The House Study Committee on Funding for Next Generation 9-1-1 has released its final report outlining recommendations to help Georgia transition from a legacy 9-1-1 system to a modern NG911 platform, with a planned statewide launch around 2028.
The report reflects broad agreement that Georgia’s emergency communications system must continue to evolve to keep pace with modern technology and public expectations.
Benefits of Next Generation 9-1-1
Next Generation 9-1-1 offers clear benefits for cities and residents, including faster and more accurate call routing, improved location data, the ability to receive texts, images, and video, and stronger system redundancy and cybersecurity. These enhancements can improve response times, provide responders better information before they arrive on scene, and strengthen overall public safety outcomes.
Funding and Governance Recommendations
The committee recommends moving toward a state-collected 9-1-1 fee and a centralized trust fund, along with a statewide distribution formula intended to better reflect service demand, readiness, and infrastructure needs. These recommendations are aimed at creating more consistency and long-term stability as NG911 is implemented across Georgia.
Workforce and Local Government Considerations
Throughout the study committee process, local officials and emergency communications professionals emphasized that technology and people must advance together. Staffing, training, and retention continue to represent the largest share of 9-1-1 costs, and NG911 will increase the skill sets required of call takers and dispatchers. As the recommendations move toward legislation, careful attention will be needed to ensure funding models fully support both infrastructure and personnel.
While counties operate most public safety answering points, cities remain closely involved in 9-1-1 service delivery through intergovernmental partnerships and shared funding responsibilities. As discussions continue, GMA will remain engaged with legislators and state partners to help ensure the transition to NG911 improves emergency response while remaining practical, predictable, and workable for the local governments that deliver these critical services every day.