BILL ANALYSIS
Senate Research Center C.S.S.B. 936
81R5259 BEF-D By: Carona
Transportation & Homeland Security
Committee Report (Substituted)
AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT
Radio interoperability, or the lack of coordination and operability between different types of communications systems, hampers emergency response and relief. Current provisions for radio interoperability within the Government Code require the Division of Emergency Management in the Office of the Governor (GDEM) to coordinate with other state agencies to evaluate communication resources which may lead to rapid and efficient communication.
C.S.S.B. 936 facilitates radio interoperability by creating a communications coordinating group to assist GDEM in gathering and disseminating information during an emergency. The communications coordinating group will consist of representatives from key agencies involved in emergency response. At the direction of GDEM, representatives of the CCG will assist with command and coordination of communications for disaster and emergency response and relief operations.
RULEMAKING AUTHORITY
This bill does not expressly grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency.
SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS
SECTION 1. Amends Subchapter C, Chapter 418, Government Code, by adding Section 418.051, as follows:
Sec. 418.051. COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATING GROUP. (a) Requires the communications coordination group to facilitate interagency coordination and collaboration to provide efficient and effective planning and execution of communications support to joint, interagency, and intergovernmental task forces.
(b) Requires the communications coordination group, at the direction of the division of emergency management in the office of the governor (GDEM), to assist with coordination and collaboration during an emergency.
(c) Provides that the communications coordination group consists of members selected by GDEM, including representatives of the Texas military forces; the Department of Public Safety of the State of Texas; the Federal Emergency Management Agency; federal agencies that comprise Emergency Support Function No. 2; the telecommunications industry, including cable service providers, as defined by Section 66.002 (Definitions), Utilities Code; the National Guard's Joint Continental United States Communications Support Environment; the National Guard Bureau; amateur radio operator groups; the Texas Forest Service; the Texas Department of Transportation; the General Land Office; the Texas Engineering Extension Service of The Texas A&M University System; the Railroad Commission of Texas; the Department of State Health Services; the judicial branch of state government; the Texas Association of Regional Councils; the United States Air Force Auxiliary Civil Air Patrol, Texas Wing; state agencies, counties, and municipalities affected by the emergency; and other agencies as determined by the division.
SECTION 2. Effective date: upon passage or September 1, 2009.