Washington § 70.54.180 - Deaf persons access to emergency services — Telecommunication devices.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 70.54.180 — Deaf persons access to emergency services — Telecommunication devices., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 70.54.180. Deaf persons access to emergency services — Telecommunication devices.

(1) For the purpose of this section "telecommunication device" means an instrument for telecommunication in which speaking or hearing is not required for communicators.
(2) The county legislative authority of each county with a population of eighteen thousand or more and the governing body of each city with a population in excess of ten thousand shall provide by July 1, 1980, for a telecommunication device in their jurisdiction or through a central dispatch office that will assure access to police, fire, or other emergency services.
(3) The county legislative authority of each county with a population of eighteen thousand or less shall by July 1, 1980, make a determination of whether sufficient need exists with their respective counties to require installation of a telecommunication device. Reconsideration of such determination will be made at any future date when a deaf individual indicates a need for such an instrument.
[ 1991 c 363 s 142; 1979 ex.s. c 63 s 2.]

Notes

Purpose—Captions not law—1991 c 363: See notes following RCW 2.32.180.
Purpose—1979 ex.s. c 63: "The legislature finds that many citizens of this state who are unable to utilize telephone services in a regular manner due to hearing defects are able to communicate by teletypewriters where hearing is not required for communication. Hence, it is the purpose of section 2 of this act [RCW 70.54.180] to require that telecommunication devices for the deaf be installed." [ 1979 ex.s. c 63 s 1.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 70.54.180

What does Revised Code of Washington § 70.54.180 cover?

Section 70.54.180 ("Deaf persons access to emergency services — Telecommunication devices.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 70.54.180?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 70.54.180" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

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