New legislation has been introduced in the U.S. Senate
On March 11, Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Ted Budd (R-NC) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act in the U.S. Senate. APCO International celebrates the introduction of another bipartisan effort to strengthen the nation’s commitment to modern, resilient emergency communications. In December 2025, APCO reported on the introduction of an NG9-1-1 bill in the House of Representatives.
This legislation charts a clear path toward bringing 9-1-1 infrastructure in line with the advanced communications capabilities available to the public, enabling emergency communications centers (ECCs) with the tools necessary to manage evolving threats and support timely, reliable emergency response.
“NG9-1-1 is more than an upgrade in technology; it is a commitment to saving lives and strengthening public safety,” said Jack Varnado, president of APCO International. “Senators Klobuchar, Budd and Cortez Masto’s leadership in introducing the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act moves the country closer to a fully interoperable, reliable, innovative 9-1-1 environment, and we extend our sincere appreciation for their dedication to the advancement of public safety communications.”
NG9-1-1 will better equip 9-1-1 professionals to confront today’s emergencies by replacing the outdated 9-1-1 infrastructure with modern, IP-based technology. With these upgrades, ECCs will be able to receive photos, videos and other key incident data that can improve situational awareness for first responders. Transitioning to NG9-1-1 is essential to making sure every call for help is met with the full power of modern technology, supporting faster understanding, better coordination and stronger protection for communities nationwide.
The introduction of NG9-1-1 legislation in both the Senate and House of Representatives reflects continued congressional attention to modernizing the nation’s emergency communications systems. We look forward to working with both chambers as they advance legislation to modernize critical public safety infrastructure, enhancing emergency response capabilities and improving outcomes for communities across the nation.
APCO International® (www.apcointl.org)
APCO International is the world’s oldest and largest organization of public safety communications professionals and supports the largest U.S. membership base of any public safety association. It serves the needs of public safety communications practitioners worldwide – and the welfare of the general public as a whole – by providing complete expertise, professional development, technical assistance, advocacy and outreach.
