Wash. Panel OKs 911 Update, Hears Concerns on Equity, Repair Bills

A Washington state committee cleared a proposed update to the state’s emergency communication law for next-generation 911. The House Appropriations Committee adopted HB-1703 by unanimous voice vote at a virtual hearing Thursday. Washington 911 “needs to stay up to date with modern technology,” said sponsor Rep. Cindy Ryu (D) at the hearing. The bill would also coordinate 911 with the state’s new 988 system, she said. The committee heard testimony but didn’t vote on digital equity and right-to-repair bills. CTIA opposed requiring carriers to participate in broadband adoption programs envisioned by HB-1723, which cleared another House committee earlier this month (see 2201180057). Such a mandate is preempted by federal law; legislators should make wireless participation voluntary, said CTIA lobbyist Jeff Gombosky. Seattle Digital Equity Program Manager David Keyes supported the adoption bill as a "critical companion to infrastructure support." Industry slammed HB-1810, which would require manufacturers to make documentation, parts and tools available to owners and independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms. It passed another committee this month (see 2201190049). TechNet opposes requiring manufacturers to provide “unvetted third parties with sensitive diagnostic information and software, tools and parts without requiring the critical consumer protections afforded by authorized repair networks,” said Vice President-State Policy David Edmonson. The market gives consumers a wide range of repair choices, said CTIA Director-State Legislative Affairs Lisa McCabe. Adding a private right of action would reduce enforcement costs for the Washington attorney general’s office, suggested Consumer Protection Division Assistant AG Amy Teng.