Edited release
05/16/25
A last-minute provision added to Iowa’s standing appropriations bill before the legislature adjourned Thursday morning could lead to the state charging local 911 operations.
According to a release from the Iowa Chapters of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials and the National Emergency Number Association, the legislation grants the Iowa 911 Program the authority to charge local 911 service boards for undefined “reasonable costs” associated with delivering 911 traffic to Public Safety Answering Points. The release claims the costs must be paid within 30 days of billing, with no clarity on the amounts, timing or billing process.
Chris Jasper, President of Iowa NENA, said in the release, “Local 911 boards and dispatch centers already operate on razor-thin budgets. Surprise bills from the state could lead to staffing cuts, delayed equipment upgrades, and slower emergency response-especially in rural communities.
The groups are urging Governor Kim Reynolds to veto the legislation.