Improved 911 service for Missouri

Missouri is no longer the only state in the nation without a statewide 911 system.

Gov. Parson signed House Bill 1456. Before, Missouri was the only state not allowed to use funding from cell phones for its 911 services.

Missouri counties have relied on a landline surcharge for funding even though more than 70 percent of 911 calls are made on cell phones.

As less people have a land line, less money became available for 911 services. The bill allows counties to add a $1 fee on these devices.

An overview of Missouri’s 911 service’s showed 16 counties in Missouri use the lowest rated 911 service allowed under federal law. Calls on this system do not provide any caller information although 98.8% of the nation can locate callers.

A majority of counties use a middle level service in which call centers are able to locate callers.

The highest level of 911 services allows people to text 911 and 16 counties in Missouri are equip to provide this service.

The Missouri 911 Modernization and Improvement Report showed many call centers are understaffed.