81R11432 YDB-D

By: Gallegos S.B. No. 1989

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED

AN ACT

relating to establishment of the Texas Statewide Interoperability Executive Advisory Council.

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

SECTION 1. Section 421.095, Government Code, is amended by adding Subdivisions (3) and (4) to read as follows:

(3) "Council" means the Texas Statewide Interoperability Executive Advisory Council.

(4) "Interoperability" means the ability of public safety service and support providers, including providers of law enforcement, fire fighting services, emergency medical services, emergency management, public utilities, and transportation services, to communicate when necessary with staff from other responding agencies, and to exchange voice, video, and data communications on demand, in real time, and when authorized.

SECTION 2. Subchapter F, Chapter 421, Government Code, is amended by adding Sections 421.0961 and 421.0962 to read as follows:

Sec. 421.0961. TEXAS STATEWIDE INTEROPERABILITY EXECUTIVE ADVISORY COUNCIL. (a) The Texas Statewide Interoperability Executive Advisory Council is created as an advisory committee to the office of the governor to provide policy level direction and promote efficient and effective use of resources for matters related to public safety radio interoperability.

(b) The council is composed of the following members appointed by the governor:

(1) one representative from the Texas Department of Transportation;

(2) one representative from the Sheriffs' Association of Texas;

(3) one representative from the Texas Police Chiefs Association;

(4) one representative from the Texas Fire Chiefs Association;

(5) one representative from the Texas Municipal League;

(6) one representative from the Texas Association of Counties;

(7) two representatives from the governor's military staff or the state military forces;

(8) one representative from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice;

(9) one representative from the Department of Public Safety;

(10) one representative from the Department of Agriculture;

(11) one representative from the Parks and Wildlife Department;

(12) one representative from the Health and Human Services Commission;

(13) one representative from a federally recognized Indian tribe with tribal land in this state; and

(14) two members of the public.

(c) Members of the council serve two-year terms.

(d) Members of the council serve without compensation.

(e) The governor shall appoint a presiding officer of the council and the council shall elect other officers it considers necessary and appropriate. The presiding officer has authority and is responsible for the affairs of the council.

(f) The council shall meet at least four times annually.

(g) The council shall appoint subcommittees consistent with the needs of the council to address:

(1) technical support and education issues regarding public safety wireless radio interoperable communications in this state;

(2) federal, state, and local funding availability; and

(3) outreach and liaison with federal and other state organizations working on public safety wireless radio interoperable communications solutions.

(h) Chapter 2110 does not apply to the council.

Sec. 421.0962. COUNCIL DUTIES. (a) The council shall assist the office of the governor in developing the strategic plan for radio interoperable communications for local and private entities. The council shall promote interagency cooperation and provide support statewide for efficient and effective use of local and private resources to achieve public safety wireless radio interoperable communications for local and private public safety agencies.

(b) The council shall:

(1) recommend guidelines and standards for operation for local and private public safety wireless radio interoperable communications systems in this state;

(2) promote coordination and cooperation among local, state, federal, and tribal public safety agencies in addressing statewide public safety wireless radio interoperable communications needs in the state;

(3) review priorities for statewide public safety wireless radio interoperable communications needs and assist users of the statewide system in the development of projects, plans, policies, standards, priorities, and guidelines for public safety wireless radio interoperable communications;

(4) develop funding recommendations for short-term and long-term system maintenance;

(5) research best practices of other states; and

(6) provide recommendations to the governor and the legislature, when appropriate, concerning issues related to local and private statewide public safety wireless radio interoperable communications in accordance with homeland security presidential directives.

SECTION 3. As soon as practicable after the effective date of this Act, the governor shall appoint members to the Texas Statewide Interoperability Executive Advisory Council created by this Act.

SECTION 4. This Act takes effect September 1, 2009.