Bill > SB2650

This bill, titled the Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority Act, aims to update and consolidate existing laws related to emergency communications, particularly focusing on the transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911) systems. It establishes the Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority (MECA) as a subdivision of the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to oversee the development and implementation of a statewide NG911 plan. The bill defines key terms like "Authority," "Public Safety Answering Point" (PSAP), and "NG911," which is a modern, internet-based system designed to handle various forms of emergency communication beyond just voice calls. MECA will be responsible for setting technical standards, managing funds collected through an emergency communications service charge, and approving local emergency communications district (ECD) plans for NG911 implementation. An advisory board, composed of representatives from various public safety and government entities, will provide guidance to the MECA director. The bill also outlines the collection and distribution of an emergency communications service charge, which will fund the transition to NG911 and support ECD operations, and clarifies the responsibilities of service providers in collecting and remitting these charges. It also addresses the proper use of emergency communication services and establishes penalties for misuse.

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https://billstatus.ls.state.ms.us/2026/pdf/history/SB/SB2650.xml