Tennessee kicks off the new year by bettering its 9-1-1 system, and setting the price.The Tennessee General Assembly passed the 911 Funding Modernization and IP Transition Act of 2014, which establishes a single, uniform 9-1-1 surcharge rate.

Effective Jan. 1, this means residential, cellular and business lines will be adjusted to fund local 9-1-1 services due to the reduction of landline use.

The Act also supports Next Generation 911, which gives operators a faster way to assess an emergency and get the necessary equipment and personnel on the scene.

“The 911 Funding Modernization and IP Transition Act of 2014 will provide the resources necessary to ensure that the citizens of Tennessee receive the best 9-1-1 service available,” Curtis Sutton, Tennessee emergency communications executive director, said in a statement.