National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has issued compi...
National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has issued compilation of wireless phone legislation that state lawmakers have passed so far this year, including spate of measures directed at Enhanced 911 (E911) costs. Not counting bills that restrict cellphone use…
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while driving, 20 states passed legislation covering other wireless issues, including new taxes. At least 9 governors have signed into law since Jan. legislative provisions on E911. Earlier this month, Alaska adopted bill that allows creation of E911 surcharges on wireless bills. For municipalities with populations of at least 100,000, E911 surcharge can’t exceed 50 cents per wireless phone number. For towns with fewer residents, surcharge can’t be greater than 75 cents per wireless phone. Ky., Md., Me., Miss., Neb., N.M. and Tenn. also passed E911-related legislation. Okla. bill, HB 1691, signed into law in April, allows county boards to submit question of 911 emergency wireless communication fee to voters. N.M. bill, HB 339, creates wireless E911 surcharge. In Miss., HB 469 establishes commercial mobile radio service board and requires wireless carriers to provide E911. Measure authorizes state highway patrol and local govts. that participated in wireless program to assess additional surcharge on drivers stopped for traffic violations. Surcharge can be used to pay for public safety wireless equipment. New Tenn. law directs state Dept. of Economic and Community Development to conduct study on wireless service in rural areas. Study must be completed by Feb. 15 and is to address costs of erecting additional towers to reach lower population areas. It also must evaluate feasibility of state and local govts.’ participating in construction of additional towers to improve wireless access of public safety agencies.