Governor Involved in 9-1-1 Chase: Henry Signs HB 2556

Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry signed House Bill 2556 earlier this week. This legislation ensures that all cell phones are assessed the 50-cent service fee voted by the citizens of Central Oklahoma in 2005. Currently only some of wireless carriers in Central Oklahoma remit this fee that funds the complex state of the art 9-1-1 system that locates both traditional landline and cell phone users when they call 9-1-1.

The challenge for that selling prepaid cell service is that the service is often sold in bulk to retailers and it is unclear where the service is used or purchased. House Bill 2556 will use an innovative way of assessing the public safety fee by charging it at the retail transaction, since the address of the user is unknown. 9-1-1 ACOG believes this methodology for 9-1-1 fees may be the future to funding 9-1-1. 9-1-1 has always chased technology in both locating the caller but also in fee remittance which pays for the service. Customers demand more innovate and mobile technology and the traditional way of putting the fee on a phone bill is becoming obsolete.

Summary of HB 2556

Visit the Association of Central Oklahoma Government's Web site.

Oklahoma House of Representatives approves HB 2556

The State House of Representatives approved Senate amendments to House Bill 2556 this morning. HB 2556 is collaborative legislation from public safety and the wireless industry utilizing a model developed by the National Conference of State Legislators. This legislation changes remittance of 9-1-1 service fees for pre-paid wireless telephones to retailers who collect the service fee at the point of sale. Retailers will remit the 50-cent service fee to the Oklahoma Tax Commission who will distribute to the 9-1-1 entities in the state based upon population.

“This legislation is important for long-term financial sustainability of
9-1-1 systems in the state.” said Rep. Steve Martin. Prepaid cell phones make up 20% of wireless market, and this group is expected to continue to grow by 10-15% each year in the future according to the Cellular Telephone Industry Association.

HB 2556 would become effective January 1, 2011 if signed by Governor Henry. 9-1-1 ACOG encourages our public safety partners to contact the Governor’s Office to ensure his support.

Photo: Oklahoma State Rep. Steve Martin (R-Bartlesville)