APCO, NENA Pleased With NG-911 Act Text Now Circulating

member Bill Nelson, D-Fla., who announced efforts to work on such a bill in September, is listed as lead author. Both senators mentioned the initiative in the course of hearings last week. The 21-page draft bill still leaves some sections unfilled, such as the transition completion deadline for the NG-911 transition and the precise funding to be slated for the efforts: “There is authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary,” it simply says in brackets in the appropriations section. The draft “makes the transition to NG 9-1-1 a national priority,” said a one-page summary. “The Act will further state and federal cooperation to build Next Generation 9-1-1 systems nationwide. It refocuses federal efforts to support NG 9-1-1 and provides necessary resources to use to help develop and implement NG 9-1-1 transition plans. But it keeps governance and control of the 9-1-1 system where it belongs -- with state and localities.” The text “closely tracks” with the efforts of the NG-911 Now Coalition, said the National Emergency Number Association, a member of the coalition. The draft “will ensure 9-1-1 authorities have access to the capital necessary to fully implement NG9-1-1,” the association said. APCO also lauded the draft, which “aligns with priorities APCO has long advocated, for accomplishing a full transition to NG9-1-1,” the group said. “APCO is especially supportive of provisions recognizing the need for standards and resources to support [public safety answering points]. 9-1-1 professionals deserve the benefits of accredited, consensus-based standards to ensure services and equipment match the level of innovation and cost efficiencies enjoyed in the consumer marketplace, akin to the path Congress set for FirstNet. Further, the draft recognizes the need to reserve governance and control to states and localities, and the imperative of cybersecurity.”