Assembly Bill 1945, which recognizes the heroic work of public safety dispatchers by reclassifying them as first responders, passed out of the California State Legislature with overwhelming bipartisan support. The bill will now head to the Governor’s office where it can be officially signed into law.

The idea for this bill was originally brought to Assemblymember Rudy Salas by a local dispatcher from Kings County. Currently, the Federal government classifies dispatchers as an “administrative” or “clerical” occupation.

Dispatchers are often responsible for being the first to respond during life-threatening accidents, wildfires, active shooter situations, and potential suicides.

AB 1945 will now be sent to the Governor’s desk where the bill can officially be signed into law