On January 16, Congresswoman Norma Torres (D-CA) and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (R-PA) reintroduced the 9-1-1 SAVES Act in a step toward correcting the classification of public safety telecommunicators in the Standard Occupational Classification (SOC). The legislation introduced reflects changes made last Congress to direct the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to consider reclassifying public safety telecommunicators in the SOC, rather than requiring OMB to do so. In addition, should OMB decline to reclassify public safety telecommunicators as a “protective service occupation,” the agency must provide a detailed explanation of its decision to Congress. While this version of the legislation does not guarantee the automatic reclassification of public safety telecommunicators, its reintroduction highlights continued interest in Congress to recognize the critical, protective role performed by 9-1-1 professionals. APCO remains committed to advocating for the federal reclassification of 9-1-1 professionals both in Congress and through direct engagement with OMB
