Current 911 Statutes: Massachusetts adopted a comprehensive, all-new 911 statute (see the easier-to-read PDF version) on July 1, 2008. A summary written by the new State 911 Department explains the many major changes. The Massachusetts State 911 Department was established as a new state agency in the Executive Office of Pubic Safety and Security.

Prior to July of 2008 (and under the previous wireline and wireless statutes) its staff used to be called the staff of the Statewide Emergency Telecommunications Board (SETB). On July 1, 2008, the SETB was abolished and its functions changed and replaced by the State 911 Department and its 19-member State 911 Commission.

Current 911-Related Regulations:  

a. promulgated by the SETB and still applicable (560 CMR 2.00: Standards for Enhanced 9-1-1. Appendix A to 560 CMR 2.00).

b. Regulations (560 CMR 4.00) requiring E911 functionality for certain new and replacement Multiline Telephone Systems (MLTS)

c. Regulations for Pre-Paid Wireless surcharging (560 CRM 3.00) were also promulgated (see State 911 Department web site for details)

History: (some links may not work)

Pre-July 1, 2008:

Wireless 911 Bill (Formerly Senate 1920 and 440. Signed by Governor Swift 3/18/02 as Chapter 61 of the Acts of 2002). This statute insured the citizens of enhanced 911 capabilities on 911 calls made from cell phones. It funds "Phase 1" and "Phase 2" wireless 911 in accord with FCC rulings and timetables.

Wireline 911 Funding Bill (Formerly House 1751. Signed by Governor Swift 8/8/02 as Chapter 239 of the Acts of 2002). This statute set up the mechanism for a monthly surcharge on wired phones to fund 911 as well as payback the debt incurred to the E911 vendor in past (1993-2003) operation of the original wireline E911 system (when the shrinking MA. directory assistance surcharge had been insufficient to fund wireline 911).

(Because the wireless bill also had a section 18H, the legislature realized it had to make a technical change and - in 2004 - moved the wireline language into a Section 18H 1/2 (that's a one-half!) by Section 19 of Chapter 149 of the Acts of 2004)

Fire Department Monitoring of 911 calls. Chapter 195 of the Acts of 2002 allows secure monitoring of 911 calls by certain fire departments according to state standards.

Massachusetts Legislature Web Page (view statutes, check bill histories (progress through House and Senate), view action in each legislative day (Journals)