In the near future, I will introduce legislation that will update Pennsylvania’s uniform 911 surcharge to reflect the needs of our 911 system and ease the funding burden on our counties. 

The ability to quickly access 911 is a vital part of our public safety system that all Pennsylvanians need and rely on and it is the critical link between the people who need help and the people who are trained to help with emergencies in all of its forms. 

Act 34 of 2023 increased the 911 surcharge rate from $1.65 to $1.95 but that rate only remains effective through January 31, 2026. Despite this 14% increase, the 911 surcharge generated only $375 million in 2024—falling well short of the estimated $450 million needed to fully fund the statewide 911 system. Without legislating a fair increase to our 911 surcharge, county property taxpayers will continue to bear the burden of a nearly $100 million annual shortfall. 

My legislation, which is supported by the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) will increase the current surcharge from $1.95 to $2.20. It will also include an annual increase tied to inflation to ensure that our counties do not have to rely on legislative action for the surcharge to keep pace with increasing costs.  If our legislature does not take action to update the surcharge prior to January 31, 2026, the current surcharge will revert to $1.65, effectively forcing our counties to fund an additional $46 million to provide 911 services. 

There are additional comprehensive updates that are needed in the near future to address our NG911 system but while those are being finalized and drafted, it is imperative that the legislature immediately addresses the upcoming sunset of the surcharge fee since meeting deadlines is a weakness of the state government.

Please join me in supporting public safety by ensuring reliable and adequate funding for our 911 system.