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Committee amends SJR48, hears 9‑1‑1 chiefs urge funding clarity and reserves limits
Summary
After adding an amendment to SJR48, the subcommittee heard testimony from the Tennessee Emergency Communications Board and local 9‑1‑1 directors who described reserves as restricted for equipment replacement and urged careful timing for any rate change.
Representative Carringer introduced SJR48—a resolution to ratify recent Tennessee Emergency Communications Board action to change the statewide uniform 9‑1‑1 rate from $1.50 to $1.86—and the committee voted to add an amendment changing the effective date. Carringer told colleagues she had already been charged the higher $1.86 on her bill statements and urged members to hear from 9‑1‑1 professionals before final action.
TECB Executive Director Curtis Sutton said Tennessee "is recognized as the national leader in 09/11" and urged continued investment to sustain Next Generation 9‑1‑1 systems. Knox County 911 Executive Director Brad Anders and Cumberland County Executive Director Eric Richmond testified that many reserve dollars are restricted for equipment depreciation and replacement and "are not allowed" for operational expenses. Members requested more granular reserve and distribution data and questioned whether waiting for a study would leave districts financially strained.
Representative Carringer subsequently took SJR48 off notice to allow additional member engagement and visits with local 9‑1‑1 operations.
