SB219 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

J.T. WaggonerSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Emergency Communication Services, creating statewide communication system for emergency first responders, create the Alabama First Responder Wireless Commission, create the First Responder Wireless Commission Fund

Summary

SB219 would create a statewide Alabama First Responder Wireless Commission and a dedicated fund to build, operate, and oversee a shared wireless system for emergency responders.

What This Bill Does

It would establish the Alabama First Responder Wireless Commission to plan, build, and operate a statewide wireless system for emergency responders. The commission would include many state agency leaders and public safety groups as members, elect officers, and meet regularly. It would have the authority to purchase, lease, or contract for equipment and services, set policies and standards, and determine user charges and service terms, including mutual aid arrangements with other agencies. A separate First Responder Wireless Commission Fund would pay for the system, with money coming from grants, appropriations, fees, and other allowed sources, and any unused funds staying in the fund rather than reverting to the General Fund; the system would use state and local facilities as needed.

Who It Affects

• Emergency responders (police, fire and rescue, public health and emergency support personnel) would gain access to a statewide interoperable wireless system and faster restoration of service during emergencies.
• State and local government agencies and public safety organizations that sit on the Commission or provide funding or facilities would participate in governance, funding decisions, policy setting, and implementation of the system.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama First Responder Wireless Commission and the First Responder Wireless Commission Fund to plan, build, and operate a statewide wireless system for first responders.
• Commission membership includes the Governor or designee, heads of several state agencies, and leaders of public safety and emergency management groups; terms are at least two years; officers elected within 60 days; quarterly meetings; rules and records required.
• Commission has sole authority over the design, engineering, construction, operation, and maintenance of the system to ensure interoperability among agencies.
• Commission can purchase, lease, or contract for equipment and services; establish policies, procedures, standards, user agreements, and maintenance costs; set charges and coordinate mutual aid.
• Authority to lease or sublease tower or ground space to private entities; collect and deposit monies into the fund; provide access to state-owned property and antenna space; comply with state and federal requirements; may adopt rules.
• First Responder Wireless Commission Fund in the State Treasury funds the Commission; administered by the Alabama Department of Homeland Security; sources include gifts, grants, appropriations, fees, and lease income; funds do not revert to General Fund.
• State and local entities are expected to share facilities and properties for the system; local governments may voluntarily provide facilities.
• The act does not regulate commercial mobile services.
• Effective date: becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and Governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Emergency Communication Services