State Relaxes 911 Funding Law

Cities and towns in North Carolina have a new source of funding for public safety comm centers after state legislators tweaked the 911 funding law to broaden the types of equipment that can be purchased with 911 surcharge money. Like many states, the previous law rather narrowly restricted cities to using 911 funds only for non-payroll expenses related to handling 911 calls. Anything radio-related could not be purchased with the funds, which come from monthly surcharges on wired and wireless telephones. The new law expands the use of funds slightly, allowing the purchase of “dispatch equipment” at a public safety answering point (PSAP), but still excluding radio transmitters, microwave links and antenna gear. Local officials welcomed the change, since that wording and other changes will now include consoles and dispatcher furniture. The new law also makes several changes in the the definition of “call taking,” the make-up of the state’s 911 Board, how funds are distributed and the percentage forumula, and the establishment of a state-wide 911 project fund. The new law also requires a legislative committee to study whether secondary PSAPs should become eligible to receive state 911 funds. Download (pdf) a copy of the new law here.