States are stealing funds from 9-1-1 emergency services — now they’ll be punished

[Commentary] On our individual phone bills a line item is typically included for 9-1-1 service. It’s a relatively small fee that states and localities charge to support emergency calling services. But too many states are stealing these funds and using them for other purposes, like filling budget gaps, purchasing vehicles, or worse.  It’s time for 9-1-1 fee diversion to stop.

Fixing it should be easy. But with the responsibility for funding 9-1-1 chiefly a state-level duty, a concerted effort is required. This can start with ensuring that public safety programs in Washington are only available to those that do not engage in fee diversion.

Thankfully, we are already taking a step in that direction with a grant program tucked into the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act that is designed to kickstart key 9-1-1 upgrades. This program offers $115 million for states and localities seeking additional support for incorporating new technologies into their 9-1-1 systems.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), which are jointly running the program, are prohibited by law from making these funds available to jurisdictions that have been diverting 9-1-1 fees. This can serve as a template for any other funds provided at the federal level, including in new infrastructure legislation.