HB601 Alabama 2021 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ed OliverRepresentative

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Steve HurstConnie C. RoweDebbie Wood

Session

Regular Session 2021

Title

Pubic safety, emergency telephone service, procedure for responding to emergency calls by 911 operator, further provided, reasonable alternative method for responding under certain circumstances, required, Sec. 11-98-11 am'd.

Summary

HB601 would require 911 operators to stay on the call until the caller is connected to emergency services and would require districts to have a backup method for handling emergency calls if the primary method fails.

What This Bill Does

The bill amends Section 11-98-11 to require 911 operators at PSAPs to remain on the line with the caller until they are connected to the appropriate emergency service provider. It also requires the boards of commissioners for each communications district to designate a primary emergency-call response method and one or more reasonable alternative methods to use if the primary method is unavailable, with the backup methods allowed to include options not listed in the current law. The changes take effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• PSAP 911 operators and staff: must stay on the call with the caller until connected to the appropriate emergency service provider.
• Boards of commissioners of each communications district: must designate a primary emergency-call response method and one or more reasonable alternative methods to ensure continuity of service if the primary method fails.

Key Provisions

• The 911 operator at a PSAP must remain on the emergency call until the caller is connected with the appropriate emergency service provider.
• Each communications district board must select a primary emergency-call response method and one or more reasonable alternative methods to respond to emergency calls if the primary method fails; the alternative may include methods not specifically enumerated in the current law.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Safety