Bill > SB2512

This bill establishes the Texas Interoperability Council, a new state entity designed to improve emergency communications across Texas. The council will be composed of seven members (the chief of the Texas Division of Emergency Management and six appointees from the governor, lieutenant governor, and house speaker) who will serve staggered six-year terms. The council's primary responsibilities include developing a comprehensive statewide strategic plan for emergency communication equipment and infrastructure, ensuring interoperability among first responders, and administering a grant program to help local governments acquire and improve their emergency communication capabilities. The grant program will provide funding for purchasing interoperable communication equipment like radios, constructing communication infrastructure such as radio towers, covering operational costs, and providing training for first responders. To receive grants, local governments must submit proposals and comply with council-established rules, and the council may require recipients to complete specific training and adopt standardized incident management procedures. The bill allows the council to accept gifts and grants from various sources and gives the Texas Division of Emergency Management authority to adopt rules for implementing the program. The council is exempt from certain open meetings and public information laws, and the first council members will be appointed with initial terms ranging from 2027 to 2031, with the act taking effect on September 1, 2025.

Budget and Finance

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=89R&Bill=SB2512