MS SB2616

Adds the Executive Director of the Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks as a member of the Wireless Communication Commission, expanding the commission's membership.

The Wireless Communication Commission is responsible for promoting efficient use of public resources to ensure law enforcement and public health/safety personnel have effective communications services during emergencies and can rapidly restore services after disruptions.

Commission members serve terms of not less than four years and include representatives from 16 state departments and agencies plus presidents of professional associations for sheriffs, supervisors, municipalities, fire chiefs, and police chiefs.

Commission has authority to purchase, lease, or acquire statewide wireless communications systems; establish policies and procedures for system operation; charge subscribers for access and use; and rent or lease tower space.

An Integrated Public Safety Communications Fund is created to support system construction, maintenance, and operation through legislative appropriations, gifts, federal grants, user fees, and other lawful sources, with funds remaining unspent at fiscal year-end carried forward.