FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Hershman: Governor signs 911 call center consolidation bill
(STATEHOUSE) – Hoosier communities can increase 911 efficiencies, save tax dollars and make new investments in emergency response technologies after legislation to consolidate 911 centers was signed into law this week.
Sen. Brandt Hershman (R-Wheatfield) helped craft the legislation and House Enrolled Act 1204 is the only recommendation from the Kernan Shepherd Commission study on how to streamline local government which passed the General Assembly.
Hershman, who chairs the Senate Utilities and Regulatory Affairs committee, introduced legislation after a study by the General Assembly revealed some counties contained as many as 17 different dispatch centers. The new law mandates the consolidation of centers to a maximum of two per county by 2015.
Hershman said the idea for consolidation is not new to Indiana, Vanderburgh, Hendricks, Kosciusko and Allen counties have implemented or are in the process of implementing this reform.
“Many counties consolidating emergency dispatch centers are seeing positive results,” Hershman said. “Taxpayer dollars are saved, but most importantly, lives can be saved when communication is streamlined.”
Hershman said when emergency personnel dispatch route calls among multiple agencies critical response time is slowed. HB1204 also provides for updates to Indiana’s emergency alert system and requires a study of the funding structure of 911 centers.
Hershman plans to introduce legislation next year to improve and stabilize emergency dispatch funding needs. He thanked State Treasurer Richard Mourdock, the Indiana Sheriff’s Association, the Indiana Association of Counties, the Indiana Broadcasters Association, the Indiana Chamber of Commerce and Tippecanoe County Sherriff Tracy Brown for their cooperation and leadership on the bill.
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Hershman represents Senate District 7, which include Carroll, Clinton, Howard, Jasper, Tippecanoe and White counties. |
