Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto (D-Nev.) today joined Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) in introducing legislation to modernize 9-1-1 systems across the country. The Next Generation 9-1-1 Act of 2019 boosts federal grant funding to help state and local governments deploy the next generation of 9-1-1 systems.
“From the aftermath of 1October to our rural communities in Elko and Winnemucca, I have heard directly that our law enforcement and first responders need better technology to coordinate their response and communicate with one another during a crisis. I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act of 2019, which would provide the additional funding to upgrade equipment that protects our communities and allows our first responders to act swiftly during emergencies. This legislation brings our 9-1-1 call centers into the digital age, enabling citizens to reach help through texts and videos. With this legislation, state and local governments will have the modern technology to react when tragedies happen and help keep us safe every day.”
BACKGROUND:
The Next Generation 9-1-1 Act of 2019 improves the coordination of Next Generation 9-1-1 implementation and authorizes an additional $12 billion in annual funding to enhance and upgrade the country’s 9-1-1 systems.
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