By EMS1 Staff
WASHINGTON — A federal bill was introduced to prevent states from diverting 911 fees.
Turn to 10 reported that Rep. Chris Collins introduced the 911 Fee Integrity Act to the U.S. House of Representatives in an effort to change how states use 911 fees they collect.
The bill would require states to use the fees solely for 911 services, and it comes after the FCC found that states such as New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island have been diverting the fees for other purposes.
Rhode Island Governor Gina Raimondo said the state has unsuccessfully tried to restrict the funds in the past.
“We tried [to restrict the funds] last session, and it didn’t work. We’ll try it again next session,” Raimondo said. “In the meantime, if Congress passes something, well, that would be good too.”
Rep. Bob Lancia said he has seen similar bills die in state committees several times.
“What saddens me is that it has to be done on the federal level,” he said. “We couldn’t accomplish it on a state level. If this is heard down in the House of Representatives, then I will be going to Washington and I will testify.”