Committee backs Sen. Pierce bill to support and localize emergency broadcasting services across Maine

AUGUSTA — On Wednesday, Jan. 28, the Legislature’s Education and Cultural Affairs Committee advanced a bill, sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Teresa S. Pierce, D-Falmouth, that would localize emergency broadcasting, delivering timely, geo-specific news alerts for public safety and weather-related events.

“I am grateful to my committee colleagues for their thoughtful consideration and discussion on this bill,” said Sen. Pierce. “LD 2003 can ensure our constituents across the state have access to accurate, localized emergency notifications. Similar to how our calls to 911 emergency dispatch are localized, this upgrade to our public safety infrastructure will save lives and better prepare Mainers to respond.”

LD 2003 would provide one-time funds to acquire broadcast infrastructure equipment to enable localization of public safety information and emergency alert messaging on the statewide radio network operated by the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation, in partnership with the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA).

In the First Regular Session of the 132nd Legislature, Sen. Pierce championed passage of LD 692 with unanimous support in both chambers, strengthening the Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation’s ability to provide emergency broadcasting messaging. LD 2003 builds on this progress by allowing for localized emergency broadcasting services.

“The main reason to do this is public safety,” said Rick Schneider, President & CEO Maine Public Broadcasting Corporation, in testimony on LD 2003. “If you hear an emergency alert that doesn’t apply to you, you tend to disregard it, and if it happens too often, the system loses credibility.”

The vote was 8-3 in support with two members absent. The bill now heads to the House and Senate for further votes. You can follow the progress of the bill by clicking here.

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