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.