Database of Key 9-1-1 State Legislation Now Available

Each year, states consider or enact legislation aimed at supporting and improving the efficiency of 9-1-1 emergency communication services. The National 9-1-1 Program and the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) are pleased to make a summary of 2020 key enacted legislation available.

Since 2012, the 9-1-1 Legislation Tracking Database has served as a resource for states looking to improve their emergency communications operations or gather insight into neighboring legislative efforts. It allows states to easily compare recently enacted—or modifications to existing—laws involving 9-1-1. 

A few legislative highlights from 2020 include:

• Four states—California, Connecticut, New Jersey and Washington—enacted legislation establishing or enhancing penalties for false 9-1-1 calls, in particular, when the purpose of the call was harassing another person because of that person's characteristics, including their race, gender, nationality, religion, disability or sexual orientation.
• Five states—Alabama, Colorado, Indiana, Tennessee and West Virginia—established or increased statewide or local 9-1-1 fees.
• Maryland, Virginia, and West Virginia enacted legislation to authorize and foster cooperation between Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs), ensure resilience and redundancy, and offer reliable service.
• South Dakota and Wyoming enacted legislation authorizing phone companies to provide real-time cell phone location information to PSAPs in emergent situations.

The database is easy to use and provides searchable filters to quickly find a bill. Users can search by state, topic, keyword, status, bill number, year and author. Topics include:

• 9-1-1 Administration, Plans, Boards & Commissions
• 9-1-1 Fee, Service Fee or Surcharge
• 9-1-1 Funding and Appropriations 
• 9-1-1 Privacy and Confidentiality
• Enhanced 9-1-1
• Next Generation/Advanced 9-1-1
• Wireless 9-1-1

To access the 2020 legislation update or 9-1-1 Bill Tracking Database, or for more information, visit www.ncsl.org.