Section 1325.210  Order of Authority

a)         Any order of authority issued by the Commission to a 9-1-1 Authority prior to January 1, 2016 shall remain in effect as if issued by the Administrator until the 9-1-1 Authority files a plan for consolidation under 83 Ill. Adm. Code 1324.200 or for modification under Section 1325.205 of this Part and a new order of authority is issued by the Administrator.  The 9-1-1 Authority of a proposed or modified 9-1-1 system shall file a plan with the Administrator for an order of authority to operate a 9-1-1 system as detailed and described in the Authority's 9-1-1 plan.  The Administrator will issue an order of authority authorizing the 9-1-1 Authority to operate under the terms of its initial or modified plan.

b)         Pursuant to ETSA Section 10, the Department is authorized to set technical standards for the provision of 9-1-1 Authorities throughout the State of Illinois.  Pursuant to the Public Utilities Act [220 ILCS 5/13-900], the Commission is authorized to set technical standards for the provision of 9-1-1 service to be provided by telecommunication carriers and 9-1-1 system providers.

c)         All 9-1-1 plans must be filed electronically with the Department.  Upon receipt of the plan, it will be posted on the Department's website.  The Department will notify all vendors registered with it pursuant to Section 1325.305, perform a technical review to ensure compliance with this Part, and simultaneously submit the plan for a technical review by the Commission to ensure compliance with 83 Ill. Adm. Code 725. 

d)         The public and industry will have 20 days to file written comments with the Administrator.  After 20 days, or until notified otherwise by the Commission, the Department will proceed as though no separate Commission proceeding will be undertaken. 

e)         If there are no contested issues in the filing, no public hearing will be warranted.

f)         If there are contested issues, the Administrator will schedule a public hearing to allow the parties who have issued written comments to appear in front of the Administrator and the applicant.

g)         Once the hearing is concluded the Administrator will decide whether to issue an order of authority or to deny the plan.