About Us

The Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority Act was enacted by House Bill 3126, which was approved and adopted into law in 2016, and can be found in State Statute Title O.S. § 63-2861 et seq. Oklahoma Statue Title 0.S. § 63-2864 outlines the duties of the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority, who works with the Department of Oklahoma Emergency Management (OEM) to improve 9-1-1 in the State. 

The 9-1-1 division is funded by a portion of the wireline (landline), wireless, voice over internet protocol (VolP), and prepaid wireless fee. $0.22 cents of the assessed $1.25 is held in a revolving account within OEM. A yearly budget is created and agreed upon by both the Authority and OEM. This funding is used to fund the needs of the 9-1-1 division, assignments outlined in Statute, the Grant program for local 9-1-1 answering points, and a Statewide Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) and public safety grade network for call delivery. 

Funding for 9-1-1 comes from a fee assessed on any device that can call 9-1-1 (63-2865 and 63-2866).  This includes wireless, wireline (landline), Voice over Internet Protocol, and pre-paid wireless.  The fee for all devices is set at $1.25 per month or at the point of sale for pre-paid wireless.

Wireless funding is collected by the Oklahoma Tax Commission and then dispersed to the Local 9-1-1 Centers (Public Safety Answering Points - PSAPs) based on land area and population. The Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority also receives a portion of the fee (63-2865.C) to administer grants and fund Next Generation 9-1-1 call delivery (63-2864.18).

Distribution amounts to local 9-1-1 centers can be found on the Oklahoma Tax Commission website using the Oklahoma Tax Payer Access Point (OKTAP). 

The Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority (the Authority), under the guidance of the NG9-1-1 Ad Hoc Committee, the Authority, and Mission Critical Partners, is actively working on the statewide rollout of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1). This initiative will replace the outdated 1968 analog technology with a faster, more accurate system to ensure 9-1-1 calls are routed to the correct Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) on the first call.

Funding for the NG9-1-1 platform is provided through the Haiden Fleming Memorial Act (HB1590), with an estimated annual cost of $8–12 million. The NG9-1-1 Ad Hoc Committee is responsible for oversight and input on key components, including the development of the NG9-1-1 Request for Proposal (RFP), Interoperability Policy, Call Handling Equipment (CHE) requirements, and Cybersecurity Policy. The RFP is scheduled for release in the second quarter of 2025.

A strong training foundation empowers telecommunicators to make life-saving decisions in moments of crisis. The Hayden Flemming Memorial Act (HB1590) stands as a pivotal step toward ensuring every 9-1-1 telecommunicator in Oklahoma receives at minimum a 40-hour core competency training that equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to serve their communities with excellence. This act underscores the importance of standardized training, reinforcing the vital role that telecommunicators play as the first, first responders. 

Another critical aspect of the training standards is providing training for T-CPR (Telecommunicator-CPR) – a skill that has been proven to dramatically increase survival rates for individuals experiencing cardiac arrest. Through comprehensive education and sample protocol, 9-1-1 telecommunicators will be better prepared to confidently deliver T-CPR instructions, ensuring help begins the moment the call is answered. 

The Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority offers a 40-hour, nationally recognized core course and T-CPR training that is online, self-paced, and at no cost to Oklahoma PSAPs (Public Safety Answering Points).

Beyond enhancing life-saving capabilities, investing in professional training strengthens the case for the reclassification of 9-1-1 telecommunicators as first responders rather than clerical workers. As expectations for emergency telecommunicators continue to rise, so too is the recognition of their role as critical members of the emergency response system. Standardized training also plays a key role in reducing stress and improving retention. When telecommunicators feel confident in their abilities, they are better equipped to handle the emotional demands of the job leading to less burnout, higher job satisfaction, and a stronger, more resilient workforce. 

With the implementation of these training standards, telecommunicators will be prepared to manage high-pressure situations while strengthening the future of emergency response in Oklahoma. The investment in training is an investment in saving lives, protecting telecommunicators, and ensuring the long-term success of 9-1-1 in Oklahoma. 

988: 

The collaboration between 9-1-1 and 988 represents a critical step forward in providing the right response at the right time for individuals in crisis. While 9-1-1 remains the primary link to emergency services for police, fire, and medical assistance, 988 serves as a dedicated helpline for mental health crises. This partnership ensures that callers in need of behavioral health support receive specialized care while preserving 9-1-1 resources. 

Through training, technology integration, and cross-agency coordination, 9-1-1 telecommunicators can efficiently transfer appropriate calls to 988 crisis teams, allowing trained mental health professionals to intervene. In turn, 988 can escalate situations to 9-1-1 when an immediate emergency response is required. By working together, these two systems enhance public safety, reduce unnecessary law enforcement involvement in mental health situations, and improve outcomes for those in crisis. 

The Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority supports this collaboration to empower 9-1-1 telecommunicators with additional resources and options, helping ensure that every call receives the most effective and compassionate response possible. 

The statute calls for the Authority to encourage the sharing of technical resources and also make recommendations for consolidation when requested. This is one of the primary focus of the 9-1-1 division.

Funding, Technology, Staffing, and Overall Operations can be more efficient when resources are shared.

Resource sharing is being discussed all over the State and the Authority believes this effort will position us for success.