Alabama Administrative Code Title 225 - ALABAMA COMMERCIAL MOBILE RADIO SERVICE EMERGENCY TELEPHONE SERVICE BOARD
Title 225 of the Alabama Administrative Code pertains to the Alabama Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) Emergency Telephone Service Board. This Board was a state entity specifically established to oversee the funding and implementation of enhanced 911 (E-911) services for wireless (cellular) telephone users in Alabama.
Purpose and Functions of the Alabama CMRS Emergency Telephone Service Board
The Board's primary function was to ensure that wireless 911 calls could be routed effectively to Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) and that emergency responders could obtain location information for these calls, in line with federal mandates from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regarding E-911.
Key responsibilities and functions typically included:
Levying and Collecting a CMRS Service Charge: The Board was authorized to levy a monthly emergency telephone service charge on each CMRS connection (mobile phone number) with a primary use in Alabama. These funds were crucial for supporting the wireless 911 system.
Managing the CMRS Fund: Establishing and maintaining a dedicated fund (the CMRS Fund) where the collected service charges were deposited. These funds were not considered state property and were not subject to legislative appropriation, ensuring they were solely for 911 purposes.
Disbursement of Funds: Making disbursements from the CMRS Fund to Emergency Communication Districts (ECDs) across the state. These funds were specifically designated for the lease, purchase, or maintenance of wireless enhanced emergency telephone equipment, including necessary computer hardware, software, and database provisioning, as well as for incremental expenses directly related to handling wireless emergency calls and complying with FCC orders.
Reimbursement of CMRS Providers: A portion of the funds was used to reimburse Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) providers (wireless carriers) for the actual costs they incurred in complying with wireless E-911 service requirements, such as upgrading their networks to provide location data.
Establishing Regulations: Developing administrative rules to govern the collection and disbursement of the service charges, define terms, and outline procedures for compliance by CMRS providers and ECDs.
Important Note: Repeal and Transition
It's crucial to note that the Alabama Commercial Mobile Radio Service Emergency Telephone Service Board and its associated administrative code (Title 225) have largely been repealed, effective January 11, 2025.
The functions and responsibilities previously held by the CMRS Board have been transferred to and are now overseen by the Alabama 911 Board. This transition reflects a broader effort to consolidate and streamline 911 oversight in the state, encompassing all forms of voice communications services, not just traditional CMRS.
Therefore, while Title 225 existed and governed significant aspects of wireless 911 funding, its rules are no longer active, and the current regulatory framework for 911 in Alabama falls under the Alabama 911 Board, primarily articulated in Alabama Code Title 11, Chapter 98.
Structure of the Alabama Administrative Code for the CMRS Board (Title 225) - Historically
Before its repeal, Title 225 contained chapters related to its operational and financial functions. These would have included:
Chapter 225-1-1 - Organization and General Provisions: Likely covered the board's structure, mission, and basic administrative procedures.
Chapter 225-1-2 - Definitions: Defined key terms relevant to CMRS, 911, service charges, providers, and emergency communication districts.
Chapter 225-1-3 - Collection and Disbursement of Service Charges: This would have been a central chapter, outlining the methodology for levying and collecting the monthly CMRS service charge, how funds were deposited into the CMRS Fund, and the formula and procedures for disbursing those funds to ECDs and reimbursing CMRS providers.
Chapter 225-1-4 - Audit and Record Requirements: Rules related to financial audits and record-keeping for funds received and disbursed.
Chapter 225-1-5 - Proprietary Information: Provisions for handling confidential or proprietary business information submitted by CMRS providers.
Where to Find the Rules (Historical Context):
While repealed, you can still find records of Title 225 in archives of the Alabama Administrative Code.
Alabama Legislative Services Agency's website: This official source will show the history of the rules, including their repeal. You might see "Repealed effective 1/11/2025" next to the chapter titles.
For current information regarding 911 services and regulations in Alabama, you should refer to the Alabama 911 Board (al911board.com) and the relevant sections of the Alabama Code (Title 11, Chapter 98 - Emergency Telephone Service).
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