Matt Friedman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

TRENTON ? A bill that would require facilities that handle 911 calls to accept emergency text messages was approved by the Assembly Telecommunications and Utilities Committee this morning.

Sponsors said the legislation (A3461) said it will help those with ?communication disabilities,? as well as people in emergency situations that require them to be discrete.

?Some emergency situations require a less obvious call for help,? said Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-Burlington), a sponsor. ?It can be especially vital in domestic violence situations, or situations involving children and seniors. Expanding existing law to include the option to text 9-1-1 will protect more residents in more emergency situations.?

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