The bill amends Section 11-98-4 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the framework for local 911 districts by allowing two or more districts to enter into contracts to jointly provide emergency telephone services. This new provision, marked by the insertion of allowing two or more districts to enter into contracts to jointly provide emergency telephone services, enables collaboration on shared services, contingent upon the adoption of identical resolutions and adherence to specific procedural requirements, including public notice and hearings. Additionally, the bill includes technical revisions to streamline existing language, such as the deletion of “complete and” from the authority of the board of commissioners and the replacement of “shall have” with “may” regarding the board's powers. Furthermore, the bill stipulates that the joint provision of 911 services cannot begin until the Statewide 911 Board certifies that the districts are ready to operate without service interruptions. Other amendments address bonding requirements for board members and clarify that the existence and powers of individual districts remain intact even when entering into joint contracts. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and aims to modernize the legal framework by removing outdated language and establishing clearer guidelines for compliance and oversight, thereby promoting better governance and accountability.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 11-98-4
Enrolled: 11-98-4