DFA, Counties, and Fire and EMS associations urge House to pass critical 911 modernization bill
SANTA FE – The Department of Finance and Administration (DFA), New Mexico Counties, and Metro Fire Chief Association are calling on the New Mexico House of Representatives to pass Senate Bill 137, sponsored by Senator Michael Padilla, which would provide essential funding for local communities to modernize their 911 systems.
New Mexico’s emergency response infrastructure has fallen behind neighboring states and risks further deterioration without immediate investment in next-generation technology that would make emergency response faster, more reliable, and more effective at protecting New Mexicans’ lives.
“If we fail to upgrade our 911 systems, we fall behind in critical technology that strengthens emergency response—we can’t afford to wait another session,” said DFA Sec. Wayne Propst.
SB 137 expands funding for the statewide implementation of Next Generation 911 (NG911) services by funding local entities through DFA. The legislation adjusts the existing 911 surcharge and broadens the reimbursable federal cost categories to maximize available resources.
“Our dispatch responders are the first line of help in a critical emergency, and they need the best technology and tools available,” said Sandoval County Fire and Rescue Chief Eric Masterson. “Next Gen 911 is the gold standard for emergency response, and SB 137 provides a sustainable and equitable funding source to strengthen 911 systems across New Mexico. We’re hopeful the Legislature passes this critical piece of legislation.”
The modest surcharge adjustment would enable DFA to fund critical technology upgrades for local 911 systems, including:
- Text-to-911 capabilities.
- AI-driven emergency response software (NG911).
- Enhanced cybersecurity protection.
- Improved system interoperability (CAD).
- Logging recorder maintenance.
- Telecommunicator training and certification.
- Advanced geographic information systems improvements.
- Equitable funding distribution to strengthen emergency response statewide.
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