HB 70

89S20141 GP-D
		By: Gervin-Hawkins
  H.B. No. 70
  A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
  AN ACT
  relating to first responder broadband network services used by
  first responders during natural disasters and other emergencies.
         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 responding to natural
  disasters or other emergencies.
         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,
  including those areas in which flooding or other natural disasters
  are most likely to occur.
         (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 and  other emergencies 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,
  increasing the resilience of first responder broadband network
  services, and enhancing resource capabilities.
         SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect on the 91st day after the
  last day of the legislative session.