Rep Collins Introduces Legislation to Address 9-1-1 Fee Diversion

Rep Chris Collins (R-NY) introduced legislation that prevents states from diverting fees collected from consumers on their phone bills, which are meant to be used to improve 9-1-1 emergency communications systems. The Federal Communications Commission has found that New York diverts at least 41 percent of 9-1-1 fees that are collected for other non-public safety related purposes. Rep Anna Eshoo (D-CA) and Rep Leonard Lance (D-NJ), co-authored the bill and have also seen 9-1-1 fee diversion in their home states.

Rep Collins’ bill directs 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. In April, Rep Collins toured the Niagara County 9-1-1 call center with FCC Commissioner Mike O’Rielly where they called on the state of New York to stop diverting fees.