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DENVER, CO – The House Transportation, Housing & Local Government Committee today passed legislation to recognize emergency communications specialists, also known as 911 operators, as first responders. HB24-1016, sponsored by Representative Sheila Lieder, passed committee unanimously.
“911 professionals are a lifeline in the public safety system and work to provide critical resources to those in crisis,” said Rep. Sheila Lieder, D-Littleton. “This important legislation would reclassify 911 operators as first responders to recognize their dedication and service to Coloradans. 911 operators are the first ones to connect with a person in crisis, and this bill recognizes their above-and-beyond efforts to streamline public safety in communities across the state.”
HB24-1016, also sponsored by Ryan Armagost, R-Berthoud, would define emergency communications specialists as first responders. Specifically, this would include emergency communications specialists who receive, triage, process, transmit or dispatch emergency and non-emergency 911 calls for public safety services. This also includes those emergency communications specialists who provide resources to field responders or emergency medical dispatch.