The Legislative Assembly finds that:

(1) The implementation of a single, easy-to-use telephone number, 2-1-1, will benefit the residents of this state by providing easier access to available services after an emergency and health and human services, by reducing inefficiencies in connecting people with desired service providers and by reducing duplication of efforts.

(2) In a time of reduced resources for the provision of health and human services, establishing a cost-effective means to continue to inform the public about available services is a priority.

(3) An integrated statewide system of local information consists of a single call center, utilizing a shared statewide resources database that contains information regarding services after an emergency and health and human services input by designated regional information centers. [Formerly 401.282; 2011 c.205 § 1]