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Bill

SCR 98

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

Constitutional amendment dedicates 9-1-1 trust fund revenues exclusively to emergency response systems, preventing budget redirection and protecting emergency communication funding.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
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Bill Summary · SCR 98

Legislative bill overview

SCR 98 proposes a constitutional amendment that would dedicate revenues credited to New Jersey's "9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account" exclusively for maintaining and operating the state's 9-1-1 system and emergency response services. The amendment would prevent these funds from being redirected to other state budget priorities, creating a protected funding stream for emergency communications infrastructure.

Why is this important

9-1-1 systems are critical public safety infrastructure, and dedicated funding ensures reliable emergency response capabilities regardless of broader state budget constraints. By constitutionally protecting these revenues, the measure addresses concerns that emergency communication systems could face underfunding if lawmakers redirect trust account money during fiscal crises. This affects response times, call center operations, and the technology that connects residents to police, fire, and medical services.

Potential points of contention

  • Budget flexibility concerns: Constitutional dedications reduce legislative discretion during budget emergencies, potentially forcing difficult choices between protected programs and other essential services when revenues decline
  • Funding mechanism unclear: The bill doesn't specify which revenues currently feed the trust fund or whether existing dedicated sources are sufficient to maintain 9-1-1 systems adequately
  • Implementation questions: The amendment lacks detail on how "maintain" is defined, who oversees spending, and whether the protection allows for system upgrades or only prevents deterioration

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

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