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ACR 25

Amends Constitution to dedicate money credited to the "9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account" to maintain 9-1-1 system and emergency response.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Rob Clifton and 5 co-sponsors

Dedicates funds in the 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund to maintain and improve the 9-1-1 system, protected Constitutionally from diversion.

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · ACR 25

Summary of ACR 25 (Session 222, New Jersey)

What the bill does

  • ACR 25 would amend the New Jersey Constitution to dedicate money that is credited to the “9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account.”
  • The dedication would require that those funds be used specifically to maintain the 9-1-1 system and emergency response capabilities.

Main purpose and intent

  • To ensure stable, constitutionally protected funding for the 9-1-1 system and related emergency response infrastructure.
  • By dedicating funds in the constitution, the bill aims to shield these resources from diversion to other uses and provide a dedicated funding stream for ongoing system maintenance and improvements.

Key provisions and changes

  • Constitutional amendment: The bill seeks to create a permanent or constitutionally protected priority for funds credited to the 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account.
  • Allocation requirement: The funds in this account would be restricted to use for maintaining the 9-1-1 system and emergency response services, rather than being available for general government purposes.

Who/what is affected

  • Public safety operations: 9-1-1 dispatch centers, call-taking technology, and related emergency response infrastructure.
  • State and local emergency response agencies that rely on dedicated funds to operate and upgrade 9-1-1 services.
  • The broader public who utilize 9-1-1 services, as funding stability could influence reliability, system upgrades, and response times.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: Introduced on January 13, 2026.
  • Action: Referred to the Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee for consideration.
  • Legislative process: As a constitutional amendment, it would typically require passage by both houses of the Legislature and subsequent voter approval in a statewide referendum before it becomes part of the Constitution.

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Fiscal certainty: Creates a dedicated funding stream for 9-1-1 and emergency response, potentially improving long-term planning and system upgrades.
  • Flexibility constraints: By constitutionally dedicating funds, there may be less flexibility to redirect these resources during budget shortfalls or emergencies where broader fiscal responses are needed.
  • Implementation: Details such as the specific sources credited to the Trust Fund Account (e.g., surcharges, fees, or other revenues) are not provided in the provided text and would be clarified during committee review and potential amendments.

Noteworthy context

  • Sponsored by Assemblywoman Victoria A. Flynn (District 13, Monmouth) with co-sponsorship from Assembly members Clifton, Myhre, Rumpf, Scharfenberger, and DiMaio.
  • The bill’s current form is “Introduced Pending Technical Review by Legislative Counsel,” indicating it is in the early stages of the legislative process and may undergo revisions.

If you’d like, I can add a simple pros/cons section or track potential amendments as the bill advances.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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