Better 911 services might be on way via legislation

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PIERRE — A bevy of reforms that would modernize, better coordinate and further subsidize South Dakota’s local 911 systems for dispatching emergency services swept through the state House of Representatives on Monday.

The vote was 65-4 in favor, despite the tax and fee increases in the package.

Most telephone customers will see their monthly 911 surcharge increase to $1.25 from the current 75 cents, while people who purchase pre-paid wireless minutes will be taxed for the first time. The legislation, Senate Bill 174, now must return to the Senate for a decision on whether to agree with a technical amendment made by House members. The legislation previously passed in the Senate 29-0.

Rep. Justin Cronin, R-Gettysburg, said Monday that more than 40 groups, officials and companies with stakes in the matter worked for five months on assembling the complex package. He said the final product reflected many compromises.

“This system will update our 911 capabilities into the twenty-first century,” Cronin said.

One of the improvements will allow emergency services providers to use GPS data to pinpoint the location.

“It’s a safety measure,” Rep. Peggy Gibson, D-Huron, said. No one spoke against the bill’s passage.

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