House approves bill to send millions in 911 fees to communities

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.

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