Bill > HB86

This bill requires all emergency communications districts in Mississippi to implement text-to-911 services by January 1, 2027. The bill amends existing state law by adding a definition for "text-to-911" as the ability to send a text message to reach 911 emergency call takers from a mobile phone or device. It modifies Section 19-5-303 of the Mississippi Code to include this new definition among other existing terms related to emergency communications. The bill also updates Section 19-5-311 to note that text-to-911 services must be implemented in addition to the existing emergency telephone system methods (district dispatch, relay, or transfer methods). This legislation aims to expand emergency communication capabilities by allowing people to send text messages to 911 in situations where a voice call might be difficult or unsafe, such as during a medical emergency, in a dangerous situation, or for individuals with hearing impairments. The implementation deadline of 2027 provides emergency communications districts with several years to develop and install the necessary technology to support text-based emergency communications.

Transportation and Infrastructure

https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2025/pdf/history/HB/HB0086.xml