Next Generation 9–1–1 Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Klobuchar, Amy [D-MN]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 11, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to accelerate the nationwide transition to advanced, internet-protocol based 9-1-1 systems by providing grants, technical assistance, and a coordinated federal approach, with a strong emphasis on cybersecurity and interoperability.
What it actually does
This bill amends the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act to establish a comprehensive federal framework for the deployment and coordination of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems. It tasks the Assistant Secretary with overseeing a grant program for states and tribes, developing a management plan, and establishing a cybersecurity center. The bill also creates an advisory board to provide recommendations on NG9-1-1 implementation.
Proponents argue
Proponents argue that modernizing 9-1-1 systems is critical for public safety, enabling emergency services to receive multimedia information (like texts and photos) and improving response times. They contend that a coordinated federal effort with dedicated funding and technical standards is necessary to overcome the fragmented nature of current 9-1-1 infrastructure and ensure seamless, reliable, and secure emergency communications across all jurisdictions, including rural and tribal areas.
Opponents contend
Opponents, if any, might raise concerns about the extent of federal involvement in what has traditionally been a state and local responsibility, potentially leading to unfunded mandates or a one-size-fits-all approach that doesn't account for diverse local needs. They might also question the administrative overhead of new federal bodies and grant programs, or the potential for cybersecurity requirements to be overly burdensome for smaller jurisdictions.
The bill is relatively concise and well-structured, allowing an informed reader to grasp its core provisions within the time typically allotted for legislative review.
Section 2, adding Section 159(a) to the NTIA Organization Act
Duties of Assistant Secretary for NG9-1-1 Coordination
This provision assigns specific duties to the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information (who heads the NTIA) regarding Next Generation 9-1-1. These duties include improving coordination, disseminating information, assisting eligible entities with implementation plans, providing technical assistance, reviewing grant applications, and overseeing grant fund usage. The Assistant Secretary must also submit annual reports to Congress on these activities.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue that centralizing coordination and technical assistance under NTIA is crucial for ensuring a consistent and effective nationwide rollout of NG9-1-1, leveraging federal expertise to support diverse local efforts.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as federal coordination is generally seen as beneficial for large-scale infrastructure projects, though some might prefer a more decentralized approach.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between providing necessary federal guidance and allowing states and tribes sufficient autonomy to implement NG9-1-1 in ways best suited to their specific needs and existing infrastructure.
Section 2, adding Section 159(b) to the NTIA Organization Act
NG9-1-1 Grant Program Management Plan
This section requires the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), to develop a comprehensive management plan for the NG9-1-1 grant program. This plan must include details on organizational structure and funding profiles for each fiscal year. It must be submitted to relevant Congressional committees and published online within 180 days of enactment, with provisions for future modifications.
Section 2, adding Section 159(c) to the NTIA Organization Act
Next Generation 9-1-1 Implementation Grant Program
This provision establishes a grant program for eligible entities (states and tribes) to implement, maintain, and operate NG9-1-1 systems. Grants can cover implementation, maintenance, training (up to 3% or 5% for tribes), public outreach, administrative costs (up to 1% or 2% for tribes), and cybersecurity measures. Applicants must certify coordination, designate a state point of contact, and submit an implementation plan adhering to specific standards (interoperability, reliability, multimedia processing, cybersecurity, competitive procurement). Grantees must also certify that 9-1-1 fees are not diverted, commit to sustainable funding and cybersecurity resources, and coordinate with adjoining jurisdictions. Penalties for false certifications or non-compliance include fund return and ineligibility for future grants. Funds cannot support FirstNet or be paid to entities prohibited for national security reasons.
Section 2, adding Section 160 to the NTIA Organization Act
Nationwide NG9-1-1 Cybersecurity Center Establishment
This section mandates the Assistant Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator (NHTSA) and the Director of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), to establish a Next Generation 9-1-1 Cybersecurity Center. The center's purpose is to coordinate with state, local, and regional governments on sharing cybersecurity information, analyzing threats, and developing guidelines for detecting and preventing intrusions related to NG9-1-1 systems.
Section 2, adding Section 161 to the NTIA Organization Act
Next Generation 9-1-1 Advisory Board Establishment
This section establishes a 'Public Safety Next Generation 9-1-1 Advisory Board' (the Board) to provide recommendations to the Assistant Secretary. The Board will consist of 16 voting members representing local law enforcement, fire and rescue, emergency medical services, and 9-1-1 professionals, chosen to reflect geographic and population diversity. Members serve 3-year terms. The Board is tasked with submitting initial recommendations within 120 days of appointment on topics like rural/urban deployment, technology flexibility, efficiencies, coordination, and cybersecurity integration. It can provide additional recommendations upon request and terminates when grant funds are no longer available.
Section 2, adding Section 162 to the NTIA Organization Act
Authorization of Appropriations
This section authorizes appropriations to the Assistant Secretary for carrying out the NG9-1-1 programs established in sections 159, 160, and 161. The authorization covers fiscal years 2027 through 2031, with amounts authorized to remain available until expended. It specifies that no more than 4 percent of the appropriated funds may be used for administrative purposes, including the operation of the Cybersecurity Center and the Advisory Board.
This clause requires eligible entities applying for grants to certify that, for 180 days prior to application, no portion of any 9-1-1 fee or charge imposed by the entity (or relevant state/taxing jurisdiction) has been obligated or expended for purposes not designated as acceptable under existing rules (47 U.S.C. 615a-1(f)(3)).
Section 2, adding Section 159(c)(5)(A) to the NTIA Organization Act
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice to ensure compliance with existing federal guidelines regarding the appropriate use of 9-1-1 fees, preventing diversion of funds.
Case for: Supporters argue this provision is critical for ensuring fiscal integrity and preventing the misuse of dedicated 9-1-1 funds, thereby maximizing the impact of federal grants by ensuring local commitment.
Case against: Some jurisdictions might find this look-back period and strict compliance requirement challenging, especially if past accounting practices were less stringent or if they had legitimate, but not federally approved, uses for 9-1-1 fees.
Estimated impact: Potentially impacts the eligibility of states or tribes for federal grants if they have previously diverted 9-1-1 fees, ensuring greater accountability for existing revenue streams.
The definition of 'commonly accepted standards' requires these standards to be developed and approved by a standards development organization accredited by an American standards body (like ANSI) or an equivalent international body. The process must be open, provide for conflict resolution, be subject to open comment, be consensus-based, and publicly available.
Section 2, adding Section 159(d)(4) to the NTIA Organization Act
Why it matters:This is standard legislative practice for defining technical terms, ensuring clarity and preventing ambiguity in how federal funds are used for technology deployment.
Case for: Proponents argue that this rigorous definition ensures that NG9-1-1 systems are built on truly open, interoperable, and widely supported standards, preventing vendor lock-in and promoting competition.
Case against: Some might argue that such a prescriptive definition could inadvertently exclude innovative or emerging technologies that do not yet fit the formal standards development process, potentially slowing down adoption of cutting-edge solutions.
Estimated impact: Significantly influences the technical architecture and vendor landscape for NG9-1-1 deployments, promoting open systems and interoperability.