Divergent State Funding Mechanisms for NG911

January 14, 2013 – The FCC invited comments on the fourth annual report to Congress entitled: On State Collection and Distribution of 911 and Enhanced 911 Fees and Charges. The report was prepared by the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau and presents findings on the “collection and distribution of 911 and Enhanced 911 (E911) fees and charges” between January 1-December 31, 2011. Specifically related to Next Generation 911 (NG911), the Commission collected information from the states on whether the allocation of 911 and E911 fees and charges to the implementation of NG911 was permissible. Thirty-three states reported that it was permitted, with sixteen of these states reporting the actual allocation of 911 funds for NG911 services in 2011. Three states indicated that their funding mechanisms did not permit the allocation of 911 funds to NG911 programs.  The FCC seeks comment [PS Docket No. 09-14] on the state’s response, or lack thereof, concerning 911 and e911 fees collected and how those finds are then used.  Initial comments are due February 13, 2013; reply comments are due on or before March 15, 2013.