1. (a) The General Assembly finds that 9-1-1 specialists are key members of the team of public safety personnel responding to requests from the public for emergency assistance.

2. (b) Each jurisdiction employing 9-1-1 specialists shall:

   1. (1) appropriately classify 9-1-1 specialists as first responders in recognition of the training, knowledge, and skills that 9-1-1 specialists possess and demonstrate in answering and handling requests for emergency assistance; and

   2. (2) compensate 9-1-1 specialists in a manner that:

      1. (i) reflects their membership in the team of public safety personnel answering and responding to requests for emergency assistance; and
      2. (ii) is commensurate with the training, knowledge, and skills they possess.

Added by Acts 2019, c. 299, § 1, eff. June 1, 2019; Acts 2019, c. 300, § 1, eff. June 1, 2019. Amended by Acts 2022, c. 349, § 1, eff. Oct. 1, 2022.