WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

SB 37

revise and repeal provisions related to the 911 emergency surcharge and the 911 Coordination Board.

2025 Regular Session

South Dakota SB 37 revises 911 surcharge provisions and restructures emergency communication board oversight, affecting emergency service funding and governance mechanisms.

Signed by the Governor on 2025-03-13 S.J. 528
#emergencymanagement #executive/judiciaryrequest #fees #reports
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · SB 37

Legislative bill overview

SB 37 revises and repeals provisions governing South Dakota's 911 emergency surcharge and eliminates or restructures the 911 Coordination Board. The bill modifies how emergency communication funding is administered and potentially changes the governance structure overseeing 911 services in the state.

Why is this important

911 surcharges are fees added to phone bills that fund emergency dispatch and communication infrastructure—critical services that directly affect public safety response times. Changes to surcharge rates, collection mechanisms, or oversight could alter funding levels for emergency services or shift responsibility for 911 coordination among state agencies and local jurisdictions.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding impact: Modifications to surcharge structures or rates could reduce or increase costs for consumers and may affect rural versus urban emergency service capacity differently
  • Governance shifts: Eliminating the 911 Coordination Board may consolidate power in fewer hands or create accountability gaps if responsibilities aren't clearly transferred
  • Implementation clarity: The bill's specifics on which provisions are repealed versus revised aren't detailed here, leaving uncertainty about transition effects on existing 911 operations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

Sign in to ask a question.