BILL ANALYSIS

Senate Research Center                                                                                                        S.B. 171

79R2003 MSE-D                                                                                                               By: Harris

                                                                                                                        Business & Commerce

3/28/2005

As Filed

AUTHOR'S/SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

State law currently caps the Tarrant County 9-1-1 District land-based phone line fee at three percent of the monthly base rate charged by a service supplier in the district service area.  The Tarrant County 9-1-1 District is one of only two districts with a cap of three percent.  All other 9-1-1 districts in the state have a cap of six percent.  As proposed, S.B. 171 increases the fee rate to six percent to be more in line with other 9-1-1 districts and allow increased flexibility as land-based phone fees continue to decline.

RULEMAKING AUTHORITY

This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.

SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS

SECTION 1. Amends Section 772.214(c), Health and Safety Code, to prohibit the rate of the emergency fee in certain 9-1-1 emergency services districts from exceeding six percent, rather than three percent, of the monthly base rate charged a service user by the principal service supplier in the participating jurisdiction.

SECTION 2.  Makes application of this Act prospective.

SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 2005.