911 SAVES Act

Key Points

• This bill, introduced in Congress, would change how the government labels 911 dispatchers. Instead of being listed as office or clerical workers, they would be officially classified as "protective service" workers. This puts them in the same category as police officers, firefighters, and paramedics.
• The change recognizes that dispatchers do much more than just answer phones. They provide life-saving medical instructions, talk down suicidal callers, and give vital information to police during active shooter situations to keep both the public and officers safe.
• The bill highlights that 911 dispatchers face extreme emotional stress and trauma. Research shows they are at risk for PTSD because they hear people in their most desperate moments, and this new classification acknowledges the physical and mental toll of their work.
• If the bill becomes law, the Office of Management and Budget must update its records within 30 days. While this is primarily a statistical change, it is a major step toward helping dispatchers get the same respect, training resources, and support as other first responders.

Impact Analysis

Govbase has not yet run an impact analysis on this legislation.