Nevada is one of six states that used 911 fees for other uses last year.
According to the new report from the Federal Communications Commission, of the nearly $3 billion collected in fees, about $285 million funds were diverted for other uses in Nevada, Montana, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island and West Virginia.
Taxpayers pay 911 fees on their phone bills, which are supposed to be used to fund 911-related services.
According to the report, Nevada increased the 911 fee in 2017 to help pay for body cameras for officers. The report called this use of the funds a "diversion" of fees "for non-911 public safety uses." At least $1.3 million of the $2.3 million in fees went to non-911 public safety use.
"Unfortunately, the FCC’s annual report shows that, once again, several states have siphoned 911 funding for unrelated purposes. This is outrageous and it undermines public safety," said FCC Chairman Ajit Pai.
Pai added he hopes drawing attention to the practice of 911 fee diversion will end it.
