Bill > HB149

This bill establishes a new process for gubernatorial review and approval of public safety radio communication system purchases by political subdivisions in Texas. Under the proposed law, the governor must create standards to evaluate whether a proposed radio communication system purchase would impair interoperability with other governmental entities' systems in the same region. Political subdivisions must now obtain gubernatorial approval before purchasing such systems, submitting a request for review that the governor must respond to within 90 days. The governor can approve the request, summarily deny it, or conditionally deny it while providing specific feedback about deficient standards and suggesting corrective measures. The bill defines a "public safety radio communication system" broadly to include infrastructure, equipment, software, and related products used in public safety operations like law enforcement, fire protection, emergency medical services, and disaster response. The new requirements will take effect on August 1, 2026, giving state officials time to develop the necessary review procedures, and will apply only to system purchases made on or after that date. The bill aims to ensure regional communication compatibility among different public safety agencies by creating a centralized review process.

Military Affairs and Security

https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB149