House Bill 5026 was passed and signed by the Governor last week. The bill amends and streamlines the Emergency 9-1-1 Enabling Act.
The legislation, introduced by State Representative Julie Calley, a Portland Republican, funds the 9-1-1 system until the end of 2027. It also increases the prepaid wireless 9-1-1 surcharge. The surcharge will go from 5% to 6%.
Calley said, “Public safety is one of the core responsibilities of government. If we fail to take action, we’d be shirking our responsibility and letting down every single Michigander who relies on 911 to be at the ready when an emergency occurs.”
Calley explained the rate increase, saying, “The software and technology we have today to support the trained experts on the line is truly incredible – but it’s not free. It’s absolutely essential to make sure this fund is sustainable long into the future.”
According to fiscal analysis, the surcharge increase would result in increased revenue to counties and the Department of State Police.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
