RELATING TO THE WAIAKEA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DISTRICT.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Lorraine Inouye

SB 1078 establishes a uniform surcharge on phone bills to fund 911 services in Pennsylvania, ensuring stable support for emergency response and improving service reliability.

Carried over to 2026 Regular Session.

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Purpose and Intent

SB 1078 aims to amend Title 35 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes, specifically focusing on 911 emergency communication services. The primary intent of the bill is to establish a uniform surcharge for 911 services across the state, ensuring consistent funding and support for emergency communication systems.

Key Provisions

Uniform 911 Surcharge: The bill proposes the implementation of a standardized surcharge that will be applied to all phone lines, including landlines and mobile devices, to fund 911 emergency services. This uniformity is intended to streamline funding mechanisms and enhance the reliability of emergency response services.

Repeal of Existing Provisions: The legislation includes provisions for the repeal of any conflicting or outdated regulations related to the funding of 911 services, thereby simplifying the legal framework governing these emergency communication systems.

Impact

Emergency Services: The bill is expected to positively impact emergency services by providing a more stable and predictable funding source. This could lead to improvements in technology, training, and overall response times for emergency calls.

Residents and Businesses: All residents and businesses in Pennsylvania will be affected by the new surcharge, as it will be applied to their phone bills. The exact amount of the surcharge will be determined as part of the bill's implementation process.

Local Governments: Local governments that manage 911 services will benefit from the increased and more reliable funding, which can be used to enhance their emergency response capabilities.

Procedural Aspects

Legislative Status: As of October 24, 2025, SB 1078 has been referred to the Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee for further consideration. This is an important step in the legislative process, as the committee will review the bill and may propose amendments before it is brought to the floor for a vote.

Sponsorship: The bill is primarily sponsored by Senator Doug Mastriano, indicating his commitment to improving emergency services in Pennsylvania.

Conclusion

SB 1078 represents a significant step towards modernizing and securing funding for 911 emergency communication services in Pennsylvania. By establishing a uniform surcharge, the bill aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response systems, ultimately benefiting all residents and businesses in the state. Further developments will depend on the outcomes of the legislative review process.

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