Asserting APCO’s Leadership Role in Public Safety Communications
The Government Relations Office (GRO) establishes and maintains relationships with Congress, federal agencies, the Administration, industry leaders, and national public safety and governmental organizations to advocate for the policies, regulations, and legislation of most importance to APCO members.
From the Emergency Communications Center to Capitol Hill: A Fireside Chat on Health and Wellness for Public Safety Telecommunicators
APCO Chief Counsel Nicole McGinnis and Billy Dwyer, Senior Legislative Assistant to Congresswoman Robin Kelly (D-IL), unpack the latest developments on Capitol Hill that could affect public safety communications and share insights on the PROTECT 9-1-1 Act (H.R. 2937), a bill that addresses mental health and wellness challenges facing public safety telecommunicators. APCO’s government relations team also shares practical tips to make your voice heard and effectively engage with lawmakers on the issues that matter most.
NG9-1-1 Presentation
This slide deck contains talking points on why federal funding is needed for Next Generation 9-1-1. We’re making it available for public safety communications professionals to use as a resource in their advocacy efforts.
News Highlights From APCO's Government Relations Office
APCO CEO and Executive Director Mel Maier Testifies in Congress on FirstNet Reauthorization
On January 28, APCO CEO and Executive Director Mel Maier testified before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation’s Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media at a hearing titled “On the Front Lines of Connectivity: Examining FirstNet’s Role in Public Safety.”
Bills to Support Public Safety Communications Advance in the House of Representatives
On January 21, 2026 the House Energy and Commerce Committee advanced the Emergency Reporting Act (H.R. 5200) and the Kari’s Law Report Act (H.R. 5201), bills that will help ensure access to 9-1-1 and improve situational awareness regarding network outages that can affect calls to 9-1-1.
APCO Submits Filing on Cell Signal Jamming
On January 12, 2026, APCO submitted a filing in the Federal Communications Commission’s proceeding on the deployment of cell signal jamming technologies to combat contraband phones in correctional facilities.
APCO President Jack Varnado Testifies in Congress on Needed Improvements to Public Safety Communications
On December 16, APCO President Jack Varnado, testified before the House Energy and Commerce Communications and Technology Subcommittee at a hearing titled “Legislative Improvements to Public Safety Communications in the United States.”
FCC Advances New Enhancements for Wireless Emergency Alerts
On December 18, the Federal Communications Commission set effective dates for new rules enhancing the multilingual capabilities for Wireless Emergency Alerts (WEAs).
APCO Commends Introduction of Next Generation 9-1-1 Legislation
On December 10, 2025, APCO International welcomed the introduction of the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act in the U.S. House of Representatives to advance the nationwide transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1).
Policy Priorities
APCO is a recognized and well-respected leader when it comes to legislative and regulatory efforts directed at improving emergency communications, including 9-1-1 services and public safety spectrum use.
9-1-1
APCO is a recognized and well-respected leader when it comes to legislative and regulatory efforts directed at improving 9-1-1 services.
9-1-1 Location Accuracy
APCO has advocated for sensible improvements aimed at ensuring that ECCs receive actionable location information.
4.9 GHz Spectrum
APCO advocates that public safety use of this spectrum band should be optimized in a manner that promotes innovation, helps modernize public safety communications and enables 5G services.
6 GHz
APCO advocates that sharing the 6GHz band with large numbers of unlicensed devices should only occur if appropriate measures are in place to prevent, identify and eliminate interference to public safety’s systems.
Public Safety Telecommunicator Job Reclassification
APCO continues its work to reclassify public safety telecommunicators as a “protective service” occupation to accurately reflect their life-saving role.
