In anticipation of its September 30 public meeting, the FCC has released a draft Notice of Inquiry on ways to combat states' diversion of 911 fees to things that are unrelated to non-911 purposes. The Commission's Fact Sheet states that "between 2012 and 2018, American states and jurisdictions diverted a total of over $1.275 billion in 911 fees to non-911 programs or to the state’s general fund." Annual reports by the Commission call out those states and jurisdictions that apparently misuse fee revenues collected for 911. And the Commission previously has mulled penalties for states that divert 911 fees, including disqualification from grants or other subsidies. Chairman Ajit Pai is to be applauded for circulating the draft Notice. It's a step forward for ensuring that 911 fees are actually used for their stated purpose.
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