The Commission on State Emergency Communications(CSEC) is the state’s authority on emergency communications, and is the state agency statutorily charged with administering the implementation of statewide 9-1-1 service and the poison control network, including regional poison control centers. The CSEC was created in 1987 by the 70th Texas Legislature through the enactment of Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 771. In 1993, the 73rd Texas Legislature created the state Poison Control Program and provided for the joint administration of the program by the Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) and the Texas Department of State Health Services. In 2009, the 81st Texas Legislature shifted administration of the program to CSEC. The enabling statute for the Poison program is codified in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 777.
The mission of the CSEC is to preserve and enhance public safety and health in Texas through reliable access to emergency communications services. In accomplishing its mission, the agency collaborates with regional and local governments and other state agencies to promote stewardship and accountability, set high standards, and foster efficient emergency communications services.
Funding of emergency communication services in Texas is authorized by Health and Safety Code (H&SC) Chapters 771 and 772. Funding for the TPCN is provided through the Equalization Surcharge Fee imposed upon each customer receiving intrastate long-distance service in the amount of 1.0% of the charges for intrastate long-distance service. All collections of the Equalization Surcharge and the Wireless 9-1-1 Service Fee are remitted on a monthly basis to the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts (the Comptroller). The fees remain in the state treasury until appropriated to the CSEC for the operations of the regional poison control centers and for the poison control telecommunications network.
For more information regarding the CSEC, please visit the agency’s website, www.csec.texas.gov.
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