5/18/04-A bill that would have asked Missouri voters to approve new taxes on cell phones to provide or improve 911 service has died.
House lawmakers failed to take up the bill for a final vote prior to the close of the session May 14. The measure previously passed the Senate.
SB715, sponsored by Sen. Doyle Childers, R-Reeds Spring, would have let counties ask voters to impose a monthly tax of 12 cents to $1 on cell phone users to improve 911 service. Another option would let counties seek voter approval of a monthly 60-cent tax on wireless and traditional phones.
Counties where the tax was approved would keep slightly more than half the revenue, with up to 25 percent allocated to wireless phone companies for implementing and running 911 cell service.
The measure also sought to set aside 20 percent of the revenue for a new state fund, which would have been distributed to other counties that have approved the taxes but still are in need of financial aid to expand emergency services.

4/13/04-A bill before the House Crime Prevention and Public Safety Committee would permit Missouri counties to ask voters to approve new taxes on cell phones to provide or improve 911 service.
SB715, sponsored by Sen. Doyle Childers, R-Reeds Spring, passed the Senate March 30 before heading to the House for consideration.
The bill would let counties ask voters to impose a monthly tax of 12 cents to $1 on cell phone users to improve 911 service. Another option would let counties seek voter approval of a monthly 60-cent tax on wireless and traditional phones.
Counties where the tax was approved would keep slightly more than half the revenue, with up to 25 percent allocated to wireless phone companies for implementing and running 911 cell service.
The measure would also set aside 20 percent of the revenue for a new state fund, which would be distributed to other counties that have approved the taxes but still are in need of financial aid to expand emergency services.
For bill status, call (573) 751-4043.

3/31/04-Missouri counties could ask voters to approve new taxes on cell phones to provide or improve 911 service under a measure approved by the Senate March 30.
SB715, sponsored by Sen. Doyle Childers, R-Reeds Spring, would let counties ask voters to impose a monthly tax of 12 cents to $1 on cell phone users to improve 911 service. Another option would let counties seek voter approval of a monthly 60-cent tax on wireless and traditional phones.
Counties where the tax was approved would keep slightly more than half the revenue, with up to 25 percent allocated to wireless phone companies for implementing and running 911 cell service.
The measure would also set aside 20 percent of the revenue for a new state fund, which would be distributed to other counties that have approved the taxes but still are in need of financial aid to expand emergency services.
The bill has been forwarded to the House. For bill status, call (573) 751-4043.