Advancing legislation addresses use of multiline telephone systems

A proposal from state Rep. Michele Hoitenga removing burdensome regulation for job providers was recently approved in a Michigan House vote.

House Bill 4249 deals with multiline telephone systems and eases previous upgrades required made by the Michigan Public Service Commission. The systems consist of multiple telephone lines controlled by a centralized, computer-operated switch and allow for multiple people within one building to place and receive calls at the same time.

This useful characteristic can prove problematic when calls to 911 are placed. Since the phones being used in a multiline system are centralized, a 911 operator may not be able to pinpoint exactly where an emergency is unfolding within a building.

Upgraded systems can provide specific information – such as a room or floor number – to emergency workers heading to a call location, but Hoitenga says mandating the upgrades without exceptions would hurt businesses.

“These systems will help our brave first responders as they respond to an emergency, but we shouldn’t be hampering the progress made during Michigan’s economic comeback with sudden, additional rules and red tape placed on our state’s job providers,” said Hoitenga, of Manton, who chairs the House Communications and Technology Committee.

Businesses and entities that do not adhere to upgrade suggestions by the Michigan Public Services Commission and change systems by Dec. 31, 2019 would be subject to fines ranging from $500-5,000. Hoitenga’s plan provides some common-sense flexibility rather than relying on an ineffective, one-size-fits-all approach to regulation.

The National Federation of Independent Business has estimated that installation and maintenance costs would be steep for an average small business. The Archdiocese of Detroit has said that initial compliance costs could be as high as $2 million for its facilities, including one location that was quoted at $22,000.

“Five thousand dollars is a significant and steep penalty to a small business,” Hoitenga said. “It may cost some mom and pop shops as much as $10,000 just to install this kind of system. I don’t think a uniform approach where we lump large and small businesses into this requirement is fair or practical. I’m standing up for job providers in Northern Michigan and want to keep government out of their business.”

HB 4249 moves to the Senate for further consideration.