(a) On and after January 1, 1999, every dispatch center operated by any county or municipality to receive, process, or transmit public safety information and dispatch law enforcement officers, firefighters, medical personnel, or emergency management personnel shall comply with the requirements of this Code section. Each such dispatch center shall have on duty at all times at least one communications officer who is certified as having been trained in the use of telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDD's), as provided for in subsection (d) of Code Section 35-8-23. However, a dispatch center which is staffed by ten or fewer communications officers shall be considered in compliance with this Code section; provided, however, that on and after January 1, 1999, no dispatch center shall be permitted to employ any additional or replacement communications officers who are not certified as having been trained in the use of telecommunications devices for the deaf (TDD's) as provided for in subsection (d) of Code Section 35-8-23.

(b) On and after January 1, 1999, no monthly "911" charge provided for in Code Section 46-5-133 may be imposed for the support of any dispatch center unless such dispatch center is in compliance with the requirements of this Code section.