MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE
2019 Regular Session
To: Energy; Appropriations
By: Senator(s) Hopson
AN ACT TO REQUIRE THE PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION TO STUDY THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL FUNDING FOR, AND EXPENDITURES OF, EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS DISTRICTS IN MISSISSIPPI; TO REQUIRE REPORT OF ITS FINDINGS BY A CERTAIN DATE; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:
SECTION 1. (1) The Legislature acknowledges that the need for additional funding for emergency communications districts exist and that this additional funding should be contingent on having an accountability system in place to ensure that emergency communications districts are expending existing 911 funds efficiently.
(2) The Public Service Commission shall study the need for additional funding for, and expenditures of, emergency communications districts in Mississippi. The commission shall consider best practice standards and provide options for improving the efficiency, where applicable and feasible, of the emergency communications districts, including, but not limited to, the following:
(a) Where applicable, emergency communications districts with more than one PSAP operation should consider consolidating into one central PSAP operation;
(b) Where applicable, emergency communications districts should consider consolidating with neighboring emergency communications districts or entering into interlocal service agreements;
(c) Where applicable, follow the National Emergency Number Administration's PSAP staffing guidelines; and
(d) Any other efficiency and funding improvements to the emergency communications districts as determined by the commission.
(3) The Public Service Commission shall report its findings with the Chairman of the Energy Committee in the Senate and the Chairman of the Public Utilities Committee in the House of Representatives before December 31, 2019.
SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2019.