Transcript Highlights:

• the next-generation 911 system.
• I'm going to talk about what 911 diversion is.
• I will. 911 to 98 diversion, but it's not true to 98 because we need to set up specific lines for 911
• We respond to 911 calls using a radio, so we get dispatched via 911 to in-progress emergencies and in-progress
• And people generally call 911 when they are in crisis.

Summary: The hearing focused on California’s 988 suicide and crisis lifeline and the broader crisis response system, with members and witnesses emphasizing both the system’s life-saving role and the risks posed by funding gaps, rising demand, and uneven local implementation. Opening remarks highlighted the personal impact of suicide and the need to strengthen crisis response so calls are answered quickly and linked to appropriate care rather than defaulting to 911, emergency rooms, or law enforcement. State officials described the AB 988 five-year implementation plan, which sets goals around public awareness, equitable access, high-quality call/chat/text response, and better integration with ongoing behavioral health services. State agencies reported progress on infrastructure, coordination, and related behavioral health investments. CalHHS said California has expanded mobile crisis teams, crisis stabilization units, and youth behavioral health supports, and is preparing additional public awareness and grant programs tied to Proposition 1. DHCS explained that 988 is funded through a federal SAMHSA grant and the AB 988 surcharge, while Medi-Cal separately funds mobile crisis services; officials said the mobile crisis benefit is active in 53 counties and that statewide expansion remains a work in progress. Cal OES described the statewide technical buildout, including network infrastructure in all 11 crisis centers, interoperability with 911, and a pilot of next-generation routing and call-handling tools. The 988 California Consortium said call volume continues to rise sharply, missed calls remain a major concern, text/chat capacity is limited, and centers need more stable funding, better reimbursement, and stronger feedback loops with the state. County and community witnesses stressed that local systems need more flexible, sustained support to match the demand. Lake County described a peer-led rural mobile crisis model that has reduced law enforcement holds and increased housing placements, but said county-run mobile crisis teams still cannot reliably access 988 surcharge dollars and face reimbursement problems from Medi-Cal and commercial plans. Santa Clara County reported strong performance metrics, rapid call answer times, and a broad continuum of mobile crisis services, but said staffing and funding are strained and commercial reimbursement remains slow. The Mental Health Association of San Francisco said the peer-run warm line complements 988 by offering non-emergency support and warm handoffs, but recent budget changes forced cuts to Spanish-language service, federation support, and hours. No formal votes or legislative actions were taken during the hearing; members mainly asked questions about surcharge levels, budget timing, coordination among agencies, data collection, and how to improve collaboration with frontline crisis centers.

Transcript Highlights:

• And Clare, thank you for your dedication to 911 and public safety.
• to our 911 center.
• So that is the 911. Well, I meant it says jail. It was jail heavy versus 911 operations.
• Another 11 agencies have reached out about 988-911 integration.
• They have four dispatch centers, one of which is the 911 center.

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• We wanted to ensure that 911 funding was protected and that 911 funding would remain the primary use
• or the use would be for 911 specifically.
• The 911 Management Authority we deal with 911. We deal with dispatch. We deal with citizen to 911.
• Necessarily with 911 to the field.
• that the 911 State 911 Coordinator or designee have a position on this new emergency communications

Keywords: 914, all

Transcript Highlights:

• When people call 911, they are facing very real emergencies.
• We all know when you're in trouble, you call 911.
• Walking away from NextGen 911 is not an option.
• Other states are deploying Next Generation 911.
• Next Gen 911 The Next Gen 911 project needs to be properly planned and executed in order to keep us connected

Summary: The committee heard several bills related to public safety, emergency response, wildfire prevention, and environmental protection. AB 2152 by Assembly Member Mark Gonzalez would streamline CEQA litigation for new fire station projects and add best-practice requirements; supporters, including firefighters, said it would help communities and firefighter safety, while opponents argued the project labor agreement requirements would raise costs and limit participation for small and nonunion contractors. The bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2041 by Assembly Member Carrillo would expand reporting related to 911 dispatcher pre-arrival medical instructions; after amendments and stakeholder agreement, opposition groups said they would remove their opposition, and the bill passed to Appropriations. AB 2101 by Assembly Member Gipson would require human trafficking notices and training at disaster sites and for disaster response workers; supporters said it would protect vulnerable workers, while broadband, city, and county representatives raised implementation concerns, especially in rural disaster areas. It passed to Appropriations despite a no vote from Vice Chair Hadwick. The committee also considered AB 1805, which would require an audit and stronger oversight of the state’s Next Generation 911 project after concerns about major spending and delays. CalNENA supported the bill’s transparency and accountability provisions, and the measure passed to Appropriations. AB 1536 by Assembly Member Addis would tighten safety and public review requirements for offshore oil pipeline restarts and require decommissioning of certain spill-prone pipelines; environmental and coastal government groups supported it, while the Western States Petroleum Association warned it would threaten fuel supply and pipeline operations. The bill passed to Appropriations on a divided vote. AB 1964 would direct the State Fire Marshal to survey home hardening in fire-prone areas and estimate costs; it passed to Appropriations with broad support. AB 1960, also by Assembly Member Bennett, would use a portion of wildfire prevention grants to encourage community-level home hardening certification. The author said the bill would create incentives and broader public awareness, while the vice chair argued it would favor communities that can already afford hardening and divert resources from higher-need areas; the bill still passed to Appropriations. AB 1863 by Assembly Member DeMaio would clarify that people cannot be charged simply for calling 911 or when no services are rendered, while preserving fees for actual services and allowing billing for legitimate emergency response costs; it passed to the Assembly floor. The committee also took up consent item AB 2517, which passed to Appropriations. After add-on votes for absent members, the meeting adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• The sponsor asked, “The county 911 board or the state 911?”
• >> The county 911 board or the state 911?
• >> The county 911 board or the state 911?
• The AG doesn't have the authority. 911, the local 911, right? 911, the local 911, right?
• to 911.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Senate Bill 911, the Heal Texans Act. It's like dialing 911.
• So that's why I have refiled Senate Bill 911, the Heal Texans Act. It's like dialing 911.
• SB 911 signals urgency, and time is of the essence.
• Let's pass Senate Bill 911.
• SB 911 signals urgency and time is of the essence.

Bills: SB2, SJR36, SB2, SB2, SR29, SB2

Keywords: Maverick County, recognition, economic development, Texas Senate, community celebration, 1185, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• I've been in the 911 communications profession for 20 years.
• I'm the executive director of Middlesex Regional 911.
• Someone calls 911 because they found their toddler unresponsive in a pool.
• You say calmly, 'This is 911. Where is your emergency?'
• Public safety telecommunicators receive dispatch 911 calls.

Keywords: 995, all

Summary: The Joint Committee on Public Service held its 15th hearing of the 194th General Court, focused on retirement group classifications for a range of public safety and related employees. Much of the testimony centered on bills affecting Barnstable County dispatchers and 911 telecommunicators, who argued they should remain in or be moved to Group 2 because their work is highly stressful, life-or-death in nature, and historically had been treated that way. Speakers said the proposed changes would largely grandfather in current employees, would not add costs in some cases, and were needed to correct outdated statutory language and PERAC rulings that had created uncertainty for workers nearing retirement or already retired. Similar support was offered for bills to reclassify 911 dispatchers statewide from Group 1 to Group 2, with testimony from dispatch supervisors, sheriffs, and police associations describing chronic stress, PTSD, staffing shortages, and retention problems. The committee also heard testimony on several other retirement-related bills. Representatives of Massport and campus police supported measures to align retirement benefits for Massport police and public higher education police with other law enforcement groups, arguing they perform comparable duties and face similar risks. The Massachusetts Chiefs of Police Association also backed a bill to ease post-retirement earning restrictions for retired police and firefighters so they can continue consulting, training, or advising without penalty. MOSES testified in favor of bills moving certain state employees into Group 2, including forensic scientists at the State Police Crime Lab, DCR aerial foresters, and Department of Correction construction coordinators, citing hazardous work environments and physical danger. Department of Fire Services compliance officers likewise sought Group 4 classification, describing exposure to toxins, fatal fire scenes, and cancer risks. No votes were taken during the hearing. The committee heard extensive testimony from affected employees, union and association representatives, and public safety officials, all urging favorable reports on the bills. At the end of the hearing, the chairs thanked witnesses and staff, and the committee adjourned after a motion and second.

Transcript Highlights:

• We have one item on the agenda: Governor's Message 784, consideration of confirmations in 911 Board,
• But thank you for wanting to step up and serve on the 911 Board.
• You can just tell the committee briefly why you'd like to serve on the 911 Board.
• <00:02:52.240> board perspective in so far as the 911 board perspective in so far as the 911
• stepping up and serving on the 911 stepping up and serving on the 911 board.<00:04:09.320> This

Keywords: 912, senate, all

Summary: The Committee on Government Operations met on April 14, 2026, to consider Governor’s Message 784, a nomination for the 911 Board: Terrence Gomez for a term ending June 30, 2030. The chair noted that the committee had received written testimony in support from Davelyn Racadio, EMS Dispatch Coordinator for the Maui Police Department, and invited Gomez to testify by Zoom. Gomez said he wanted to serve because of his public safety background and his desire to strengthen emergency communications and support community and first responder safety. He said he has 27 years of law enforcement experience, including work with dispatchers and the emergency operations center. The chair asked about the board’s role in helping counties upgrade PSAP systems, but Gomez said he was not familiar with that issue and had no specific thoughts at the time. After questions concluded, the chair recommended advising and consenting to the nomination, saying Gomez’s county police experience would be an asset to the board. The committee voted yes by members present, with Senator Gabbard excused, and the nomination was approved. The chair congratulated Gomez and adjourned the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• And citizens no longer should expect anyone, any voice calls from 911.
• And citizens no longer should expect anyone, any voice calls from 911.
• Robert Williams, the 911 administrator, for the state. Thank you.
• I find out 911 operators are the first line of our first responders.
• I mean, it's evolved a lot over the last few years, yes, with enhanced 911, you know, the text to 911

Summary: The Senate Corrections and Public Safety Committee met in hybrid format, approved the minutes from May 13, June 10, and June 17, and then considered two bills. HB 329 would reduce the governor’s control over emergency powers by giving the General Assembly more authority to review, limit, or end emergency orders and regulations, requiring more frequent updates and tighter renewal rules; members discussed the bill’s effective-date language, and no public comment was offered. The committee then heard HB 468, which would raise the monthly 911 surcharge from 60 cents to 90 cents, the first increase in about 20 years, to generate roughly $13 million annually for 911 operations and next-generation technology. Senator DeFar and the state 911 administrator emphasized the need to stabilize funding and improve services such as text-to-911, geolocation, and faster language translation for non-English callers; several members expressed support and asked to be added as sponsors. No votes on the bills were taken during the meeting, and there was no in-person public comment on either measure. The meeting concluded after public comment was closed.

Transcript Highlights:

• No one is saying don't call 911.
• Um and 911 might still be called.
• No one is saying don't call 911.
• Um and 911 might still be called.
• Um but we're also don't call 911.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• HB 268 is a bill that is a 911 bill.
• This bill would just give the 911 a level of quality for the 911 dispatch.
• This bill would just give the 911 a level of quality for the 911 dispatch.
• This bill would just give the 911 a level of quality for the 911 dispatch.
• This bill would just give the 911 a level of quality for the 911 dispatch.

Keywords: 1136, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• systems, Regulated Industries relating to public records and meetings, NG-911 systems.
• diagrams, including draft, preliminary, and final formats, which depict the structural elements of 911
• , E911, or public safety radio telecommunications services, or other 911, E911, or public safety radio
• It also covers geographical maps, including those indicating the actual proposed locations of 911, E911
• The scheduled period of these exemptions would be October 2, 2030, as the inclusion of NG-911 systems

Summary: The Committee on Regulated Industries met with a quorum present and took up three measures. First, it considered SB 160 on public accountancy, which would create additional pathways to CPA licensure in Florida without lowering standards. The committee adopted a technical amendment clarifying the licensure application process and effective date, heard a waiver in support from the Florida Institute of CPAs, and then reported the committee substitute favorably by roll call. Next, the committee heard SB 344 on telecommunications access system modernization. The bill updates the Telecommunications Access System Act of 1991 to reflect newer technology, revise outdated terms, broaden eligibility for the advisory committee, and implement recommendations from the Public Service Commission. After adopting a technical amendment, the committee heard supportive testimony from Florida Telecommunications Relay, Inc., including comments that the law is outdated, landline use is declining, and the system should accommodate wireless and other modern accessibility options. The committee then reported the committee substitute favorably. Finally, the committee considered SPB 706, a proposed committee bill on public records and meetings exemptions for NG-911 systems. The bill continues exemptions for certain building plans, maps, and related records and meetings involving 911 and public safety communications infrastructure, while updating the language to include next-generation 911 systems and extending the exemption review period to October 2, 2030. After no questions or debate, Senator Calatayud moved to submit the proposal as a committee bill, the motion was adopted, and the bill was reported favorably as a committee bill. The meeting then adjourned.

Transcript Highlights:

• that where they're at because they're going to need 911 there still as well.
• where they're at because they're going to need 911 there still as well.
• Um and yes, there is a 911 number and it also lists the closest hospital.
• Um and yes, there is a 911 number and it also lists the closest hospital.
• knows where to is located so 91 know 911 knows where to go?

Bills: HF3006, HF2130, HF1290

Keywords: Department of Corrections, DOC, corrections budget, supplemental appropriation, deficiency funding, public safety finance, incarceration, prerelease services, community supervision, postrelease services, supervised release, probation, reentry, reentry services, prison reform, body-worn cameras, corrections officer cameras, ARMER radio system, PREA, Prison Rape Elimination Act

Transcript Highlights:

• And so, given that there's a contract with the with the fish and wildlife with state police, the 911
• And so, given that there's a contract with the with the fish and wildlife with state police, the 911
• And so, given that there's a contract with the with the fish and wildlife with state police, the 911
• And so, given that there's a contract with the with the fish and wildlife with state police, the 911
• And so, given that there's a contract with the with the fish and wildlife with state police, the 911

Keywords: Meeting Start: 00:00 Roll Call: 00:04 HB 168 Discussion: 01:20 HB 168 Voting: 05:12, 958, all

Summary: The committee took up House Bill 168, with Representative Fleming presenting a committee substitute after additional stakeholder discussions. Fleming explained that the substitute returns the boating-related penalties to the original monetary fine structure rather than mirroring DUI penalties, while keeping the requirement that officers seek a warrant for blood testing in fatal or serious-injury cases. He also described a communications change intended to speed emergency response on the water: 911 dispatchers would notify state police, who would then contact Fish and Wildlife, addressing delays in prior incidents. Representative Fugate asked for clarification about which agency would respond to boating accidents and fatalities. Fleming confirmed that Fish and Wildlife would remain the primary responding agency and that the substitute would not require state police or local departments to investigate boating incidents on the lake. After questions concluded, the committee called the roll and adopted the committee substitute. The committee then voted on the bill as substituted, and House Bill 168 passed out of committee favorably. Members and the chair praised the sponsor for continuing to work with stakeholders and improving the bill through the committee process.

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to wait for Next Gen 911, which is years away.
• It is the same technology being used on the 911 Next Gen system.
• There are 450 911 centers. There are 11 988 centers.
• Concerning 911 and 988 interoperability, as it stands right now, all 911 public safety answering points
• It's a whole new delivery system, unique and specific outside of 911.

Keywords: 988, house, all

Summary: The joint oversight hearing focused on AB 988 implementation and suicide prevention in California Indian communities. Members and the chairs emphasized that 988 was intended to create a behavioral health crisis system with “someone to call, someone to come, and somewhere to go,” and then turned to the disproportionate suicide burden facing Native youth and the need for culturally responsive outreach and services. Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan, the bill’s author, said the law has already saved lives but argued that key parts of the system—especially interoperability between 911 and 988, mobile crisis dispatch, and adequate funding—are not yet working as intended. The first panel of stakeholders and call center leaders largely said California’s 988 network is underfunded and not fully integrated. Speakers from the Steinberg Institute and 988 California said call, text, and chat demand has grown sharply, but staffing and funding have not kept pace, leaving text/chat answer rates far below the state’s goals and sending many contacts to out-of-state backup centers. They also said mobile crisis teams are not being dispatched through 988 statewide, and that the state’s current governance and funding structure is too fragmented. WellSpace Health and other providers described 988 as the “front door” to crisis care, urged more stable funding, and recommended broader use of the CCBHC model to support mobile crisis and behavioral health infrastructure. San Joaquin County offered a local success story, describing a countywide crisis continuum that links 988, mobile crisis, behavioral health access lines, and follow-up services through warm handoffs and coordinated outreach. County officials said the model has reduced reliance on emergency departments and involuntary holds, and they noted that local partnerships and repeated community meetings were key to implementation. Members asked about staffing, tribal outreach, and how to make the system more measurable and interoperable; panelists said staffing projections should be based on actual call volume and contact length, and that tribal-specific outreach has often depended on temporary grant funding. State officials from CalHHS and DHCS then described the five-year implementation plan, the roles of multiple agencies, and current performance data. They said California’s 988 system has handled more than 74,000 contacts in a recent month, with in-state answer rates of 87% for calls and lower rates for chats and texts, and that unanswered contacts are routed to backup centers. They highlighted training efforts, LGBTQ+ competency work after the end of the federal “Press 3” option, and efforts to improve reimbursement for mobile crisis services. No formal votes or committee actions were taken during the hearing.

Transcript Highlights:

• PLANS, BLUEPRINTS, SCHEMATIC, DRAWINGS PUT INTO FINAL FORMATS DEPICTING THE STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS OF 911
• ALSO IT COVERS GEOGRAPHICAL MAPS INCLUDING THE INDICATING ACTUAL PROPOSED LOCATIONS OF 911, E 911 PUBLIC
• SAFETY INFRASTRUCTURE INCLUDING TOWERS ANTENNA EQUIPMENT AND FACILITIES PROVIDE 911, E911 OR PUBLIC
• SAFETY RATE REGULAR SERVICES OR OTHER 911 PUBLIC SAFETY RADIO COMMUNICATION STRUCTURES OR FACILITIES
• THE NG 911 SYSTEMS.

Keywords: 999, senate, all

Transcript Highlights:

• Now everybody knows it's 911 for EMS, ambulance, fire, and police.
• Now everybody knows it's 911 for EMS, ambulance, fire, and police.
• Now everybody knows it's 911 for EMS, ambulance, fire, and police.
• Now everybody knows it's 911 for EMS, ambulance, fire, and police.
• Now everybody knows it's 911 for EMS, ambulance, fire, and police.

Keywords: 1183, house

Transcript Highlights:

• We need to wait for Next Gen 911, which is years away.
• It is the same technology being used on the 911 Next Gen system.
• There are 450 911 centers. There are 11 988 centers.
• Concerning 911 and 988 interoperability, as it stands right now, all 911 public safety answering points
• It's a whole new delivery system, unique and specific outside of 911.

Summary: The joint Assembly Health and Select Committee on Native American Affairs held an oversight hearing on AB 988, California’s 988 crisis line and mobile crisis response system, followed by a discussion of suicide prevention and intervention in California Indian communities. Members and witnesses repeatedly emphasized that AB 988 was intended to create a true alternative to 911 for behavioral health crises, with “someone to call, someone to come, and somewhere to go,” and that Native communities continue to face disproportionately high suicide rates and barriers to culturally responsive care. The first panel of call center and stakeholder witnesses largely argued that implementation is falling short of the law’s intent. They said 988 call centers are underfunded, text/chat answer rates remain far below call answer rates, staffing is strained, and the system still lacks meaningful statewide interoperability between 988 and 911. Several witnesses said mobile crisis teams are not being dispatched through 988 as envisioned, and that funding formulas and governance are too opaque. San Joaquin County was presented as a local success story, with integrated 988, access lines, and mobile crisis handoffs that have reduced reliance on emergency departments and involuntary holds. Witnesses also discussed the need for better tribal outreach, the role of CCBHCs, and the importance of culturally competent services. State officials from CalHHS and DHCS described the five-year 988 implementation plan, the current governance structure across multiple agencies, and efforts to support training, public awareness, and referral tools. They reported growth in 988 contacts, ongoing training with the Trevor Project, a statewide resource directory, and a tribal awareness campaign. DHCS also outlined proposed trailer bill language that would create a formal designation process for 988 centers, set statewide standards, and require existing centers to obtain designation by 2029. Officials said current funding includes SAMHSA grants, block grant dollars, and an expected $67.3 million from the 988 fund in the next budget year, with a large share earmarked for Medi-Cal mobile crisis services. No formal vote or committee action was taken in the portion of the hearing provided.

Transcript Highlights:

• by 911, but not exclusively by 911. by 911, but not exclusively by 911.
• goes to the 911 fund. goes to the 911 fund. >> It<04:37:35.199> does.
• . 911. 911.
• first 50% from 911." first 50% from 911."
• the 911 system? the 911 system?

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Transcript Highlights:

• . 911 was first established um 911 was first established um Technologies<03:23:35.960> and<03:
• Emergency services and communication, sir. 911? Yeah, 911. Well, hold on a second, though.
• the phone system. the 911 system itself which is the 911 system itself which is representative<03:42
• <03:43:38.319> is and how that is important to 911 is and how that is important to 911 is
• could be allocated to support the 911 could be allocated to support the 911 I'm<03:48:28.000>

Keywords: 1189, house, all

Summary: The committee first took up HB 713, which would require mile markers on Route 112, the Kancamagus Highway. The sponsor and DOT testimony described the road as a heavily traveled but isolated corridor with little or no cell or radio service, frequent accidents and breakdowns, and serious public-safety problems when emergency responders cannot quickly locate incidents. Members discussed where markers should be placed, how frequently they should appear, whether both sides of the road should be marked, and the potential cost; DOT said the project could be done with federal funds and might be combined with other work to reduce mobilization costs. The committee agreed the bill was straightforward and voted OTP 18-0, with discussion that a friendly amendment might be offered later to refine the language. The committee then heard HB 563, concerning calculation of adequate education grants. Testimony explained that the bill would add fiscal capacity disparity aid in FY 27 and increase the special education differentiated aid factor, while also reducing extraordinary needs grants so the overall fiscal impact would be net neutral. Members noted the changes were limited to the second year because of the budget process and school district ballot timing. Supporters argued the fiscal capacity aid would help property-poor towns and should be expanded, while others emphasized the bill’s budget-neutral structure. The committee voted to retain HB 563 for further consideration in the budget process. Finally, the committee opened HB 675, which would limit the authority of school districts to make certain appropriations. A Derry resident and former local official testified in favor, arguing that property taxes are too high, that school spending has outpaced town-side tax caps, and that local voters should have more control over school budgets. Committee members questioned whether the issue should instead be handled locally through existing processes or broader governance changes, and one member noted the state’s constitutional obligation to provide an adequate education. The discussion continued, but no final action on HB 675 was taken in the portion provided.