Laura Ehrhart (She/Her)

The Alabama 9-1-1 Board serves as the main fiscal and technology agent for 9-1-1 in Alabama by partnering with local Emergency Communication Districts. This is done by administering both a statewide 9-1-1 fee and a 9-1-1 voice and data system utilizing emerging technology. We also provide training, grants, and advisory services for 9-1-1 personnel. The Board provides a consistent funding mechanism in a single agency to facilitate implementation of existing as well as next generation 9-1-1 (NG911) services in Alabama. This is done with the fee that is collected from all types of communication service providers (e.g. wireline, wireless, VOIP, etc.). The amounts collected are to be distributed to Emergency Communication Districts (ECDs) and others as set by statute. See Ala. Code § 11-98. The Board is also mandated to administer the deployment and operation of a statewide 9-1-1 voice and data system. That system utilizes emerging communication technologies which can connect to a 9-1-1 system and deliver 9-1-1 and emergency information to districts. The board shall use its available revenue to pay obligations under the contracts and agreements for a statewide 9-1-1 voice and data system. Alabama has a longstanding history with 9-1-1 dating back to February 16, 1968, when the first 9-1-1 call in the nation was completed in Haleyville, AL. Our state was a leader then and continues to be a leader now with the deployment of the next generation of 9-1-1 technology.