9-1-1 Reform Bill Signed Into Law

Legislation changing the way 9-1-1 telephone fees are collected and creating a state coordinator for 9-1-1 systems has been signed into law by Governor Fallin. House Bill 3126 modernizes the funding stream and centralizes efforts to keep emergency call systems up to date.

Because fewer people are using landlines, the fees collected for local 9-1-1 dispatch centers have dwindled. HB 3126 author Rep. Josh Cockroft said by shifting the way the fees on cellular phone service are collected, as well as increasing the fee from 50 cents to 75 cents, the state can begin to modernize the life-saving system.

“The 9-1-1 system is a critical public safety service that was losing revenue due to the decrease in the use of landline phones,” said Cockroft. “In working with the advisory board, law enforcement agencies, first responder entities, counties and municipalities and many other entities, I received recommendations that we create a statewide coordinator, increase the accountability of the current use of revenues and increase the cell phone fee to reflect its greater usage.”

Senate author Senator Jason Smalley said the change was necessary to save lives.

“We know having an effective 9-1-1- system saves lives, but right now we have a system with technology and funding mechanisms that are based 20th century communications,” said Smalley.  “This legislation will enable our state to join others moving to Next Generation 9-1-1, updating our technology to interface with 21st century communications, like texts, video and more.  I’m grateful to our fellow members and to the governor for their support on this measure.”

The state 9-1-1 coordinator will work within the Oklahoma Department of Emergency Management. The cellular fees will be distributed on the basis of where the customer lives as opposed to the current system of where the contract is purchased.


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