For years, California has been working to modernize its 911 emergency system through the Next Generation 911 (NG911) project. But the effort has come to reflect an all-too-familiar pattern in California — an ambitious initiative undermined by slow implementation, shifting timelines, and mounting costs.
Originally targeted for completion in 2025, the project’s timeline has now been extended to 2030. It’s also over budget. The state originally estimated the system would cost about $132 million to develop. As of 2025, California had spent around $456 million.
The project was paused last year after it became clear that the initial, regional approach to implementation was not feasible. The California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), which is handling the upgrade, has opted to go with a single, statewide provider instead.
A growing number of lawmakers are calling for more accountability and supervision.
“911 is important, and with the Olympics coming, it’s so important – we cannot blow this. We cannot blow this transition,” said Assemblymember Steve Bennett (D-Oxnard). “We need closer oversight.”
On Tuesday, a bill authored by State Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) passed out of the Senate Energy, Utilities and Communications Committee with bipartisan support. SB 985 would require Cal OES to provide quarterly progress reports on NG911 to the State Legislature. Read the text of the bill here.