Missouri House members have approved legislation that could lead to new fees to support the state's 911 and poison control networks.
The measure would set a 3 percent charge for prepaid wireless phones. Proceeds would go to the poison control center and for counties to improve their 911 systems.
Counties also could seek voter approval for a monthly fee applied to landline phones, cell phones and any other devices capable of calling 911. It would be capped at $1.50 and could not be enacted if the county has an existing tax for 911.
Bill supporters say more people are replacing landline phones with wireless devices and that is leading to funding challenges.
The legislation was approved 115-29 on Thursday and now moves to the Senate.