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Bill

A 2371

Prioritizes distribution of 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund monies; permits use of funds for certain expenses incurred by counties and municipalities for the provision and maintenance of 9-1-1 emergency services.

2024-2025 Regular Session Introduced by Don Guardian and 4 co-sponsors

New Jersey bill expands eligible uses of 9-1-1 emergency funding to help counties and municipalities cover more emergency service expenses.

Introduced in the Assembly, Referred to Assembly Public Safety and Preparedness Committee
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Bill Summary · A 2371

Legislative bill overview

Bill A 2371 establishes priorities for how New Jersey distributes money from its 9-1-1 System and Emergency Response Trust Fund to counties and municipalities. The bill expands the permitted uses of these funds to cover additional expenses related to providing and maintaining 9-1-1 emergency services beyond what current law allows.

Why is this important

9-1-1 systems are critical public infrastructure, and how funding is allocated directly affects emergency response capabilities across the state. Clarifying which expenses can be covered by the trust fund may help local governments better finance essential emergency services, though it also reflects debates about adequate public safety funding and fiscal responsibility.

Potential points of contention

  • Fund depletion concerns: Expanding allowable uses could deplete the trust fund faster if not carefully managed, potentially leaving insufficient reserves for infrastructure upgrades or emergencies
  • Equity in distribution: The bill's prioritization formula may favor well-funded municipalities over under-resourced areas, or vice versa, depending on how priorities are structured
  • Definition of eligible expenses: Without seeing the specific expense categories permitted, there's risk that funds could be diverted to uses tangentially related to 9-1-1 rather than core emergency response needs

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

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