Bill > HJR38

This Joint Resolution formally expresses the Alaska State Legislature's support for recognizing 911 dispatchers and emergency call-takers as true first responders by applauding the U.S. Senate for passing the Enhancing First Response Act and urging the U.S. House of Representatives to do the same. Currently, the federal Office of Management and Budget (a government agency that oversees federal programs and policies) classifies these vital public safety workers as mere clerical or office workers under its Standard Occupational Classification system, which unfairly blocks them from receiving the same mental health support, benefits, and protective service recognition given to police officers and firefighters. By pushing for this reclassification, the resolution aims to validate the life-saving nature of dispatchers' work, help combat post-traumatic stress disorder resulting from handling high-stress emergency calls, and improve the state's ability to recruit and retain these essential professionals.