MS HB1239

Creates the Wireless Communication Commission responsible for promoting efficient use of public resources to ensure law enforcement and essential public health/safety personnel have effective emergency communications services.

Commission consists of 16 members including executive directors from Department of Transportation, Public Safety, Public Health, Information Technology Services, Emergency Management Agency, Homeland Security, and representatives from sheriff's, supervisors', municipal, fire chiefs', police chiefs' associations, Highway Safety Patrol, Department of Corrections, National Guard, Environmental Quality, and Wildlife/Fisheries/Parks.

Commission has authority to purchase, lease, and implement a statewide wireless communications system with interoperability between various technologies, establish policies and standards, enter into mutual aid agreements, and charge subscribers for system access and use.

Establishes the Integrated Public Safety Communications Fund administered by the Department of Information Technology Services, funded through legislative appropriations, gifts, federal grants, user fees, and other sources, with unexpended balances carrying forward annually.

Creates the Wireless Communication Advisory Board composed of legislative committee chairs and vice chairs from Senate and House Public Utilities, Appropriations, and Finance committees to advise the Commission; effective July 1, 2012.