Committee advances NG9-1-1 code tweaks to clarify EOC and standards

Senate Bill 2650, a revision to the Mississippi Emergency Communications Authority Act concerning NG9-1-1 deployment and related definitions, was advanced by the Technology Committee after presentation by Senator Delano (S3).

Delano told the committee the bill revises prior 9-1-1 legislation passed last year, and that consultants and field operators have recommended adjustments to definitions—particularly how to define emergency operations centers (EOCs) and a suitable NG9-1-1 standard—rather than changes to the revenue structure. He said some board members named in prior legislation have not yet met or been confirmed and that peer reports and advice-and-consent processes are pending.

"This is open code section," Delano said, emphasizing the bill is intended to open the code for additional conversations and further revisions as the House and Senate versions move through the process. The committee accepted a motion described by Delano as "title sufficient" and advanced the bill by voice vote. The committee said it will hold hearings on peer reports and nominees when those materials are available.

Why it matters: The measure aims to provide clearer statutory definitions that affect NG9-1-1 implementation across counties and could influence how state funding and operational standards are applied to emergency communications centers.

The committee did not produce roll-call vote counts in the transcript; the bill was reported out for further legislative action.