By AP/KWMU
Jefferson City, Mo. – State lawmakers faced with a growing need for 911 services may ask voters to approve a new tax on cell phones.
Many county governments favor the proposed ballot initiative, but it would likely lead to consolidating some of the state's emergency call centers.
There are 174 individual call centers around Missouri. Republican State Sen. Jason Crowell said many need to consolidate.
His GOP senate colleague John Griesheimer want to put a 25-cent cell phone tax on the ballot and allow the state to determine who gets funding.
Voters have twice shot down proposals to fund 911 services through cell phone taxes.
Because they're considered radio devices, mobile phones avoid some of the taxes levied on landlines.