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Rep. Bricken wins committee OK for statewide TASSAR study of 9‑1‑1 funding
Summary
The Departments & Agencies Subcommittee unanimously moved HB1702 to the full committee after Representative Bricken requested a TASSAR study of the state's 9‑1‑1 funding and operations, citing outdated formulas, 137 PSAPs and roughly 100 emergency communications districts.
Representative Phil Bricken, sponsor of House Bill 1702, told the Departments & Agencies Subcommittee the bill "is simply requesting a Tassar study, to do a deep dive into the funding operations of the state's 9 1 1 system." He said the state has about 100 emergency communications districts and 137 public safety answering points and argued the funding formulas still reflect structures from the 1980s.
The bill asks the TASSAR contractor to examine distribution formulas, reserve policies and whether state or local governments should bear more operating costs. During questions, committee members pressed on reporting, how restricted and unrestricted reserves can be used, and whether consolidation of smaller districts should be encouraged. TECB officials said the state returns most fee revenue to locals but some districts rely heavily on the fee for payroll and operations.
Committee members raised timing concerns: some said a study could take a year or more and delay aid, while others said a full review is necessary before authorizing additional revenue. Representative Bricken and committee members agreed the measure should proceed; the committee voted to move the study to the full committee by voice vote (8 ayes, 0 nos).
