House committee advances constitutional amendment to create statewide 9‑1‑1 lockbox

A House committee advanced a resolution asking voters to create a statewide, non‑lapsing Georgia 9‑1‑1 fund that would be dedicated by statute to expanding, maintaining and operating the state’s next‑generation 9‑1‑1 system.

Chairman Chuck Martin told the committee the constitutional amendment would create a 'lockbox' so money designated for 9‑1‑1 could not be used for other purposes. 'This is funding in a lockbox,' Martin said, adding the proposal 'strictly limits the use of where those dollars can be expended.'

Martin said the resolution was intended to address how 9‑1‑1 revenue is collected and used across jurisdictions and to make the state better able to fund a ubiquitous next‑generation 9‑1‑1 platform. He noted that current fees are collected locally and that modern mobile phones often make fee assignments inconsistent with where calls are answered. 'What we’re trying to do is collect this money in the state because it is important that 9‑1‑1 be available regardless of what county you’re in,' Martin said.

The resolution would authorize the General Assembly to dedicate revenue to a statewide fund and would limit the permitted uses to expansion, maintenance and operation of 9‑1‑1 systems, including the transition to next‑generation 9‑1‑1. Martin said the resolution itself does not increase the monthly fee Georgians currently pay and that enabling legislation to set distribution formulas would follow, via a stakeholder working group of 9‑1‑1 center operators and local governments.

Committee members had no substantive questions; a motion that the resolution 'do pass' was made, seconded and carried in committee. Martin thanked GECA and other stakeholders for work on the proposal and said lawmakers would continue discussions on how the funds would be distributed.