HB97 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris PringleRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Geographic Information Technology; to recognize the Geographic Information Executive Council, the Geographic Information Program Office, the Advisory Committee, and to provide for coordination with the 911 Board

Summary

HB97 would formalize Alabama's GIS governance by creating a Geographic Information Executive Council and a Geographic Information Program Office to coordinate statewide GIS data and align with the 911 Board for emergency mapping and NG911 readiness.

What This Bill Does

HB97 creates the Alabama Geographic Information Executive Council (GIS Council) and the Alabama Geographic Information Program Office (GIS Office) to coordinate the collection and management of GIS data for the state. The GIS Office becomes the operating arm and central repository for statewide GIS information, coordinating with all state agencies and reporting to the Executive Council. The bill also formalizes coordination with the 911 Board, which remains the authority for gathering and maintaining GIS data used in emergency 911 services, to reduce duplication and support NG911. It also establishes an Advisory Committee chaired by the Geographic Information Officer and expands the 911 Board's role to oversee funding, training, and NG911-related GIS work, with an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• State and local government agencies and state-funded entities would share geospatial data with the GIS Office, adopt statewide GIS standards, and rely on the GIS Office's central data repository.
• The Alabama 911 Board and local emergency communication districts would coordinate with the GIS Office on GIS data for emergency services, and rely on consistent data to support NG911 and accurate call routing.
• The GIS Office, as a division of the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA), would manage statewide GIS coordination, data repositories, and interagency procurement with support from the Governor's Administration.
• Private sector stakeholders (such as CMRS providers, local exchange carriers, and cable companies) and public safety personnel would gain representation on the 911 Board and participate in training and policy development related to GIS and NG911.
• The general public would benefit from more accurate and timely GIS data feeding emergency services, improved location accuracy, and NG911 capabilities.

Key Provisions

• Establish the Alabama Geographic Information Executive Council (GIS Council) and the Alabama Geographic Information Program Office (GIS Office) to coordinate state GIS data, with the GIS Office acting as the operating arm and central repository.
• Place the GIS Office as a division within ALEA and appoint a Geographic Information Officer (GIO) to run it, with a deputy and reporting to the Executive Council; GIS Office to identify duplication, maintain a master index, and provide data services to state and local entities.
• Create an Advisory Committee chaired by the GIO to ensure broad statewide representation and allow subcommittees; committee members to reflect diverse sectors including water, environment, transportation, public safety, and more.
• Amend Section 11-98-4.1 to redesign the statewide 911 Board as a 13-member body with defined appointment processes, terms, and Senate confirmation for some terms; ensure diverse representation across districts and industry.
• Grant the 911 Board powers to publish an annual 911 report, administer the 911 Fund and statewide charge, fund training and certification for public safety telecommunicators, and enter contracts; coordinate with the GIS Office to implement NG911 and GIS data standards.
• Mandate coordination between the GIS Office and the 911 Board to avoid data duplication, improve data quality, and align GIS data for NG911 and emergency response.
• Authorize funding for the GIS Office from the State General Fund or Education Trust Fund, plus gifts or grants, with accounting to ALEA; set an effective date of October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Safety & Emergencies