Legislative Budget Committee approves $2 million pilot to map schools, PSAPs to improve 911 response; amendment passes after debate

The Legislative Budget Committee voted to add a $2 million FY26 amendment to the State 911 Board’s recommendation to fund mapping of schools, postsecondary institutions and other critical facilities for improved response.

A committee motion added the amendment with a prioritized list of eligible facilities: first public or private elementary and secondary schools, then state postsecondary institutions, government buildings, mass-gathering sites and health-care facilities. A staff presenter explained Kansas Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) can apply for grants to map those facilities, and that ongoing maintenance would remain a local responsibility at an estimated cost of about $500 per building when updates are required.

Representative Hoye said the agency did not request enhancements and expressed concern $2 million would not cover every school and that current contracts remain underfunded. Representative Ford offered a substitute motion to increase funding to $6 million and limit priority to K–12 and postsecondary schools so all could participate; that substitute failed on a voice vote. The original $2 million amendment passed on a voice vote.

Why it matters: The funding is intended to create or update indoor/priority mapping for first responders and PSAPs so callers at schools and other prioritized locations can be rapidly located and directed to appropriate response plans.

Procedural note: The amendment’s proviso prioritizes grants to schools and state educational institutions first; PSAPs with qualifying facilities in their areas can apply for the mapping grants. Lawmakers acknowledged the amendment is a pilot-scale appropriation intended to be expanded later if successful.

Ending note: Committee members said they hope to extend mapping statewide in future sessions but opted for the $2 million pilot rather than a larger initial appropriation this year.