The bill revises the laws governing the state emergency telephone system, specifically focusing on the 9-1-1 advisory council and the allocation of 9-1-1 fees. Key amendments include increasing the number of council members from 18 to 19, adding a representative from the Montana chapter of the National Emergency Number Association. The council's duties have been streamlined, removing the requirement to advise on the development of a statewide 9-1-1 plan while retaining its advisory role on significant matters concerning 9-1-1 systems. Additionally, the bill updates the responsibilities of the department overseeing the 9-1-1 program, including maintaining a statewide 9-1-1 plan and ensuring compliance with funding distribution rules.

The bill also modifies the fee structure for 9-1-1 services, increasing the monthly fee for access lines from 75 cents to $1, while maintaining the fee for prepaid wireless services at $1 per transaction. It clarifies the liability of sellers in collecting these fees and establishes guidelines for the distribution of funds to local and tribal governments that host public safety answering points. The department is tasked with adopting rules for grant funding and ensuring that allocations are based on various factors, including call volume and population trends, to support the effective operation of 9-1-1 services across the state.

Statutes affected:
LC Text: 10-4-105, 10-4-106, 10-4-107, 10-4-108, 10-4-201, 10-4-213, 10-4-214, 10-4-305, 10-4-306