HB 1432 -- EMERGENCY COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

CO-SPONSORS:  Foley, Hanaway

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Miscellaneous Bills and Resolutions by a vote of 8 to 0.

This bill allows St. Louis County to establish an emergency
communications system within the county.  The purpose of the
system is to provide a wireless communication network that
permits governmental or public safety entities to communicate
within the area served.  The district would be managed by a
seven-member commission appointed by the chief executive officer
of the county.  The bill outlines the qualifications and term of
office of commission members and the powers of the commission.
The commission may issue bonds.  The issuance of bonds must be
approved by the voters of the district.  The county, upon voter
approval, may also levy and collect a sales tax not to exceed
one-tenth of 1% or a property tax not to exceed six cents per
$100 of assessed valuation for the purpose of establishing and
maintaining the system.  All funds collected from the tax will be
deposited in the Emergency Communication System Fund established
by the bill.

FISCAL NOTE:  No impact on state funds.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that public safety agencies in St.
Louis County have no ability to communicate with each other by
wireless means.  The county needs a safety net in the event of an
emergency.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Foley; and St. Louis
County.

OPPONENTS:  There was no opposition voiced to the committee.

Mark Pioli, Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated October 11, 2002 at 9:01 am