Proposed Constitutional Amendment - 3

Cobb County, Georgia · November 3, 2026

Authorizes creation of Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund for 9-1-1 systems expansion, maintenance, and operation.

House Resolution 1243; Ga. L. 2026, p. 1109

Full ballot text

“Shall the Constitution of Georgia be amended so as to authorize the General Assembly to dedicate certain existing revenues, including revenues reallocated by law, to a nonlapsing fund to be used exclusively for the expansion, maintenance, and operation of emergency 9-1-1 systems in this state?"

What it does

This amendment would let the General Assembly dedicate certain existing state revenues to a nonlapsing Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund used only for expanding, maintaining, and operating emergency 9-1-1 systems. It does not create a new tax; it earmarks money that could otherwise go to the general fund, reducing legislative flexibility in later budgets. Local 9-1-1 centers and dispatch technology would be the intended beneficiaries.

How it lines up with you

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Dossier

Researched 2026-09-22 · Claude Code research agent with web search

A yes vote authorizes the legislature to create a dedicated, non-lapsing Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 Fund to modernize 911 systems statewide (text/photo/video to dispatchers); a no vote leaves 911 funding as is. It does not itself raise the existing $1.50 monthly wireless 911 fee. The measure passed the House 162-0 and, after an initial Senate vote fell short of the two-thirds threshold, passed the Senate 49-0 on reconsideration; supporters include the sponsor and Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones, and no organized opposition was found.

For

Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta), sponsor source
Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones (D-Augusta) source
Byron Police Capt. Bryan Hunter source

Against

None found.

What it does

A "yes" vote lets the General Assembly create the Georgia Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) Fund, a dedicated, non-lapsing account that can only pay for 9-1-1 system expansion, maintenance, and operation, including upgrades letting callers send text, photos, and video to dispatchers (AJC, Aug. 10, 2026; Daily Dispatch/WMAZ, Sept. 21, 2026). It does not itself raise the existing $1.50 monthly wireless 911 fee; how money would flow into the fund is left to future legislation (AJC). A "no" vote leaves 911 funding as it is today, with no dedicated statewide fund.

Why it's on the ballot

The legislature referred it as House Resolution 1243. The House passed it 162-0 on March 4, 2026, and the Senate passed it 49-0 on March 31, 2026, after an initial Senate vote fell short of the two-thirds threshold (search result seen via LegiScan bill page). Sponsor Rep. Chuck Martin (R-Alpharetta) said the technology "makes the first responders safer and gives them the ability to react" (Capitol Beat, Mar. 31, 2026). Backers point to Georgia's 911 infrastructure being largely unchanged since 1968, while roughly 80% of calls now come from wireless devices (AJC).

Who supports it and why

Senate Minority Leader Harold Jones (D-Augusta) supported it, citing the need for faster emergency response times (Capitol Beat). Byron Police Capt. Bryan Hunter said the current system "is in need of an update" and the fund would ease the financial burden on cities and counties paying for upgrades (Daily Dispatch/WMAZ).

Who opposes it and why

No named organization or individual opposition was found. An initial Senate vote fell short of the two-thirds threshold amid floor objections that more discussion was needed before amending the constitution, though the measure passed unanimously three weeks later (search result seen via LegiScan bill page); no specific policy objection was documented in the sources reviewed.

Money

No campaign committee, PAC, or fundraising activity tied to this amendment was found.

What to watch

The amendment only authorizes the fund's creation; the actual revenue source, how much money it will hold, and how it is distributed to local 911 centers depend on separate future legislation not yet written (AJC). No dollar fiscal-note estimate was located.

What we couldn't find

A state fiscal note with dollar figures; the specific objections raised during the Senate's initial failed vote; and any formal opposition campaign.

Sources (4)