HB 70 would create a new subchapter in the Government Code directing the Department to procure and manage first responder broadband network services for department employees. The bill defines a “first responder broadband network service” as a dedicated wireless broadband communications network designed for first responders during natural disasters and other emergencies, and requires the selected service to be available statewide, including in areas prone to flooding and other disasters. It also requires the Department to notify the provider when an employee leaves so that access can be cancelled.
The bill further authorizes the Department to help non-employee first responders find, secure, or renew these services and requires the Department to maintain a database of providers, including each provider’s service area and average service availability. Finally, the Department must submit an annual report to legislative leaders and other members of the Legislature evaluating the program’s effectiveness, costs, usage, disaster performance, and recommendations for improving interoperability, resilience, and emergency communications capabilities.
Impact
HB 70 would add new state-law requirements in Chapter 411 of the Government Code related to emergency communications for first responders. It would create a state-managed framework for selecting broadband network services, maintaining provider information, and reporting on service performance and costs. The bill would directly affect the Department, first responder employees, other first responders seeking service, and broadband providers that offer dedicated emergency communications networks.
Sentiment
Based on the bill text and the absence of recorded committee testimony or votes in the provided materials, the overall sentiment appears supportive and policy-oriented, focused on improving emergency preparedness and communications reliability. The bill is framed as a resilience and interoperability measure for first responders, suggesting a generally favorable intent toward strengthening disaster response capabilities. No recorded opposition or amendments are available in the provided context.
Contention
No committee discussion or vote history was provided, so specific points of contention cannot be identified from the record here. Potential areas of debate, based on the bill’s structure, could include the cost of procuring statewide service, the Department’s administrative burden in maintaining the provider database and annual reporting, and whether the state should directly manage or facilitate first responder broadband access. Another possible issue is the requirement that service be available in all areas of the state, which could raise concerns about feasibility in remote or disaster-prone regions.
Relating to the establishment of the Texas Cyber Command and the transfer to it of certain powers and duties of the Department of Information Resources.
Relating to the establishment of the workforce housing capital investment fund program to fund the development of workforce housing in this state; authorizing a fee.