FCC Report Spotlight State's Noncompliance with NET 911 Act

On December 8, the FCC released its 12th Annual Report on State 911 Fees and Charges. In the report, the Commission found that a handful of states diverted nearly $200 million in 911 taxes and fees to non-911 purposes in 2019 as defined by the NET 911 Act. Once again, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island were among the worst offenders. 

The Commission found that New Jersey spent nearly $93.6 million in 911 taxes and fees – or over 75% of the 911 taxes and fees it collected – on non-911 public safety and unrelated matters. West Virginia also made the list of states that diverted funds to non-911 purposes. And state law in Nevada apparently permitted two or more local jurisdictions to divert funds to non-911 purposes. 

The report did observe that Rhode Island and West Virginia have more recently amended their laws regarding the handling of 911/E911 taxes and fees. So there is reason to anticipate 2020 results that are more consistent with the NET 911 Act.

 

The FCC's State 911 Fees and Charges Report has again provided a useful public service that hopefully will encourage greater accountability for proper use of 911 taxes and fees in the future.