HB92 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Mac McCutcheon
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Emergency communication services, statewide communication system for emergency first responders, Alabama First Responder Wireless Commission, and First Responder Wireless Commission Fund, created
Summary: HB92 creates the Alabama First Responder Wireless Commission and a dedicated fund to build and operate a statewide emergency wireless system for first responders.
What This Bill Does
It creates the Alabama First Responder Wireless Commission to ensure effective communication for law enforcement, fire and rescue, and public health and emergency support personnel, and to restore service quickly after disasters. It requires the commission to implement and operate a statewide wireless system used by emergency responders, with responsibility for design, engineering, construction, operation, and maintenance, ensuring interoperability among technologies. It also creates the First Responder Wireless Commission Fund in the state Treasury to pay for the commission’s expenses, funded by grants, appropriations, fees from user agencies, lease income, and other allowed sources, with any remaining money staying in the fund. The bill gives the commission authority to set policies, grant access to local agencies, hire staff, contract for services, and negotiate mutual aid and private partnerships as needed.

Who It Affects
First responders (law enforcement, fire/rescue, public health and emergency support personnel) will have a statewide, interoperable wireless system for emergencies.
State and local government agencies and private partners that participate or contract for the system will follow commission rules and may lease space, pay fees, and provide access to facilities.

Key Provisions
Creates the Alabama First Responder Wireless Commission to oversee emergency communications and ensure rapid restoration after disasters.
Establishes a statewide wireless system for emergency first responders with the commission having sole authority over design, engineering, construction, operation, and maintenance to ensure interoperability.
Creates the First Responder Wireless Commission Fund in the state Treasury to pay for expenses, funded by grants, appropriations, user fees, lease income, and other permitted sources; funds do not revert to the General Fund each year.
Defines commission membership and duties, including representation from numerous state agencies and public safety groups, and requires quarterly meetings with authority to hire staff and contractors.
Allows the commission to establish policies, set user charges, grant access to local agencies, enter mutual aid agreements, lease space on towers or ground space, and contract for expert services as needed.
Requires access to state-owned property (towers, antenna space, etc.) and compliance with state and federal requirements for the system.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Emergencies