Directs distribution of 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account to county 9-1-1 emergency response systems.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Steinhardt

The bill directs 9-1-1 System funds to county emergency response systems to upgrade and sustain local dispatch and communications infrastructure.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Law and Public Safety Committee

Summary of Bill S 4358 (Session 222) – New Jersey

Purpose and intent

The bill directs the distribution of funds from the 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account to county 9-1-1 emergency response systems.

In short, it establishes or clarifies how money within the state’s 9-1-1-related trust fund is allocated to county-level emergency communication systems and related emergency response efforts.

Key provisions and changes

Allocation authority: The measure specifies that distributions from the 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund Account are to be made directly to county 9-1-1 emergency response systems. This indicates a shift or emphasis on funding at the county level rather than through other state-administered pathways.

Target recipients: The funds would flow specifically to county 9-1-1 emergency response systems, which are typically responsible for handling 9-1-1 calls, establishing local dispatch, and coordinating first responder communications.

Mechanism and oversight (implied): Although the text provided does not include all procedural details, such bills typically establish:

eligibility criteria for counties or county emergency response systems to receive funds.
reporting or accountability requirements to ensure funds are used for eligible 9-1-1 infrastructure, operations, training, and related emergency response activities.
a governance or administrative framework for distributing funds (e.g., a formula-based distribution or a discretionary allocation approved by a committee or state agency).

Who is affected

County-based 9-1-1 emergency response systems: Primary recipients of funds under the bill.

Local governments and public safety answering points (PSAPs) within counties: Potential beneficiaries through capital improvements, equipment upgrades, staffing, training, and operations supported by the trust fund distributions.

State oversight bodies: Likely involved in administering the fund distributions, ensuring compliance, and reporting as part of the trust fund’s governance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced in the New Jersey Senate on May 28, 2026.

Referral: Referred to the Senate Law and Public Safety Committee, indicating the bill will be reviewed for policy merit, fiscal impact, and potential amendments before moving to floor consideration.

Sponsor: Co-sponsor Doug Steinhardt (indicating bipartisan or cross-party support may be explored during committee proceedings).

Potential impact and considerations

Resource alignment: By directing funds to county 9-1-1 systems, the bill could enhance local control over emergency communications funding and potentially improve response times, system reliability, and dispatcher training.

Infrastructure and modernization: Funds could be used for upgrading PSAP equipment, radio/telephony systems, GIS/location accuracy, collective purchasing, and interoperability across jurisdictions.

Financial accountability: The bill would likely necessitate clear reporting requirements to track fund use, prevent misallocation, and demonstrate outcomes in public safety.

Equity and consistency: Depending on the distribution method, there could be concerns or considerations regarding how funds are allocated among counties with varying populations, call volumes, or existing infrastructure.

Note

The available information is limited to the introduction and referral history, sponsor, and bill title. The final bill text would provide precise formulas, eligibility criteria, match requirements (if any), audit provisions, and specific allowable expenditures.