bill making DPS buy statewide first responder broadband

The text as introduced · 469 words

89R16198 GP-D

By: Gervin-Hawkins
H.B. No. 4510

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to first responder broadband network services used by

first responders.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:

SECTION 1. Chapter 411, Government Code, is amended by

adding Subchapter N-1 to read as follows:

SUBCHAPTER N-1. FIRST RESPONDER BROADBAND NETWORK SERVICE

Sec. 411.411. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:

(1) "First responder" has the meaning assigned by

Section 161.0001, Health and Safety Code.

(2) "First responder broadband network service" means

a dedicated wireless broadband communications network specifically

designed for use by first responders.

Sec. 411.412. SELECTION OF SERVICE PROVIDER FOR DEPARTMENT

FIRST RESPONDERS. (a) The department shall select and procure from

a provider a first responder broadband network service for use by

first responders who are department employees. The first responder

broadband network service selected by the department for department

employees must have service availability in all areas of the state.

(b) In the event that a department employee is terminated by

or otherwise separates from employment with the department, the

department shall inform the first responder broadband network

service provider of that fact and require the provider to cancel

that employee's access to the service.

Sec. 411.413. ASSISTANCE TO OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS. (a)

The department may assist first responders who are not department

employees to select and secure a first responder broadband network

service or to renew a first responder broadband network service

previously secured by the first responders.

(b) For purposes of Subsection (a), the department shall

maintain a database that lists the first responder broadband

network service providers in this state. The database must include

information that demonstrates the service area of each provider, as

well as the average broadband network service availability of the

system offered by the provider at each location within the

provider's service area.

Sec. 411.414. ANNUAL REPORT. Not later than December 1 of

each year, the department shall prepare and submit to the

lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,

and each other member of the legislature an annual report that

includes:

(1) an evaluation of the effectiveness of first

responder broadband network services, the total cost of these

services to the state, and the current method of paying those costs;

(2) data on the outcomes, including failures and

successes, of first responder broadband network services during

natural disasters, mass shootings, bombings, and other

circumstances that require use of the first responder broadband

network services;

(3) data on use of first responder broadband network

services, including the name of the provider of the service and the

number of first responders using the service offered by each

provider; and

(4) recommendations for improving emergency and first

responder communication operability and interoperability and

enhancing resource capabilities.

SECTION 2. This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.