Texas legislators call for repeal of prepaid 911 phone tax

Last month the Texas Commission on State Emergency Communications voted to impose a 50-cent tax on the purchase of all prepaid cell phones and prepaid minutes. This caused a stir within the Texas legislature, as a number of representatives came out vehemently against the plan. This opposition continued yesterday, as two state legislators asked the commission to repeal the tax.

Many Texan prepaid cell phone users are seniors on a fixed income. They cannot afford this new tax. Further, many low-income citizens rely on prepaid phones for work and to stay in contact with family. This tax would make prepaid phones less affordable, and therefore less accessible to the demographic which needs them most.

“I strongly urge the CSEC, at its July Board meeting, to consider repealing this fee as it applies to prepaid phone use until the Legislature can consider a more equitable solution to the problem,” wrote Rep. [Eddie] Rodriguez [of Austin]. He further noted in his letter that his “district includes a significant number of low income residents who face daily challenges such as paying for escalating gas and food costs.”

It will be another week and change until the Commission meets on July 25th to reconsider the tax.

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