ATLANTA – On Friday, February 28th, the Georgia House of Representatives unanimously passed House Bill 423, which aims to strengthen emergency communications across the state. Sponsored by State Representative Will Wade (R-Dawsonville), a Floor Leader for Governor Brian Kemp, HB 423 would empower the Georgia Emergency Communications Authority (GECA) to procure the necessary infrastructure to implement Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) services.
“I am proud to have sponsored this important legislation, which is crucial for the safety of all Georgians,” said Rep. Wade. “This is a critical step toward modernizing our emergency response systems and ensuring that we are equipped to handle the needs of our communities in a rapidly evolving technological landscape. If enacted into law, HB 423 would allow GECA to initiate the procurement process for the necessary infrastructure to support NG9-1-1 services throughout Georgia, paving the way for a more responsive and user-friendly emergency communication system. This legislation not only enhances public safety but also aligns with national efforts to standardize and improve emergency response systems. It is a forward-thinking move that underscores Georgia’s commitment to leveraging technology to better serve its citizens in times of crisis.”
HB 423 aims to enhance emergency response capabilities in Georgia by implementing Next NG9-1-1 technology and would require all new 9-1-1 systems to conform to wireless enhanced 9-1-1 standards. This technology would enable citizens to send text messages, photos and videos directly to emergency responders, which would improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency communications. The goal would be to reduce response times and enhance outcomes during emergencies. Additionally, HB 423 would update GECA’s responsibilities, expand the board of directors and revise the role of the executive director.
HB 423 now awaits consideration by the Georgia State Senate.
The full text of HB 423 may be found here.
Representative Will Wade represents the citizens of District 9, which includes portions of Dawson, Lumpkin and White counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2020 and currently serves as one of the Governor’s Floor Leaders and as Vice Chairman of the Banks & Banking Committee and the Appropriations Subcommittee on Education. He also serves on the Education, Judiciary Juvenile, State Planning and Community Affairs and Transportation committees.
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