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June 17, 2015

Bill to increase 911 phone surcharge passed by Pa. Senate

Senate Bills
06172015_911Calls_AP Chris Greenberg/AP

A dispatcher takes 911 emergency calls.

The Pennsylvania Senate has approved a bill that would reauthorize and raise the state’s 911 surcharge on phone service, CBSPhilly reports.

The 911 phone surcharge, which otherwise expires at the end of the month, would increase to $1.65 per month, according to the measure. 

In addition, Philadelphia and all other counties could impose an additional fee of up to $52 per year per residential address. 

Republican Sen. Randy Vulakovich noted the bargain lawmakers made on 911 service.

“In 1990, the state promised to pay for 911. We are now funding this system at 70 percent,” Vulakovich told CBSPhilly.

The bill now heads to the House.

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