In the near future, I plan to introduce legislation to maintain the state’s uniform 911 surcharge of $1.95.

It was recently brought to my attention by the County Commissioner’s Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) that the 911 surcharge that was increased from $1.65 to $1.95 by Act 34 of 2023 has a fast-approaching deadline of January 31st, 2026 and that if this issue is not addressed it could result in a major funding shortfall for our Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPS), also known as County 911 Centers.

Based on an LBFC study commissioned under Act 34 which analyzed the distribution and usage of surcharge funds before and after the surcharge increase, the study indicated the following:

In 2022, the total reported expenditures statewide for 911 was $421 million, while the surcharge collected amounted to $323.7 million. As a result, counties contributed $89.5 million. In 2024, the total expenditures reported statewide for 911 was $455 million, and the surcharge collected amounted to $375.05 million, resulting in counties contributing $80 million, representing a substantial increase in surcharge funding after the implementation of Act 34.

The urgency of maintaining the uniform statewide surcharge as a funding source to sustain the statewide 911 communication system is very crucial. This will be achieved through my legislation which will change the January 31st, 2026 expiration date to January 31st, 2029 to give our counties, the statewide 911 advisory board, and our 911 community more time to develop a thorough and adequate response to the issue of sustainable 911 funding and the incorporation of the LBFC study recommendations.

In addition, the General Assembly will be in a better position to implement a positive statewide policy to ensure Pennsylvania’s emergency communication system can protect the health and safety of its citizens.

Please join me in sponsoring this critical legislation to prevent the shutdown of our 911 PSAPs and to continue supporting the important work they do to keep our emergency communications flowing and our communities safe.