Senate Bill 1212 Summary

• Establishes the Idaho Public Safety Communications Commission to oversee consolidated emergency communications systems and interoperable public safety communications and data systems statewide.

• Expands the emergency communications fee (up to $1.00 per month per access line) to fund basic, enhanced, and next generation (NG911) consolidated emergency systems, with fees collected by telecommunications providers.

• Creates the Idaho Public Safety Interoperable Communications and Data Systems Fund to support interoperable communications infrastructure and grants to eligible counties and 911 service areas.

• Authorizes counties and 911 service areas to establish enhanced or next generation emergency systems through agreements with wireless carriers, including agreed-upon reimbursement for carrier implementation costs.

• Repeals Chapter 12, Title 46 (Statewide Communications Interoperability) and consolidates related functions under the new commission with 18-member governance structure including representatives from state agencies, local governments, professional associations, tribal nations, and private industry.