Next Generation 9–1–1 Act
Next Generation 9–1–1 Act
Plain Language Summary
# Next Generation 9-1-1 Act Summary **What It Does:** This bill would create a federal grant program to help states, territories, and tribal governments upgrade their emergency 9-1-1 systems to newer "next generation" technology. Modern NG9-1-1 systems use the internet instead of traditional phone lines, allowing emergency dispatchers to receive text messages, photos, and videos from callers—not just voice calls. They also have better ability to pinpoint a caller's exact location. The federal government would distribute grants through the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to pay for upgrading systems, training staff, improving cybersecurity, and educating the public about the new capabilities. **Who It Affects:** State and local emergency services, first responders, and the general public would be affected.
Emergency 9-1-1 call centers and the agencies that operate them would receive funding to modernize their infrastructure. Ultimately, anyone who calls 911 could benefit from faster, more accurate emergency response enabled by better technology. **Current Status:** The bill is currently in committee (HR 6505, 119th Congress), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives. It was sponsored by Representative Richard Hudson (R-NC).
CRS Official Summary
Next Generation 9–1–1 ActThis bill establishes a grant program to support implementation of next generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems by state, territorial, and tribal governments and requires other related activities. NG9-1-1 means a secure, interoperable, Internet Protocol-based (IP-based) system for receiving 9-1-1 requests for emergency assistance. (IP-based 9-1-1 systems have capabilities that legacy telephone systems do not, including enhanced location-finding and the ability to receive text and multimedia messages.)Under the bill, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) must provide grants to state, territorial, and tribal governments (and entities established by those governments) to support the implementation and maintenance of NG9-1-1 systems. Grant funds may also be used for public outreach on NG9-1-1, implementation of cybersecurity measures, and, subject to certain limits, training and administrative costs.Entities applying for grants must submit a plan for NG9-1-1 coordination and implementation that ensures interoperability and reliability, incorporates cybersecurity tools, and meets other requirements related to technology and procurement. Applicants must also certify that they have established, or will establish within a specified time frame, a sustainable funding mechanism to support NG9-1-1 and effective cybersecurity resources.The NTIA must advise applicants on the preparation of implementation plans and provide technical assistance to grant recipients.Further, the NTIA must establish (1) an advisory board to provide recommendations with respect to the grant program and other topics related to NG9-1-1; and (2) a cybersecurity center to coordinate with state, local, and regional governments on the sharing of cybersecurity information related to NG9-1-1.
Latest Action
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.