West Virginia Governor Pledges to O'Rielly 2019 Bill to End 911 Fee Diversion
A 2019 state bill will end West Virginia diversion of 911 fee revenue, Gov. Jim Justice (R) promised FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly. “When I became aware that we were ineligible for certain federal funds due to being designated a ‘diverter’…
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state, I immediately directed my staff to remedy any problems.” A statutory change is required, so Justice plans a bill in the legislative session that starts January that would ensure all the 911 fee revenue goes to local public safety answering points. That’s “very encouraging,” O’Rielly responded later Wednesday. “West Virginia may be reported as diverting fees in this year’s report," but this legislation's passage “should guarantee that this is the last time the state will appear as a diverter and that these funds are put to their intended purpose.” O'Rielly tweeted condemnation for the "Dirty Half Dozen" others that still divert: Missouri, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and Guam. "Much more work to do as some are really committed to stealing consumer-paid fees for other spending at expense of public safety!" Earlier this week, O’Rielly slammed diverter Guam over inability to record 911 calls (see 1811270016).