Bill > SB1898

This bill directs the Tennessee Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Relations (TACIR), a state agency that studies and advises on issues affecting local governments, to conduct a comprehensive study of Tennessee's emergency communications system. The study will examine how these systems are currently funded, comparing Tennessee's methods to those used in other states, and will analyze the various ways emergency communications districts (ECDs), which are local entities responsible for emergency calls, are structured, along with their pros and cons. It also requires an organizational chart of all ECDs, from their leadership down to public safety answering points (PSAPs), which are the centers that receive 911 calls, and will explore ways to make ECD operations and finances more consistent across the state. Furthermore, the study will consider consolidating ECDs, analyze the sharing of calls between them, especially in rural areas, and discuss the reasons for having multiple ECDs versus a single statewide system. It will also investigate the benefits of requiring direct dispatch, meaning emergency responders are sent directly from the PSAP, at all PSAPs, and will include any other relevant topics and legislative recommendations TACIR deems important. Finally, TACIR must submit its completed study to the leaders of the state senate and house of representatives by December 1, 2026.

Government Affairs

https://wapp.capitol.tn.gov/apps/Billinfo/default.aspx?BillNumber=SB1898&ga=114