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House concurs on 9‑1‑1 surcharge increase amid debate over timing and need
Summary
The House approved concurrence on SJR 48 to raise the statewide 9‑1‑1 surcharge to $1.86 a month; supporters said the increase funds critical dispatch and radio upgrades, while opponents called for waiting on a state study and questioned the scale of the hike.
The House voted to concur in Senate Joint Resolution 48, which ratifies an increase in Tennessee’s statewide 9‑1‑1 surcharge to $1.86 per line per month as determined by the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board. Supporters emphasized the operational needs of local 9‑1‑1 districts and rising equipment and radio costs; opponents called for delay until the state’s TASAR/TASAR‑like study was complete.
Representative Carringer, sponsor of the concurrence motion, said the increase provides resources “to 9‑1‑1” that will prevent local tax increases and support life‑saving communications work across the state. Representative Bricken and others pressed budget figures and the distribution of reserves, arguing the amount — a roughly $1 increase from current levels — could be excessive for some ratepayers and urged more oversight.
The motion to concur passed on a recorded vote (Ayes 75, Nays 50 recorded in the transcript), with multiple members reserving the right to monitor implementation and study outcomes. Sponsors said TASAR and local directors would continue work to explain needs and spending. The action ratifies a surcharge rate determined by the Mercy Communications Board and sends the adjustment into effect per statutory schedule.
