Local governments are a step closer to landing millions of dollars under legislation approved Monday in the Georgia House.

House Bill 256 calls for fees on prepaid wireless purchases -- 75 cents for all but the smallest purchases -- be split among the state’s 911 centers based on the population served.

The money raised is projected to be from $9 million to $18 million a year. That money was intended to pay for upgrades to 911 facilities but instead went to the state general fund.

More than $28 million has been diverted to the general fund since 2008.

The bill passed 161-2. It now heads to the Senate.

About the Author

Keep Reading

In addition to being a political and religious leader, Bishop Reginald Jackson also served as chairman of the Board of Trustees of Morris Brown College. (Ben Gray/AJC)

Credit: Ben Gray

Featured

Atlanta art and antiques appraiser and auctioneer Allan Baitcher (right) takes bids during a 2020 auction. Baitcher and his company, Peachtree Antiques, are being sued by a Florida multimillionaire who says he paid them $20 million for fakes. (AJC 2020)

Credit: Phil Skinner / Staff