Bill > SB031

This bill introduces several key provisions related to wireless communication services and emergency alerts in Colorado. First, it expands the Colorado Broadband Office's technical assistance responsibilities to include wireless service deployment alongside existing broadband services. The bill mandates that beginning July 1, 2027, alerting authorities must disseminate emergency alerts in English and in predominant minority languages for counties or cities where at least 2,000 or 2.5% of residents aged 18 or older speak a minority language with limited English proficiency. Emergency alerts must be sent in the timeliest manner possible, using plain language, and must comply with federal disability requirements. The bill encourages alerting authorities to use available technology to issue alerts in multiple languages and conduct community outreach to inform people with limited English proficiency about language interpretation options. Additionally, the 911 Services Enterprise is authorized to distribute grants to municipal or county alerting authorities to implement language and accessibility services for emergency alerts. The bill also includes technical amendments related to prepaid wireless telecommunications services and clarifies definitions for emergency messaging and notification systems, with the goal of improving communication and accessibility during emergency situations.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://leg.colorado.gov/bills/sb25-031