Code of Alabama
Chapter 98 - Emergency Telephone Service.
Section 11-98-11 - Methods of Response to Emergency Calls.

THIS SECTION WAS AMENDED BY ACT 2022-387 IN THE 2022 REGULAR SESSION, EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 2022. THIS IS NOT IN THE CURRENT CODE SUPPLEMENT.
(a) The enhanced 911 system shall be designed to have the capability of utilizing at least one of the following methods in response to emergency calls:
(1) Direct dispatch method, which is a service to a centralized dispatch center providing for the dispatch of an appropriate emergency service unit upon receipt of a request for services and a decision as to the proper action to be taken.
(2) Relay method, which is a service whereby pertinent information is noted by the recipient of a request for emergency services, and is relayed to the appropriate emergency service providers or other providers of emergency services for dispatch of an emergency service unit.
(3) Transfer method, which is a service that receives requests for emergency services and directly transfers the requests to an appropriate emergency service provider or other provider of emergency services.
(4) Referral method, which is a service that, upon the receipt of a request for emergency services, provides the requesting party with the telephone number or other contact information of the appropriate emergency service provider or other provider of emergency services.
(b)(1) The board of commissioners of each district shall select the method or methods that it determines to be the most feasible for the county or municipality.
(2) In addition to the method selected under subdivision (1), the board of commissioners of each district shall select one or more reasonable alternative methods to respond to emergency calls in the district in the event the primary method under subdivision (1) fails or is otherwise rendered temporarily unavailable. The reasonable alternative method authorized under this subdivision may include a method not specifically enumerated under subsection (a).
(c) Notwithstanding any other law to the contrary, regardless of the method of response selected by the board of commissioners pursuant to subsection (b), a PSAP shall require a 911 operator who answers a 911 call at the PSAP to remain on the call with the individual until the PSAP has connected the individual with the appropriate provider of emergency services.
(d) Nothing in this chapter shall expand the obligations of any CMRS, voice communications, or other originating service provider to transmit, convey, or route a voice call, video call, text call, data-only call, or any other request for assistance to an emergency service provider beyond the requirements set forth under federal law and valid regulations of the Federal Communications Commission.

Structure Code of Alabama