2027 Agenda

Across the country, a concerning trend is emerging: legislation and policy changes are removing or limiting Emergency Responder Communication Enhancement Systems (ERCES) requirements from adopted building and fire codes. While often intended to reduce regulatory burdens, these actions can unintentionally limit the authority of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) to require reliable in-building radio communications for first responders.

The consequences extend far beyond code enforcement. When firefighters lose radio communications in a stairwell, or police officers cannot call for assistance inside a parking garage, or EMS personnel are unable to communicate during a medical emergency, the issue is no longer regulatory; it becomes a life-safety concern.

ERCES is not simply another building system. It is critical infrastructure that bridges the gap between outdoor public safety radio networks and the challenging indoor environments where emergencies most often occur. Without the authority to require these systems, jurisdictions risk leaving first responders without the communications they rely on to protect themselves and the communities they serve.

This panel will bring together code officials, public safety leaders, and industry experts to examine the growing impact of legislative preemption on ERCES requirements and explore practical strategies for preserving effective in-building communications.