Several sheriffs and 911 dispatchers across South Dakota are worried about the language used in a new budget bill passed by state lawmakers.
They feel that the wording might lead to future problems for emergency communication services.
The issue is with the recently passed House Bill 1124. It deals with how 911 services are funded across the state.
The bill changes the way money is collected from phone users and how it’s distributed to different 911 dispatch centers, also known as Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs).
Local law enforcement officers and emergency service workers are especially concerned about a specific line in the bill. It says that funding for a PSAP is only allowed if that center is “consolidated.”
However, many believe the term “consolidated” is not clearly defined in the law. That’s where the confusion and fear start.
Minnehaha County Sheriff Mike Milstead said that if “consolidated” means all 911 services in a county must be combined into one center, it could cause big issues for areas that currently operate multiple centers.
He added that their two centers in Sioux Falls are already working efficiently and serve a large population.
People who work in dispatch also feel that this change could hurt the quality and speed of emergency response. Lori Douma, a 911 dispatcher and president of the South Dakota chapter of the National Emergency Number Association (NENA), said dispatchers are already doing a tough job. Any change that affects how they work could end up putting lives at risk.
Lawmakers who supported the bill say the goal is to save money and improve services by encouraging more cooperation between centers.
But sheriffs and emergency staff argue that their current systems already cooperate and share information effectively. They worry that the law could force unnecessary changes.
Another concern is that if a center is not considered “consolidated” under the new rule, it might not receive funding. That could lead to fewer staff, slower emergency responses, and more pressure on existing teams.
The law is scheduled to take effect in July 2025. Until then, officials are hoping the state’s 911 Coordination Board will give a clear definition of “consolidated” so that counties know what to expect.
They want the board to clarify whether centers like those in Sioux Falls will be allowed to keep getting funds without having to change how they operate.
Sheriff Milstead and others have said they will continue pushing for better understanding and adjustments to the law. They believe that without these changes, public safety services might suffer.