SB221 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Randy PriceSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

911 districts, permit districts to cooperate in providing services

Summary

SB221 would allow Alabama local 911 districts to contract with each other to jointly provide emergency dispatch services, with specific rules and oversight.

What This Bill Does

It authorizes two or more local 911 districts to contract to jointly exercise powers and services they are each allowed to provide. It sets minimum requirements for the districts and the joint contracts, including requiring notice, hearings, and a contract that describes the agreed power or service and a termination date no later than three years. It allows termination by any district with 180 days’ notice and maintains that the districts’ individual status and powers are preserved except as needed for the joint operation. It requires Statewide 911 Board certification before joint operations can start, authorizes formation of nonprofit public corporations if desired, and imposes bonding requirements for district board members and district directors.

Who It Affects

• Local 911 districts (emergency communication districts) and their boards: gain authority to partner with other districts to jointly provide dispatch services, subject to contract and governance rules.
• Statewide 911 Board and related governance/oversight entities: oversee certification of readiness for joint operations, hearing requirements, and enforcement of bonding and contract provisions.

Key Provisions

• Two or more local 911 districts may contract to jointly exercise any power or service they are legally authorized to perform individually.
• Contracts must state the intent to cooperate, describe the jointly provided power/service, and set a termination date no later than three years from the contract date; any district may terminate with at least 180 days’ notice.
• Joint operations may not begin until the Statewide 911 Board certifies that such operations can occur without service interruptions.
• Districts retain their separate status and powers outside the scope of the joint contract; only the necessary powers to jointly exercise are affected.
• Boards of commissioners may bond their members and directors, with specified bond amounts, paid by the district.
• Boards may form a nonprofit public corporation to carry out the joint functions, with details in the incorporation document.

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 & Emergencies