVESTIGATIONS

 

          Saf-C 7010.01  Investigations.

 

          (a)  Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, the director, within the limits of his authority, shall make inquiry of any person and otherwise gather data, and prepare reports describing the data obtained whenever:

 

(1)  The director receives information which leads the director to believe that a governmental unit is not complying with the provisions of RSA 106-H; or

 

(2)  The director desires to obtain data for any other lawful purpose.

 

          (b)  A formal investigation shall be commenced by the issuance of an order of investigation specifying:

 

(1)  The statutory or regulatory authority for the investigation;

 

(2)  Any statutes or rules believed to have been, or about to be, violated;

 

(3)  The identity of the persons, or class of persons, that are subject of the investigation;

 

(4)  The general nature of the conduct being investigated;

 

(5)  The identity of the investigator;

 

(6)  Other provisions relevant to the issues under investigation.

 

          (c)  When an investigation occurs, an investigator designated by the director shall contact such persons and examine such records and other documents as are reasonably necessary to make a recommendation as to whether further action should be taken on the allegations in question.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 

PART Saf-C 7011  ADJUDICATIVE HEARINGS

 

          Saf-C 7011.01  Hearings.

 

          (a)  Any person aggrieved by any decision of the commissioner shall be entitled to a hearing, in accordance with RSA 541-A.

 

          (b)  All hearings shall be conducted in accordance with Saf-C 203.

 

Source.  #9091, eff 2-21-08 (See Revision Note at chapter heading for Saf-C 7000)

 


APPENDIX

 

 

Rule

Statute

 

 

Saf-C 7001

RSA 541-A:7

Saf-C 7002

RSA 541-A:7

Saf-C 7003

RSA 21-P:14, VIII(b)

Saf-C 7004

RSA 21-P:14, VIII(b)

Saf-C 7005

RSA 21-P:14, VIII(d)

Saf-C 7006.01- 7006.03

RSA 21-P:14, VIII(e)

Saf-C 7006.04

RSA 106-H:14

Saf-C 7007

RSA 106-H:9

Saf-C 7008.01

RSA 541-A:7

Saf-C 7008.02- 7008.04

RSA 106-H:8

Saf-C 7009

RSA 21-P:14, VIII(a)

Saf-C 7010

RSA 21-P:14, VIII (c)

Saf-C 7011

RSA 541-A:16, I(b)(2)