In an emergency, Oklahomans rely on 911 for help. But a tax that relies on a shrinking population of land-line phones is failing to generate the funds needed to properly operate emergency call systems across the state, local and state officials say.

The funding problem comes even as 911 operators are dealing with an flood of “pocket dial” calls from cellphones.

The Legislature is considering a higher cellphone tax that some experts say will help keep down police response times and save lives.


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