Emergency Telephone System Fee

HB538 Signed into Law – May 5, 2025

This bill modifies Montana's emergency telephone system (9-1-1) laws. Key changes include:

• Increasing the 9-1-1 Advisory Council membership
• Updating the Council’s duties, including advising on fee allocation and grant distribution
• Establishing a fee for prepaid wireless services
• Clarifying fee collection and distribution processes to ensure appropriate funding for local and tribal governments
• Updating grant procedures, with priority given to telecommunications providers partnering with local governments

Overview

Telephone providers in Montana pay a fee on each access line on each service subscriber.

The fee doesn't apply to service subscribers the state is prohibited from taxing, such as

• The federal government
• Tribal governments
• Enrolled members of an Indian tribe residing on their own reservation, who sign a statement saying they do not receive 911 service

Fees

Montana charges a $1.00 fee on each access line for each service subscriber.

Reporting and Payment Options

• File and pay through our TransAction Portal (TAP) or
• Make an ACH Credit Payment

Due Dates

Reports and payments are due the last day of the month following the calendar quarter:

• First Quarter: April 30
• Second Quarter: July 31
• Third Quarter: October 31
• Fourth Quarter: January 31

Penalties and Interest

Emergency Telephone System Fees are subject to the penalties and interest found in 10-4-211, MCA.

Revenue Distribution

The Emergency Service Telephone Fee distribution can be found in 10-4-304, MCA.

Related Laws

• 10-4-201, MCA through 10-4-212, MCA
• 42.31.4 ARM