The bill establishes a new section, W.S. 16-9-113, which authorizes the Wyoming Department of Transportation to provide grants to governing bodies for transitioning to or operating next generation 911 systems. These systems will enhance communication capabilities by allowing interactions through text, images, video, and other methods. Governing bodies currently operating a 911 system can apply for grants to cover the costs associated with necessary changes and ongoing operations of the new system. The department is also required to adopt rules for implementing this grant program. If funding is insufficient to cover all approved applications in a given year, the department will proportionately reduce grant distributions.

Additionally, the bill amends the definition section of the existing law to include the new section 16-9-113, replacing the previous range of sections 16-9-101 through 16-9-111. An appropriation is made for the grant program, specifying that funds will be available from July 1, 2026, to June 30, 2028, and that any unspent funds will revert as per the law. The department is mandated to start accepting grant applications by January 15, 2027, and the act will take effect on July 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
26LSO-0183 v0.4: 16-9-102