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
House Subcommittee Advances Bill to Study Impacts of AI on Security of Telecommunications Networks
On September 1, 2026, the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce considered the AI for Secure Networks Act, H.R. 7294.
Key Regulatory and Legislative Updates Shaping Conversations at APCO 2026
Every year, APCO’s Annual Conference and Expo provides an opportunity for the association’s Government Relations Office (GRO) to engage with members, learn from their experiences and continue shaping and strengthening its policy priorities.
Court Decision Clears Path for Next Steps in 4.9 GHz Band
The 4.9 GHz band is an important public safety spectrum resource, and a recent court decision has cleared the way for the FCC to continue implementing its plans for the band.
Senators Introduce Bill to Support Wireless Emergency Alerts From Satellites
U.S. Senators John Cornyn (R-TX) and Jon Ossoff (D-GA) have introduced the Mystic Alerts Act (S. 4968), which would encourage satellite-based service providers to transmit wireless emergency alerts (WEAs).
NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus Co-Chairs Urge House Passage of Enhancing First Response Act
Representatives Kat Cammack (R-FL) and Norma Torres (D-CA), co-chairs of the Congressional NextGen 9-1-1 Caucus, sent a letter on July 2 urging House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring S.725, the Enhancing First Response Act, to the House floor for consideration under suspension of the rules.
“Lifeline for First Responders Act” Introduced in the Senate
U.S. Senators Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) and Josh Hawley (R-MO) have introduced the Lifeline for First Responders Act (S.4819), bipartisan legislation to better support the mental health needs of firefighters, EMS personnel, and emergency dispatchers.
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.
