SB 1481 - Current law imposes a prepaid wireless emergency telephone service charge equal to three percent of the retail transaction, with the first $15 of each transaction exempt from the charge. This act repeals the exemption for the first $15 of each transaction and, beginning January 1, 2027, increases the service charge to four percent. The act also requires the Director of Revenue to require a seller to report the number of retail transactions as well as the total dollar amount of each transaction and the total amount of prepaid wireless emergency telephone service charges collected. Current law allows a seller to deduct and retain three percent of the service charges that are collected by the seller. Beginning January 1, 2027, this act increases such amount to four percent. If the Director of Revenue determines that a seller has not collected the required amount of services charges, the seller shall not be permitted to deduct and retain any amount of the services charges, nor shall the seller be permitted to deduct and retain any amount of sales taxes allowable under current law. This act is substantially similar to HB 2767 (2026). JOSH NORBERG

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Henderson

SB 1481 revises Missouri's wireless 911 surcharge regulations, potentially affecting how carriers collect fees and how emergency services fund dispatch operations.

Formal Calendar S Bills for Perfection

Legislative bill overview

SB 1481 modifies how Missouri regulates and administers charges for wireless emergency telephone service (commonly known as 911 fees). The bill adjusts provisions governing the collection, use, and distribution of these surcharges that wireless carriers add to customer bills to fund emergency dispatch systems.

Why is this important

Wireless 911 surcharges directly affect every cell phone user's monthly bill in Missouri, and how these funds are managed impacts emergency response infrastructure and services. Changes to these provisions could affect both consumer costs and the funding available to local emergency dispatch centers that depend on these revenues.

Potential points of contention

Rate structure changes: Any modifications to how much can be charged per line or account could create debate between wireless carriers wanting predictability and local governments concerned about adequate 911 funding

Fund allocation and oversight: Questions about whether collected fees are properly distributed to emergency services and whether new transparency or accountability measures are needed

Implementation burden: Changes may require carriers and local jurisdictions to update billing systems and administrative processes, creating costs and operational challenges