Committee unanimously backs Sen. LaFountain bill to strengthen Kennebec County emergency communications  

AUGUSTA – On Thursday, LD 1828, “An Act Regarding Enhanced 9-1-1 Public Safety Answering Points,” sponsored by Sen. David LaFountain, D-Winslow, earned unanimous, bipartisan support before the Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.

“I am grateful the committee recognized the urgency, with the looming July 1 cutoff date,” said Sen. LaFountain. “This is not a partisan issue, it’s a matter of ensuring quality public safety that the people of Kennebec County deserve. I’m hopeful the full Legislature takes swift action to get this bill across the finish line.”

“In emergencies, families in Kennebec County need to know help is on the way,” said Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop. “This bill will ensure that when a person in need calls 9-1-1, someone is there to answer the call.”

For many years, prior to 2007, the Waterville Police Department Dispatch Center was a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Receiving 9-1-1 calls directly at the city dispatch center allowed trained dispatchers, familiar with the community, to dispatch the correct service quickly and efficiently to the emergency. This emergency bill restores the Waterville Communications Center to serve the affected communities.

“These communities account for a little over 14,000 9-1-1 calls per year. As of July 1, 2023, no PSAP will be available to cover the 14,000 calls and meet the quality assurance standards in place for PSAPs in Maine,” said Interim Waterville Police Chief William Bonney. “Under LD 1828, the Emergency Services Communications Bureau would be allowed to establish another PSAP on the determination that it was necessary to ensure public safety services and access to E-9-1-1 services. I cannot think of a time when it is more necessary than it is at this moment.”

This bill faces votes in the Senate and House.