Bill > H0211

This bill amends existing Idaho law to update regulations surrounding emergency communications fees and funds. The legislation maintains the current emergency communications fee at one dollar ($1.00) per month per access or interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service line, and specifies that these fees must be paid to the county treasurer within fifteen days after each quarter's end. The bill clarifies that these fees can only be used for specific purposes related to emergency communication systems, such as leasing, purchasing, or maintaining equipment, funding next-generation emergency systems (NG911), and covering related training and management costs. Telecommunications providers are allowed to retain 1% of collected fees for administrative expenses and can list the fee as a separate item on customer bills. The bill also establishes procedures for placing collected fees into the Idaho Emergency Communications Fund, which can be used to support consolidated emergency communication operations across the state. Additionally, the legislation includes provisions for an enhanced emergency communications grant fee of twenty-five cents per service line, which can be authorized by county commissioners and used to fund grants for emergency communication system improvements. The changes aim to provide more clarity and structure around emergency communication funding and operations in Idaho, with the new provisions set to take effect on July 1, 2025.

Government Affairs

Local Government Committee (H)

https://legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2025/legislation/H0211/