Big changes may soon be on the way for the 911 system.
State Representative Josh Cockroft says it's time for change. Introducing a bill, requiring a centralized 9-1-1 system with a state director to oversee agencies.
“We want to simply provide a tool and mechanism for them to communicate with one another,” Cockroft said.
It will also require local 911 centers to be audited every year.
Plus it will increase funding, which in the past has been paid for with fees attached to landline phone bills.
“Over the last decade we've seen a decline of about 45% in traditional landline fees,” Cockroft said.
Forcing them to add extra fees to your cell phone bill.
You already pay six dollars a year. With the new bill, that number rises to nine dollars.
“That's not a huge amount of money, I think the benefits for that small amount of investment may be worth.”
The state hopes so. The bill is projected to add $28 million a year. Which many believe will improve service and may even speed up response times.
Oklahoma's legislative session starts February 1st.
