Bill Text: WV SB76 | 2019 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Creating emergency text system for children
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2019-01-09 - To Government Organization [SB76 Detail]
Download: West_Virginia-2019-SB76-Introduced.html
WEST virginia Legislature
2019 regular session
Introduced
Senate Bill 76
By Senator Cline
[Introduced
January 9, 2019; Referred
to the Committee on Government Organization; and then to the Committee on
Finance]
A BILL to amend the Code of West Virginia, 1931, as amended, by adding thereto a new section, designated §24-6-15, relating to the creation of emergency text number systems for children; and declaring that this be known as Constance’s Law.
Be it enacted by the Legislature of West Virginia:
ARTICLE 6. LOCAL EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SYSTEM.
§24-6-15. Creation of emergency text number systems for children.
(a) Upon the adoption by the Public Service Commission of a comprehensive plan, the public agency may establish, consistent with the comprehensive plan, an emergency text number system for children within its jurisdiction to be compatible with mobile telephones. Nothing contained in this section may be construed to prohibit or discourage in any way the establishment of multijurisdiction or regional systems, and any emergency text number system established pursuant to this article may include the territory of more than one public agency, or may include only a portion of the territory of a public agency. To the extent feasible, emergency text number systems shall be centralized, and the text number shall be a number that is simple and easy for a child to be taught and remember. If a child needs help in any emergency, the child can text the word “help” to the emergency text number. The message shall be received by the local law enforcement agency that shall respond accordingly to each situation.
(b) The Legislature finds and declares that the purpose of this legislation is to provide children an outlet to escape violence and other emergencies and that this section shall be known as “Constance’s Law”.
(c) Every emergency text number system for children shall provide access to emergency services organizations, police, fire fighting and emergency medical and ambulance services and may provide access to other emergency services. The system may also provide access to private ambulance services.
NOTE: The purpose of this bill is to create an emergency text number system for children to escape violence and other emergencies and declaring that this be known as “Constance’s Law.”
Strike-throughs indicate language that would be stricken from a heading or the present law and underscoring indicates new language that would be added.
