BILL ANALYSIS

 

 

Senate Research Center                                                                                                      S.B. 2183

81R10364 YDB-D                                                                                                         By: Gallegos

                                                                                                         S/C on Flooding & Evacuations

                                                                                                                                            4/21/2009

                                                                                                                                              As Filed

 

 

AUTHOR'S / SPONSOR'S STATEMENT OF INTENT

 

Interoperability coordination is critical as a part of the communication infrastructure, especially during a natural disaster. 

 

As proposed,  S.B. 2183 creates the position of interoperability coordinator in the Division of Emergency Management in the Office of the Governor.  The coordinator, along with state agencies, law enforcement agencies, and local government agencies, will develop a plan to address the state's public safety communication procedures, including the governor's interoperable radio communications program. 

 

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 418.049, as follows:

 

Sec.  418.049.  INTEROPERABILITY COORDINATOR.  (a)  Requires the governor to appoint an interoperability coordinator (coordinator) of the division of emergency management.  Provides that the coordinator serves at the pleasure of the governor. 

 

(b)  Provides that the coordinator is responsible for coordinating communication among state agencies, law enforcement agencies, and local government agencies in the state in response to disasters. 

 

(c)  Requires the coordinator, in consultation with state agencies, law enforcement agencies, and local government agencies, to develop and implement an interoperability plan to address the state's public safety communication systems, processes, and procedures.  Requires the coordinator, in developing the plan, to solicit input from fire fighters, law enforcement personnel, emergency medical services personnel, public health officials, hospital officials, transportation officials, and other interested persons; and coordinate programs in the governor's office to promote interoperable communications, including the governor's interoperable radio communications program established under Subchapter F (Governor's Interoperable Radio Communications Program), Chapter 421 (Homeland Security), and the duties of the governor's office under Section 421.901 (Interoperability of Critical Information Systems). 

 

SECTION 2.  Requires the governor, as soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, to appoint the coordinator as required by Section 418.049, Government Code, as added by this Act. 

 

SECTION 3.  Effective date:  September 1, 2009.