New York Assembly Bill A04369

New York 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/4/25
• Refer: 2/4/25
• Report Pass: 4/30/25
• Refer: 4/30/25
• Refer: 1/7/26

Caption

Requires the state shall offer a statewide emergency services internet protocol network (ESINet) available for connection to local public safety answering points (PSAPs).

Summary

A04369 would amend the County Law to create a new section defining a “next generation 911 system” or emergency services internet protocol network (ESINet) and requiring the state, subject to appropriations, to offer a statewide ESINet that local public safety answering points (PSAPs) can connect to. The bill describes ESINet as a modern 911 platform that would allow the public to reach emergency dispatch centers not only by dialing 911, but also by text, SMS, or other technological means. In practical terms, the bill is intended to establish a statewide communications backbone for emergency calling and texting, while leaving local PSAPs as the connection points for dispatch and response. It does not appear to mandate immediate local implementation by counties, but it would create a state-level framework for next-generation 911 interoperability and connectivity if funding is provided.

Impact

The bill would add a new County Law provision authorizing and directing the state to provide a statewide ESINet for connection by local PSAPs, thereby expanding the statutory basis for next-generation 911 infrastructure in New York. It would affect state and local emergency communications systems, including county-run public safety answering points, and could support upgrades for text-to-911, IP-based routing, and other digital emergency services capabilities. Because the bill is expressly subject to appropriations, its operational impact would depend on future funding decisions.

Sentiment

The available vote suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the bill. In the Assembly Local Governments Committee, the measure advanced with 17 yeas and 1 nay and was referred to Ways and Means, indicating broad support for the concept of modernizing 911 infrastructure. No committee transcript was provided, so there is no recorded debate to indicate broader public or legislative opposition beyond the single dissenting vote.

Contention

The main point of contention appears to be fiscal and implementation-related rather than the policy goal itself. The bill’s requirement is conditioned on appropriations, which suggests concern about the cost of building and maintaining a statewide ESINet and the timing of state funding. Any opposition likely centers on whether the state should commit to a statewide network now, how costs would be shared with local PSAPs and counties, and whether the infrastructure and interoperability standards are sufficiently defined.