HB196 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Debbie Wood
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2019
Title: Statewide 911 Board, statewide voice and data system administered, fund grants, annual report published on status of 911 service, Sec. 11-98-4.1 am'd.
Summary: HB 196 would empower Alabama's statewide 911 Board to run a statewide voice and data 911 system, fund grants to 911 districts, and publish an annual status report, while replacing the old CMRS structure and merging its fund into the 911 Fund.
What This Bill Does
The bill authorizes the statewide 911 Board to administer a statewide voice and data 911 system and to fund grants for the state's 911 districts. It requires the board to develop and publish an annual 911 status report and to study and plan improvements to 911 services. It replaces the CMRS Board with the 911 Board and merges the CMRS Fund into the 911 Fund, and it expands the board's duties to oversee funding, rates, and policy for 911 services.

Who It Affects
Residents and users of 911 services in Alabama, who would benefit from a statewide voice and data system, ongoing funding, and regular status reporting on 911 service.
911 districts and service providers (CMRS providers, incumbent local exchange carriers, and cable companies), who would be eligible for grants, subject to new funding administration, and affected by changes in governance and the statewide 911 charge used to fund the system.

Key Provisions
Amends Section 11-98-4.1 to authorize the statewide 911 Board to administer a statewide voice and data system, fund grants for 911 districts, and publish an annual status report on 911 service.
Replaces the CMRS Board and incorporates the CMRS Fund into the 911 Fund on the effective date of the statewide 911 charge.
Creates a 13-member 911 Board with diverse representation and specific appointment rules, terms, and oversight for appointments and vacancies.
Defines board powers to develop a 911 State Plan Annual Report, administer the 911 Fund and statewide 911 charge, fund grants and training, enter contracts, accept gifts, and deploy the statewide voice and data system.
Authorizes the board to adopt rules to implement the chapter and to apply the statewide 911 charge to eligible service connections, with a process for review by the Permanent Oversight Committee.
Requires reporting to the Permanent Oversight Commission and district boards, and prohibits the board from regulating 911 service standards.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: E-911