Congressman Chris Collins (R-NY) has introduced the 9-1-1 Fee Integrity Act (H.R. 6424) in the House of Representatives. The bill would prevent states from diverting consumer phone bill fees that are meant to be used to improve 9-1-1 emergency communications systems. According to a press release from Rep. Collins’ office, H.R. 6424 would direct the FCC, in consultation with public safety organizations and state, local, and tribal governments, to determine the appropriate use of funds collected from consumers. Currently, states are able to set their own definition of what is a covered cost for 9-1-1 fees, which has allowed them to divert fees. The bill has been referred to the House Energy and Commerce Committee for consideration.
