NextGen 9‑1‑1: new program manager hired; committee presses for strategic plan and clearer procurement oversight

The Joint Legislative Oversight Committee received an update on Idaho’s transition to Next Generation 9‑1‑1 and was told that a dedicated program manager has been hired to advance strategic planning and stakeholder coordination.

Ben Roeber (Idaho Office of Emergency Management) and Sheriff Annie Creech (chair, Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission) reported that a statewide implementation lacks a single contracting authority and that a statewide grant is currently managed by Lewis County, which raised transparency and procurement concerns because a small county is administrating a statewide deployment. "The IPSCC lacks the authority to enter into contracts and agreements," Sheriff Creech said, explaining the grant structure and noting stakeholders are exploring whether the IPSCC should play a different role in procurement.

Donald (Donnie) Lane, the newly hired NextGen 9‑1‑1 program manager, introduced himself and said he will prioritize stakeholder introductions, a baseline assessment, and early development of a strategic plan. Committee members emphasized policy before budgeting: Senator Groh urged policymakers to define desired governance and service models so the budget can follow. The committee asked OPE and the new manager to produce a strategic plan that lays out costs, governance options, and rollout timelines before making structural funding decisions.

Next steps: The committee signaled interest in stakeholder meetings and a timeline for strategic planning to identify required appropriations ahead of the 2031 funding 'cliff.'