In 1983, the 68th Texas Legislature made "9-1-1" the primary emergency telephone number and authorized the creation of statutory emergency communication districts to provide local 9-1-1 service

In 1987, the 70th Texas Legislature created the Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) to administer state 9-1-1 service in those areas where service was not provided by local administration.

In 1989, the 71st Texas Legislature codified the enabling statutes for state and local administration of 9-1-1 service into Texas Health and Safety Code Chapters 771 and 772, respectively.

In 2015, the 84th Texas Legislature enacted Health and Safety Code Chapters 771A, Access to Emergency Communications Services in General (also known as Kari’s Law), and Chapter 771, Subchapter F, Next Generation 9-1-1 Telemedicine Medical Services Pilot Project.