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Bill

S 3536

Concerns distribution of 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Vin Gopal and 1 co-sponsor

New Jersey bill creates dedicated 9-1-1 trust fund to consolidate emergency service fees and establish transparent allocation framework for dispatch and response infrastructure statewide.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee
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Bill Summary · S 3536

Legislative bill overview

S 3536 establishes a dedicated 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account in New Jersey to consolidate and manage revenue generated from 9-1-1 service fees and surcharges. The bill specifies how funds collected from phone bills and other sources should be distributed and allocated to support emergency response infrastructure and services across the state.

Why is this important

9-1-1 systems are critical public safety infrastructure, and dedicated funding ensures reliable emergency dispatch services. Current funding mechanisms may be fragmented or insufficient, so a trust fund could improve accountability and guarantee resources for equipment upgrades, personnel training, and modernization of emergency response technology.

Potential points of contention

  • Fund raiding concerns: Whether the trust fund will be protected from general budget raids during fiscal crises, or if the state can redirect 9-1-1 revenues to other purposes
  • Distribution formula disputes: How funds will be allocated between rural and urban areas, wealthy versus under-resourced municipalities, and which specific emergency services qualify for support
  • Consumer impact: Whether establishing this dedicated account will require increased 9-1-1 surcharges on consumer phone bills, and transparency about fee structures

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

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