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HB 695

Pub. Rec./Health Care

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Redondo

Directs a new minimum 20% of total 911 service-charge revenues to the State Highway Patrol for VIPER support, interoperability, and dispatch, potentially reducing PSAP funding.

Now in Health Care Facilities & Systems Subcommittee
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Bill Summary · HB 695

Summary — HB 695: Support VIPER / Assist 911 Operations & Dispatch (North Carolina)

Status: Reported Favorably (Reptd Fav)
Prime sponsor: Rep. B. Jones
Filed: April 2, 2025
Effective date (as drafted): July 1, 2025 (applies to 911 Board allocations made on/after that date)

Purpose / intent

The bill directs a dedicated portion of statewide 911 service‑charge revenues to support the State’s VIPER (Voice Interoperability Plan for Emergency Responders) radio system to the extent that the system supports 911 services, interoperability between 911 and public‑safety radio systems, and first‑responder dispatch tied to 911 communications. The aim is to fund ongoing VIPER support and maintenance that directly benefits 911 operations and interoperability.

Key provisions

  • Amends G.S. 143B‑1404(b) (Allocation of Revenues):

    • Retains existing authority for the 911 Board to deduct/retain a percentage of service charges for administrative expenses (may not exceed 3.5%; default is 1% unless adjusted).
    • Requires minimum allocations of:
    • 15% of total service charges to the Next Generation 911 Reserve Fund (existing requirement).
    • 5% to the PSAP Grant and Statewide Projects Account (existing requirement).
    • A new minimum of 20% of total service charges to the State Highway Patrol specifically for support and maintenance of the State’s VIPER system, but only insofar as VIPER relates to:
      • provision of 911 services,
      • interoperability between 911 systems and public‑safety/first‑responder radio systems, and
      • dispatch of first responders in response to 911 communications.
    • Remaining revenues continue to be allocated for distribution to primary PSAPs, CMRS providers, and other statutory accounts.

  • Rulemaking:

    • Directs the 911 Board to adopt rules implementing the act and authorizes the Board to adopt temporary rules to effectuate the changes until permanent rules are in place.

Who is affected

  • State Highway Patrol: designated recipient of the new VIPER allocation (to be used for VIPER activities linked to 911).
  • 911 Board: must implement new allocation percentages and adopt rules (including temporary rules, if needed).
  • Primary PSAPs, CMRS providers, NG911 Reserve, PSAP Grant programs and local 911 stakeholders: funding flows change — a mandatory 20% diversion to VIPER may reduce the pool of funds otherwise available for other uses unless overall revenues increase.
  • First responders and the public: potential benefit from better‑funded VIPER interoperability and dispatch capabilities that support 911 response.

Fiscal and timeline considerations

  • The bill does not specify dollar amounts—allocations operate as percentages of total 911 service charges, so fiscal impact depends on the total revenue collected.
  • The 20% VIPER allocation becomes effective for Board allocations on/after July 1, 2025.
  • The 911 Board must monitor and set the administrative retention percentage (up to statutory cap) and adopt rules to implement the change; temporary rules are authorized to allow prompt implementation.

Potential impacts / tradeoffs

  • Positive: Provides sustained, predictable funding for VIPER activities that support interoperability and 911 dispatch — could improve cross‑agency communication and emergency response.
  • Tradeoff: Directing 20% of service‑charge revenues to VIPER may reduce funds available to other 911 programs and PSAP grants unless total 911 revenue grows or reallocation mitigations are adopted in rulemaking. Local agencies and PSAPs should assess budgetary effects.

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

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