Concerning the transfer of money from the public safety communications revolving fund to the public safety communications trust fund to support the digital trunked radio system.
Summary
HB26-1392 transfers any unexpended and unencumbered money remaining at the end of a fiscal year from the Public Safety Communications Revolving Fund into the Public Safety Communications Trust Fund. The bill is aimed at supporting Colorado’s digital trunked radio system (DTRS), which is used for public safety communications by the Office of Public Safety Communications, state departments, and other system users.
The bill also clarifies and broadens the authorized uses of money in the trust fund. In addition to acquiring and maintaining public safety communications systems and equipment, the fund may be used for maintenance-related costs such as leased or rented equipment, infrastructure maintenance, tower lease costs, and payments to local governmental entities or other public safety radio system-related expenses. The bill states that funded systems must meet federal public safety communications requirements.
Impact
The bill amends Colorado Revised Statutes sections 24-33.5-2502 and 24-33.5-2510 to redirect year-end balances from the revolving fund to the trust fund and to clarify the trust fund’s purpose and permissible expenditures. It reinforces the trust fund as a continuously appropriated source for public safety communications infrastructure, equipment, and maintenance, affecting the Department of Public Safety, other state departments, and local governmental entities involved in radio communications systems.
Sentiment
The available record suggests broad support and little visible controversy. The bill moved through Appropriations in both chambers and was ultimately signed by the Governor, indicating consensus around the need to maintain and fund the state’s public safety radio communications network. No committee transcript or recorded vote data is provided, so there is no evidence of organized opposition in the available materials.
Contention
No specific points of contention are documented in the provided transcripts or votes. Based on the bill text, any potential debate would likely center on the scope of permissible trust fund spending, the transfer of remaining revolving fund balances, or whether the expanded maintenance uses could reduce flexibility for other public safety communications needs. However, the available record does not show named opponents or disputed amendments.