Ceremonial bill signing for Senate Bill 2296 defines first responders and adds
911 dispatchers to the definition of “first responder” with Governor Kelly Armstrong.
North Dakota Officially Recognizes Public Safety Telecommunicators as First Responders
April 17th, 2025 – In a ceremonial signing attended by Public Safety Telecommunicators and Public Safety Answering Point leaders from across the state, North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong—joined by Representative Todd Porter and Senators Chuck Walen and Ryan Braunberger—signed House Bill 1419 and Senate Bill 2296 into law.
These landmark pieces of legislation formally designate Public Safety Telecommunicators as First Responders in North Dakota, aligning the state with 19 others that have granted this important recognition. In addition to the new designation, the bills expand access to disability and mental health benefits for these essential professionals.
“The North Dakota 911 Association is proud to have championed HB 1419 and SB 2296 during this year’s legislative session,” said a representative of the Association. “Acknowledging the life-saving work performed by Public Safety Telecommunicators is a critical first step in securing the national recognition and support these heroes deserve.”
The North Dakota 911 Association is a membership of state, local, and private stakeholders who work together to enhance, improve, promote, and facilitate public safety and the emergency 911 system in North Dakota. Any person actively associated with emergency 9-1-1 services in North Dakota at the local, tribal, state, federal, or direct government support levels can become a member of the Association.