This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia to modernize the fees associated with emergency communication services. It allows county commissions to impose an enhanced emergency telephone system fee on each 911 service user location, which is defined as any occupied residential, commercial, or business premises with a physical address in the county. The bill specifies that the fee can be applied regardless of the type of communication technology used at the location and that the revenue generated from these fees must be used solely for the capital, installation, administration, operation, and maintenance of the enhanced emergency telephone system and related services.

Additionally, the bill introduces several provisions regarding the imposition and collection of these fees. It prohibits county commissions from levying more than one fee on the same 911 service user location and restricts fees on certain types of services, such as commercial mobile services and internet access. The bill also allows county commissions to contract with third parties for billing purposes and mandates that all local exchange telephone companies in the county must bill the enhanced emergency telephone system fees to their respective customers. Overall, the legislation seeks to ensure that emergency communication systems are adequately funded and equipped to meet modern technological demands.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 7-1-3cc
Committee Substitute: 7-1-3cc