Governor Sam Brownback signed a bill into law today (WED) aimed at updating the state 911 system. The bill will require all types of phones to pay fees that go to emergency response call centers. Currently, some phones, like prepaid cell phones, don’t pay 911 fees. The money will help call centers implement new systems, allowing them to accept text messages and other communications. Brownback says the 911 system needs to keep up with technology.
The money collected from the fees will be distributed to counties based on their population. The funding will be used for call center training, upkeep and technology upgrades.