May. 06, 2015
HARRISBURG – State Rep. Will Tallman (R-Adams/Cumberland) joined the majority of his colleagues Monday in moving to the state Senate bipartisan legislation that would more sufficiently fund Pennsylvania’s 911 emergency calling system and update the necessary technology to bring it into the 21st Century.
House Bill 911 passed by a 134-59 margin.
“Dialing 911 in an emergency situation has become as instinctive as flipping a light switch or turning on a water faucet in our homes,” Tallman said. “We do so, albeit in a time of crisis, without thinking about what it costs to facilitate the system and put into motion a response to our cry for help.”
House Bill 911 would impose a uniform surcharge of $1.65 on all communication service or prepaid wireless devices capable of accessing the 911 system. The fee under current law is $1 per wireless telephone and prepaid wireless cards/devices. Landline telephone owners are surcharged between $1-$1.50 per phone, depending on the class of county.
“Many households have dropped their landlines in order to save money, and I don’t blame them for doing so. It is important, however, to note the subsequent financial impact on the budgets of counties whose only recourse in funding the 911 system is to raise property taxes to fill the gap. The cost to Adams County taxpayers this fiscal year amounts to approximately $800,000, while the price tag for Cumberland County taxpayers is approximately $1.5 million.
“Moving to an across-the-board charge provides a more stable source of revenue and more reliable means from which counties can create budgets. There were efforts to raise the charge even higher, but I am glad my colleagues and I were able to fight off those efforts.”
Toll-free 911 service came into existence in Pennsylvania in 1990. Legislative action brought about technical improvements 10 years later, and funding to account for use of cellular devices was addressed in 2003.
House Bill 911 would also create a 911 board made up of stakeholders from local and state government, as well as from the technology sector. It would also reduce the role of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), which has administrated the system since 1998.
“PEMA needs to have an active role in 911, but not sufficiently factoring in the role of local governments has been a shortcoming. House Bill 911 gives the ‘boots on the ground’ a voice in the discussion.”
House Bill 911 also addresses flaws in funding distribution formulas to take into account variables such as call volume and population.
Questions about this or any legislative issue should be directed to Tallman’s district office at (717) 259-7805 or 1-877-480-9525.
Representative Will Tallman
193rd District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Scott Little
717.260.6137
slittle@pahousegop.com
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