Kansas House endorses proposal to level 911 fees for all phones

? The Kansas House has tentatively approved a measure that would set a level fee for all telephone users to finance enhanced emergency services.

The bill was advanced on a voice vote Tuesday to set the fee at 55 cents for cell phones, prepaid telephones and traditional wire lines. The fee is collected to finance 911 emergency services statewide.

Supporters of the bill say that it levels the fee for all varieties of telephone users. It lowers the rate for traditional wire lines by 25 cents and increases it by 5 cents for cell phone users.

The fee is expected to generate about $19.4 million annually, slightly less than in previous years.