HB89 Summary

• Creates statewide 911 Board comprised of 13 members to replace the Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) Board, effective October 1, 2013, with authority to administer a unified 911 emergency service system across Alabama.

• Establishes a single, statewide 911 charge applicable to all voice communications service connections (wireline, wireless, and VoIP) technically capable of accessing 911 systems, collected by service providers and remitted to the 911 Board.

• Creates the 911 Fund to receive all collected charges and distribute revenues to communications districts based on a distribution formula that accounts for base funding amounts and per capita population, while setting aside 20 percent for CMRS provider reimbursement of wireless 911 implementation costs.

• Establishes the Permanent Oversight Commission on 911 to study operational and financial conditions of 911 systems, review proposed rate adjustments, and recommend long-term improvements, with oversight authority over 911 Board actions requiring affirmative votes of six members.

• Requires the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts to conduct biennial audits of districts and the 911 Board, with districts and boards mandated to report financial and operational data to ensure compliance with 911 funding and service requirements.