Committee backs increase in 9‑1‑1 monthly charge to fund Next Generation 9‑1‑1

Representative McMakin told the committee HB463 would allow local communication districts to raise the monthly emergency telephone service charge from $1.25 to up to $2.00 and require an annual report to the legislature and local governing authorities. An amendment (2752) requires districts seeking a higher charge to secure a majority vote of the local governing authority and submit an annual report to the commerce committees and local governments.

9‑1‑1 officials and parish representatives explained the operational and technical drivers: moving to Next Generation 9‑1‑1 (NG911) replaces legacy analog systems with IP‑based routing that can convey mobile location and other data more reliably. Witnesses said initial statewide migration costs were estimated at $25M–$30M with ongoing costs in later years; they estimated that a $0.80 increase statewide would raise approximately $32M—enough to fund a broad migration if broadly adopted.

Committee members asked for actuarial or statewide shortfall figures; witnesses said the amendment will require reporting so the legislature can better assess need. The committee adopted the amendment and reported HB463 favorable.