This bill amends the existing law regarding the "9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account" by expanding the purposes for which the funds can be used. Specifically, it allows for the annual appropriation of funds to cover costs associated with the recruitment and retention of first responders. Additionally, the bill introduces a new provision that mandates five percent of the funds credited to the account to be allocated annually to the New Jersey EMS Task Force, which is a nonprofit organization that provides emergency medical services and collaborates with the state.

The bill also includes several specific costs that can be funded through the account, such as emergency response training, operational expenses for emergency management offices, and costs related to compliance with federal 9-1-1 service requirements. Notably, it adds provisions for costs associated with planning, designing, or implementing automatic location identification technology and acquiring replacement equipment for the enhanced 9-1-1 network. These changes aim to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of emergency response services in New Jersey.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 52:17C-19