Congressmen Carter, Hudson Introduce Next Generation 9-1-1 Act

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congressman Troy A. Carter, Sr. (D-LA) and Congressman Richard Hudson (R-NC) introduced the bipartisan Next Generation 9-1-1 Act. This bill will modernize the nation’s emergency communications systems, strengthen public safety, and ensure first responders have access to real-time information during emergencies.

“We have fully entered the digital age, and it only makes sense that our 9-1-1 systems evolve with it,” said Rep. Carter. “The Next Generation 9-1-1 Act is innovative, common-sense legislation that moves our nation’s legacy 9-1-1 call centers into the modern era. People rely on smartphones, tablets, and other devices in every part of their daily lives. They should be able to use them when it matters most. Public safety must remain a top priority, and it’s time to fully embrace the technology we have to save lives.”

Research found that only 13 percent of the nation is served by NG-9-1-1-capable services, and most 9-1-1 services are relying on systems designed decades ago. These outdated platforms cannot process text messages, images, or video, even though over 85 percent of Americans now own a smartphone. Without this legislation, emergency communications will continue to face delays, dropped calls, and limited situational awareness for first responders. The Next Generation 9-1-1 Act will help local agencies to deploy modern, secure, data-driven systems that improve emergency response, protect first responders, and save lives.

“Every family deserves the peace of mind that all the best and most updated technology is being utilized when they dial 9-1-1, but too many call centers are still relying on outdated, legacy systems,” said Rep. Hudson. “Our bipartisan legislation takes a commonsense step to modernize 9-1-1 technology, support the first responders who protect our communities, and ensure families across North Carolina and the country get the help they need when seconds matter.”

The Next Generation 9-1-1 Act is endorsed by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International, National Emergency Number Association (NENA) The 9-1-1 Association, and Intrado.

“Modernizing America’s 9-1-1 systems is both a public safety necessity and a national security imperative. This legislation represents the comprehensive, forward-looking approach needed to ensure that our emergency communications system is secure, interoperable, and capable of supporting the lifesaving work 9-1-1 professionals perform every day. APCO thanks Representatives Hudson and Carter for their steadfast leadership on this critical issue,” said Capt. Jack Varnado, President of APCO International.

“We are grateful for Rep. Hudson’s leadership in promoting Next Generation 9-1-1 in the U.S. Congress. We look forward to working with Reps. Hudson and Carter (D-LA) on this important bipartisan effort as we work to ensure deployment of a nationwide Next Generation 9-1-1 system,” said NENA CEO John Provenzano.

“Advancing NG9-1-1 is critical to our national security and the security of our public safety network. Far too many Americans are relying on outdated technology to get the help they need when it matters most. Congressional action is necessary to ensure we can complete the transition across the country,” said Brian Davenport, Chief Strategy Officer of Intrado, the nation’s largest 9-1-1 provider.

Background:

The Next Generation 9-1-1 Act updates and reauthorizes federal support for Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems nationwide. The legislation establishes a program at the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) that creates a clear federal framework for upgrading legacy 9-1-1 infrastructure as appropriations become available.

The bill strengthens ongoing efforts by ensuring state and local agencies have a defined pathway to adopt advanced NG9-1-1 capabilities such as real-time location data, multimedia messaging, enhanced cybersecurity, and interoperable communications.

Read the full bill text here.

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