House panel approves study of how to fund next-generation 911

The House Energy, Utilities and Telecommunications Committee voted to pass House Resolution 429 (LC 550565), which establishes a five-member study committee to examine funding for Next Generation 911, committee members said.

Representative Martin introduced the resolution as a way to examine how Georgia funds emergency 911 services as the technology that carries calls shifts from traditional phone lines to voice-over-IP and other services. “The traditional manner of this much per phone line and so forth is just as time goes by, it’s become outdated,” Representative Martin said, and the resolution is intended to “skate to where the puck is” and prepare funding for the future.

Alicia Ruckerite, deputy executive director for the Georgia Emergency Communications Authority within GEMA Homeland Security, testified in support of the study committee. “We are in full support of the study committee,” Ruckerite said, adding that many in the 911 community have reported that current fees are not covering all 911 service costs and that a study could examine equitable distribution of fees.

Representative Mary Frances Williams thanked the sponsor for bringing the resolution forward and asked whether the item was limited to a hearing; the chair confirmed it was a hearing but members then moved to a vote. Committee members made a motion to “do pass” on the resolution; the motion was approved by voice vote with no members recorded as opposed on the record.

The resolution’s text submitted to the committee identifies it as LC 550565 and describes a five-member study committee to consider funding mechanisms for Next Generation 911; the transcript contains no summary of the study’s membership rules, timeline, or required deliverables. Several members noted they had discussed the issue with local officials, and Representative Martin credited Roswell Mayor Kurt Wilson and local GEMA contacts for raising the matter. The resolution passed and the committee adjourned.