Missouri counties could ask voters to approve new taxes on cell phones to provide or improve 9-1-1 service under a measure approved by the state Senate.

Voters in the state have twice rejected statewide proposals to raise taxes for 9-1-1 service, most recently in 2002, The Kansas City Star reported.

The bill – SB715 – has been forwarded to the House after gaining passage in the Senate March 30.

It would let counties ask voters to impose a monthly tax of 12 cents to $1 on cell phone users to improve 9-1-1 service. Another option would let counties seek voter approval of a monthly 60-cent tax on wireless and traditional phones.

According to the newspaper, counties where the tax was approved would keep slightly more than half the revenue, with up to 25 percent allocated to wireless phone companies for implementing and running 9-1-1 cell service.

The measure would also set aside 20 percent of the revenue for a new state fund, which would be distributed to other counties that have approved the taxes but still are in need of financial aid to expand emergency services.