Committee advances sweeping NG911 modernization bill, names MEMA state coordinator and creates emergency communications authority

The Technology Committee advanced a major rewrite of the state's emergency communications code to implement next‑generation 9‑1‑1 (NG911) standards, designate the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) as the state NG911 coordinator, and create a Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority and advisory board to manage planning, standards and a grant program.

Sponsor overview: the bill replaces multiple code sections governing emergency communications and consolidates fee collection and distribution. The sponsor told the committee the bill is patterned in part on legislation from Georgia and Arkansas and was developed with input from MEMA, technology vendors and emergency communications districts (ECDs).

Fee collection and distribution: the bill directs all service providers (landline, VoIP, wireless and prepaid wireless) to remit a flat $2 emergency communications service fee to the Department of Revenue (DOR). Providers will also submit ZIP‑code level remittance…