Legislation designed to keep 9-1-1 centers in operation was advanced to the Governor this week, to extend the authorization for 9-1-1 centers as well as provide a roadmap to advance the state’s aging telecommunications network.
At issue, however, was language in the legislation that would allow Chicago to raise its 9-1-1 surcharge. On June 30, the Governor changed the legislation via an amendatory veto to remove the surcharge increases, as well as revoke sunsets on the Emergency Telephone System Act and the sections regarding telecommunications and cable and video in the Public Utilities Act. The Governor’s office issued a statement stating “These changes mean 9-1-1 would continue in Illinois without the General Assembly having to pass legislation to renew the service.”