Georgia House Bill HB1272

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/13/24

Caption

Emergency telephone number 9-1-1 system; fees; clarify language

Impact

If enacted, this bill will lead to clearer guidelines on the collection of 9-1-1 fees and will mandate that these funds are utilized strictly for emergency response services. The bill outlines the specific costs that can be covered under the Emergency Telephone System Fund, including the maintenance of emergency equipment, training of personnel, and related operational costs. It also stresses the local government's accountability towards managing these funds, which aims to reduce misuse and enhance transparency in the use of public resources.

Summary

House Bill 1272 is an act to amend the provisions regarding the emergency telephone number 9-1-1 system in Georgia, specifically targeting the clarity of language related to fees and charges imposed on telephone subscribers. The bill seeks to establish defined parameters for how 9-1-1 service charges are applied to subscribers of telephone services and the responsibilities of service suppliers in billing. The intent of this bill is to streamline the funding mechanism for essential emergency services, ensuring that local governments can effectively collect and allocate funds necessary for the operation and maintenance of the 9-1-1 systems.

Contention

Notable points of contention surrounding HB 1272 may include discussions on the sufficiency of the established fees and whether they adequately cover the operational costs of emergency services, as well as debates on the fairness of imposing these charges on subscribers. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding how these regulations impact service suppliers and the potential burden on local governments in terms of administrative workload and fiscal management. Stakeholders may voice differing opinions on the balance between ensuring adequate emergency services and avoiding excessive charges imposed on residents.