Committee backs study to use NG911 and smartphone data to help domestic‑violence victims; companion public‑records bill advances

Representative Gossett Seidman presented CS for HB 269, which seeks to harness next‑generation 911 (NG911) technology — Wi‑Fi, GPS and enhanced text/data transmission — to allow domestic‑violence victims to share discrete calls for help (including one‑letter texts or code words), photos and precise GPS locations with public‑safety answering points. The sponsor said the bill requires a DMS feasibility study of the state's capability to implement such a system and noted that Collier and Duval counties already have examples of NG911 deployments.

The committee also heard CS for SB 298, the companion public‑records measure, expanding public‑records exemptions for victims participating in the attorney general’s address‑confidentiality program to include dating‑violence victims. Witnesses from victim‑service groups and law‑enforcement organizations spoke in support. Members asked technical questions about the need for the records exemption if the bill is only a feasibility study; the sponsor said the exemption would be needed should a study or pilot proceed in counties without full NG911 implementation. Both bills were reported favorably (HB269 19‑0; SB298 19‑0).

What’s next: DMS will be asked to perform the feasibility study; sponsors said further implementation details depend on the study’s findings.