Relating to the amount of emergency service fees for certain telecommunications providers.
Impact
The proposed changes in HB2437 could significantly impact the way 9-1-1 services are funded in Texas. By establishing a cap on what can be charged for emergency service fees, the bill seeks to provide predictability for consumers while ensuring adequate funding for emergency services. This approach may encourage more robust investment in technology that enhances the capabilities of emergency response agencies, as providers are assured that fee collections will be stable and regulated under state law.
Summary
House Bill 2437 amends the Health and Safety Code concerning emergency service fees applicable to telecommunications providers. Specifically, it sets a maximum fee of 50 cents per month for each line offered by providers for 9-1-1 services. The bill aims to streamline the collection and allocation of these fees while ensuring they remain affordable for consumers. Furthermore, it emphasizes the importance of funding emergency communications services across Texas, reflecting a commitment to public safety and responsiveness in emergency situations.
Contention
While the bill creates a straightforward framework for charging emergency service fees, there may be points of contention regarding the fee cap limit. Some stakeholders may argue that the cap could hinder the ability of local governments or service providers to adequately fund improvements or enhancements to existing emergency services. This could lead to debates on whether the 50-cent cap is sufficient in the long term, especially as technological advancements evolve and the demand for improved services increases.
Relating to the Texas Connectivity Fund and to the allocation and the use of certain proceeds from the imposition of state sales and use taxes on telecommunications services.
Proposing a constitutional amendment creating the Texas Connectivity Fund for the development of broadband and other telecommunications services in all areas of the state and authorizing the appropriation to that fund of a portion of revenue received from the existing state sales and use taxes on telecommunications services while not increasing the rate of the sales and use taxes.
Relating to the provision of behavioral health crisis services, including the establishment of crisis centers and mobile crisis teams; authorizing a fee.
Relating to the powers and duties of the Health and Human Services Commission and the transfer to the commission of certain powers and duties from the Department of Family and Protective Services.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.
Relating to the regulation of sports wagering; requiring occupational permits; authorizing fees; imposing a tax; decriminalizing wagering on certain sports events; creating criminal offenses; providing administrative penalties.