MontanaHB 53869th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise 911 emergency telephone system laws

Sponsored By: Melissa Nikolakakos (Republican)

Signed by Governor

CommunicationsEmergency Services

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Sellers keep 2% of prepaid fee

Sellers of prepaid wireless service may keep 2% of the 9-1-1 fee they collect. For a $1.00 fee, that is $0.02 per transaction. This applies starting in the second quarter of 2022.

Annual grants for 9-1-1 upgrades

The state runs an annual competitive grant program for 9-1-1 upgrades. Private telecom providers and local or tribal governments that host 9-1-1 centers can apply. Grants can fund planning, studies, system work, maintenance, and support services. Priority goes first to private providers or governments working with a provider, then to governments alone.

New funding formula for 9-1-1 centers

The department must give out all 9-1-1 account money each quarter to local and tribal governments that run 9-1-1 centers. Rules set the formula and must consider past allocations, people served, population trends, and call volume when available. Every 9-1-1 center host receives funding. Funding rules cannot discourage centers from merging.

Stronger statewide 9-1-1 planning and council

The department maintains a statewide 9-1-1 plan and updates it over time. The plan uses existing commercial networks when possible and moves systems to next‑generation 9-1-1. The department sets tech standards that follow industry best practices and keep minimum service levels. The 9-1-1 advisory council adds a representative from the Montana NENA chapter. The department pays for and staffs the council, which advises on fee allocations, grants, and rules.

Your 9-1-1 phone and prepaid fees

The law sets a $1.00 fee per month for each phone access line. It also sets a $1.00 fee on each prepaid wireless transaction. For prepaid wireless, this is the only allowed 9-1-1 charge—no extra 9-1-1 taxes or fees can be added. This makes costs clear and avoids double charges.

Tighter oversight of local 9-1-1 spending

The department sets what 9-1-1 money can be used for and requires reports. If a local or tribal government spends money on items that are not allowed, it must pay it back. The department can request needed information from governments that host 9-1-1 centers. If they do not provide it, the department can withhold their 9-1-1 funding.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Melissa Nikolakakos
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Denise Hayman
Democrat • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 295 • No: 1

Senate vote • 4/15/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/14/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/3/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 97 • No: 0

House vote • 3/1/2025