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Increasing cell phone 911 service may up your taxes

Missouri's state energy committee proposed adding a tax for cellular phone users that could reach 75 cents a month.

Rebecca Sapakie has the story from the Capitol.

In response to a federal requirement, cellular phone providers, like AT&T and Sprint, have to add new technology allowing 911 dispatchers to trace cellular calls. All of this without losing money.

St. Louis County Senator Wayne Goode is co-chair of the energy committee. His proposal would expand an already existing tax.

Actuality:Sen. Goode
RunTime: 05
OutCue: ...That's one option.
Contents: [64K WAV file - Apply the wire 911 tax to wireless services. That's one option.]

Goode said legislation could be introduced next session.

However, a cellular provider spokesman said cell phones should not be grouped together with land lines. He said he'd like a statewide tax to recover the 5 to 10 million dollar expected cost.

I'm Rebecca Sapakie in Jefferson City.