Bill > HB578

This bill increases the monthly 9-1-1 emergency service charge across multiple telecommunications platforms in Georgia from $1.50 to $3.00, effective July 1, 2025. The charge increase applies to three primary types of telecommunications services: standard telephone services, wireless enhanced 9-1-1 services, and prepaid wireless services. For each of these service types, local governments are authorized to assess the new $3.00 monthly fee per telephone service or connection, with certain exemptions for government-billed services. The bill maintains existing provisions about how service providers collect and remit these charges, including rules about billing processes and limitations on the number of charges that can be assessed. Specifically for prepaid wireless services, the bill allows counties and municipalities operating 9-1-1 public safety answering points to impose the $3.00 charge per retail transaction, with a provision that automatically converts any existing charges to the new $3.00 rate on July 1, 2025. The purpose of this bill appears to be providing additional funding for emergency communication systems by increasing the monthly fee charged to telecommunications service subscribers.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/70665