State assembly's Salas bill to reclassify dispatchers heads to governor's desk

“The passage of AB 1945 marks a historic victory for the thousands of California dispatchers who have fought for the status of first responder,” said Assemblyman Rudy Salas. “Our state depends on the incredible work of our emergency dispatchers who are the first to respond during a crisis and the last voice we hear on the phone,” he added. “I urge the Governor to sign this important bill and provide recognition and respect to the dispatchers whose tireless work keeps our families safe.”

The idea for this bill was initially brought to Kings County’s assemblyman by a local dispatcher from Kings County. Currently, the Federal government classifies dispatchers as an “administrative” or “clerical” occupation. This misclassification does not accurately describe the work of dispatchers who undergo extensive training and whose work can mean the difference between life and death.

“On behalf of the California Chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (CALNENA) and over 8,000 9-1-1 emergency dispatchers across the state of California, we are thrilled that AB 1945 has successfully passed the California Legislature with overwhelming support,” said Lee Ann Magoski, ENP, President of CALNENA. “For too long, the women and men of 9-1-1 have gone unrecognized as the first of the first responders, answering the call for help 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. We thank Assemblymember Salas for his work on AB 1945 and encourage the Governor to sign it into law so that our members receive the recognition and care that they deserve.”

California dispatchers answer approximately 27 million 9-1-1 calls per year. Public safety dispatchers play a vital role in the state’s emergency response chain, which extends far beyond dispatching calls for peace officers and firefighters. Dispatchers are often responsible for being the first to respond during life-threatening accidents, wildfires, active shooter situations, and potential suicides.

AB 1945 will now be sent to the Governor’s desk, where the bill can officially be signed into law.