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3/20/2018
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Algiere again introduces ‘911 account’ legislation
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STATE HOUSE – Senate Minority Leader Dennis L. Algiere, (R-Dist. 38, Westerly, Charlestown, South Kingstown), has again introduced legislation that would create a restricted receipt account for all 911 funds collected by telephone service providers for both landline and cell phones.
“Since the 2016 legislative session, I have been introducing this bill with the goal of keeping 911 fees where they belong and properly funding our 911 services throughout the state,” Algiere said. “This bill would require all 911 funds collected to be used solely for the operation of the 911 system.”
Algiere said he introduced the bill in order to ensure that the 911 fees the state collects are used to keep emergency services funded so they can run at optimum levels using the best available technology. Rhode Island currently assesses a $1 fee each month on both land lines and cell phones. As state law currently stands, those fees can be diverted to the general fund.
“My proposal creates a ‘911 account’ to ensure that 911 fees are in fact used to fund our 911 system,” Algiere said. “911 is a critical service that Rhode Islanders need to rely and depend upon.”
Algiere’s bill includes a caveat that would empower the Public Utilities Commission to reduce 911 fees should the amount collected exceed the amount they need to fund 911 services.
Senate bill (2018-S 2197) was referred to the Senate Finance Committee for consideration.
For more information, contact:
Katie Haughey Cardoza, Senate Minority Office
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401) 222-2708
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