James Baumgart

The meeting focused on finalizing revisions to the Certification Handbook and formally adopting a fiscal-year recertification model. Key discussions included revising reciprocal certification language, which now allows applicants with qualifying external certification and experience to request a waiver of specific Washington training, subject to passing knowledge exams. The Board adopted a fiscal-year continuing education (CE) tracking cycle from July 1 to June 30, stipulating that all certified PSTs must complete 24 CE hours annually. Initial certifications were approved. Action items involve publishing the updated handbook, distributing Board communication regarding recertification changes, and hosting a webinar to support agencies during the transition to the new model. A proposal regarding college coursework was tabled.

The meeting included a report on the hiring of George Long as the new Statewide Interoperability Coordinator (SWIC). Key legislative updates covered the '911 Goes to Washington' event and the Governor's budget proposal for increased state 911 appropriation, which is now in House Bill 2289. Progress was reported on the Regional Resiliency Assessment Program (RRAP) with CISA, and updates were provided on upcoming RFPs for CAD-to-CAD and Call Handling from the Core. Procedural developments included a new monthly ESChat testing procedure and the ongoing Phase 1 migration to FCC SIP. The committee discussed the Comtech Call Diversion Tool, which allows temporary blocking of nuisance numbers. Subcommittee reports detailed efforts for the statewide 911 campaign creative, policy adjustments including a potential 15% funding cap increase, and planning for strategic initiatives. The Chair Election confirmed Katy Myers for the 2026-2028 term, and the 2026 meeting calendar was finalized, including a change of the February meeting to an in-person Advisory Committee meeting.

The meeting primarily focused on advancing final revisions to the Certification Handbook and clarifying certification and recertification processes. Key discussions included reciprocal certification requirements for out-of-state telecommunicators, which requires documentation and passing a knowledge exam, and how continuing education (CE) credit hours are determined—based on instructional content rather than completion time. The Board also addressed recertification tracking models, ultimately discussing options for a standardized calendar-year system. Initial certifications and new training programs (CRESA, NORCOM, SECO T2 Program) were unanimously approved.

This Strategic Plan establishes a unified statewide roadmap for Washington's 911 ecosystem, aiming for a fully coordinated emergency communications system. The plan outlines a vision where callers connect seamlessly, telecommunicators are supported, and partners collaborate through trust and shared resources. Key focus areas include aligning across boundaries and disciplines, strengthening and supporting telecommunicators, optimizing technology, and building public and policymaker support. The overall objective is to ensure an effective, resilient, and responsive 911 system delivering high-quality emergency response services across the state.

The meeting began with a call to order and confirmation of quorum. New business included a State Emergency Operations Center (EOC) report noting Level 1 activation due to severe weather and an encouragement for agencies to submit success stories for legislative messaging. The 911 Goes to Washington event was discussed, with dates set for February 2026. Subcommittee reports covered several topics: the Public Education and Training Subcommittees are jointly hosting a Mini Forum in March 2026, and new statewide awareness creative is being developed; the Policy Subcommittee is reviewing allowable expenses and funding caps for the next biennium; the Training Subcommittee focused on certification issues; the Operations Subcommittee addressed NG911 Phase II transition readiness, specifically PIDFLO data translation; the RAIN Subcommittee decided to draft foundational guidance on the responsible use of AI in 911; and the Finance Subcommittee continued work on a 10-year financial forecast for the 911 excise tax fund, urging agencies to prepare replacement forecasts. Old business involved a review of the Chair election process and reaffirmation of the 2026 meeting structure (four in-person and two virtual Advisory Committee meetings). A motion was carried unanimously to appoint a new Alternate for Walla Walla County on the Public Education Subcommittee. The next Advisory Committee meeting is scheduled for January 15, 2026.