Committee hears testimony supporting increase in prepaid 9-1-1 fee to fund NG‑911 upgrades

Representative Chad Perkins introduced House Bill 27 67, a targeted change to increase the prepaid 9-1-1 contribution from 3% to 4% to strengthen grant funding for local 9-1-1 centers to update equipment and training.

Scott Penman, speaking for Missouri 9-1-1 stakeholders, said the increase would bolster a state-administered grant pool and estimated about $1,000,000 in additional funding would come in on the higher percentage. Alan Wells, chair of the State Board of Governance for 9-1-1, testified the board's available prepaid-derived funding had fallen from over $5,000,000 in 2020 to roughly $2,250,000 as the market shifted away from prepaid minutes; he said the board needs more consistent revenue to complete NG‑911 upgrades and training across counties.

Committee members asked about distribution, eligibility for grants, and whether the funds could be used for salaries; witnesses said the state-administered grants are restricted to technology, training and consolidation efforts and are not intended to pay salaries.

The committee took testimony in support and concluded the hearing without a committee roll-call vote on the bill in this session.