HR1243: HR1243 Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund; authorize creation - CA

Georgia's 9-1-1 emergency call systems are being upgraded to a modern, internet-based format known as Next Generation 9-1-1, which can handle texts, photos, and video during emergencies. This resolution proposes a change to the Georgia Constitution (Article III, Section IX, Paragraph VI) that would let the General Assembly pass a law creating a special fund, the Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund, and dedicate specific existing revenue sources to it. Money placed in the fund could only be spent on expanding, maintaining, and operating 9-1-1 systems, including the shift to Next Generation 9-1-1. Any spending from the fund for other purposes would not be allowed. Unlike most state funds, money in this fund would not expire at the end of the budget year and would be exempt from certain general budget limits. Because this is a constitutional amendment, it must be approved by Georgia voters in a statewide referendum before taking effect.

• Amends the Georgia Constitution to let the General Assembly create the Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund by general law.
• Allows the legislature to dedicate specified existing revenue sources into the fund through separate legislation.
• Restricts fund spending exclusively to expanding, maintaining, and operating 9-1-1 systems, including the move to Next Generation 9-1-1.
• Declares any appropriation from the fund for purposes other than 9-1-1 systems void.
• Exempts money in the fund from normal year-end lapsing rules and from certain constitutional budget limitations.
• Sends the proposed amendment to Georgia voters for ratification or rejection in a statewide referendum.

Georgia voters, who will decide the amendment at the ballot box; the General Assembly, which gains new authority to pass funding laws; state and local 9-1-1 call centers and emergency responders, who could benefit from dedicated funding; and state budget officials who manage revenue allocation.

If approved, Georgia could set aside a stable, non-expiring pool of money specifically for 9-1-1 system upgrades and operations, potentially speeding the statewide shift to Next Generation 9-1-1 technology. Day-to-day emergency call systems could see steadier funding rather than competing yearly for general budget dollars.

• Section 1 amends Article III, Section IX, Paragraph VI of the Georgia Constitution by adding subparagraph (s), authorizing creation of the Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund.
• The fund's money can only go toward expansion, maintenance, and operation of 9-1-1 systems, including the transition to Next Generation 9-1-1 as defined by future legislation.
• Any use of the fund for purposes other than 9-1-1 systems is declared void.
• Fund revenues are exempt from normal lapsing rules and from certain budget caps under Article VII, Section III, Paragraph II.
• Section 2 sets the exact ballot question voters will see and specifies that ratification requires a statewide 'Yes' vote.

1. 2026-05-11Effective Date 2026-07-01
2. 2026-05-11Act 484
3. 2026-05-11House Date Signed by Governor (House)
4. 2026-04-07House Sent to Governor (House)
5. 2026-03-31Senate Reconsidered Passed/Adopted (Senate)
6. 2026-03-20Senate Reconsidered (Senate)
7. 2026-03-19Senate Notice to Reconsider (Senate)
8. 2026-03-19Senate Lost (Senate)

• Charles Martin (R, HD-049)Primary sponsor
• Jon Burns (R, HD-159)
• Carolyn Hugley (D, HD-141)
• Clint Crowe (R, HD-118)
• Beth Camp (R, HD-135)
• Karla Drenner (D, HD-085)
• Timothy Bearden (R, SD-030)

1. PassedHouse voteMarch 4, 2026

   162 yea, 0 nay (2 not voting, 13 absent)

   Adopt: House Vote #635

2. PassedSenate voteMarch 19, 2026

   31 yea, 14 nay (3 not voting, 6 absent)

   Adoption Of Constitutional Amendment: Senate Vote #750

3. PassedSenate voteMarch 20, 2026

   33 yea, 10 nay (9 not voting, 2 absent)

   Motion For Reconsideration: Senate Vote #759

4. PassedSenate voteMarch 31, 2026

   49 yea, 0 nay (1 not voting, 4 absent)

   Adoption Of Constitutional Amendment: Senate Vote #878

• 9-1-1 emergency services
• constitutional amendment
• state funding
• public safety