DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HB 678 Original 2016 Regular Session Carmody
Abstract: Provides for definitions and increases the amount of the charge being imposed on prepaid
911 services and products.
Present law details the intent of present law.
Present law includes definitions and multiple references that include the terms "wireless",
"telecommunications", "wireless telecommunications", and "service charges" relative to describing
certain charges, services, and products. Proposed law removes these references and modifies the
definitions included in present law . Specifically, proposed law enumerates definitions to include
the terms "prepaid 911 charge", "prepaid service", and "product". Proposed law effectually broadens
the scope of present law to make certain services and products that provide access to 911 subject to
the prepaid 911 charge.
Present law provides procedures for the collection and remittance of prepaid wireless
telecommunications 911 service charges. Present law imposes a prepaid wireless
telecommunications 911 service charge in the amount of 2% of the amount of the per retail
transaction. Proposed law imposes a prepaid 911 charge. Further, proposed law increases the
amount of the charge from 2% to 4% of the amount of the per retail transaction. Otherwise,
proposed law makes only technical changes to the procedures established by present law relative to
the collection and remittance of the prepaid 911 charges for the purpose of incorporating the terms
defined in proposed law.
Present law provides for the administration of prepaid wireless 911 service charges. Proposed law
amends a reference to a provision of present law regarding the rights of a seller of prepaid 911
services and proposed law allows any seller to deduct and retain half of the 2016 fourth quarter's
fees. Otherwise, proposed law makes only technical changes to the procedures established by
present law relative to the administration of prepaid 911 charges for the purpose of incorporating the
terms defined in proposed law.
Present law provides for limited liability relative to providers and sellers of prepaid wireless
telecommunications service. Proposed law makes only technical changes to the provisions of
present law relative to liability for the purpose of incorporating the terms defined in proposed law.
Present law provides that the prepaid wireless E911 charge shall be the exclusive funding obligation
imposed with respect to prepaid wireless telecommunications service in this state. Proposed law
makes only technical changes to the provisions of present law relative to the exclusivity of the charge for the purpose of incorporating the terms defined in proposed law.
Effective upon signature of governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 33:9109.1(A) through (D), (F), and (G))