89R16198 GP-D     By: Gervin-Hawkins H.B. No. 4510       A BILL TO BE ENTITLED   AN ACT   relating to first responder broadband network services used by   first responders.          BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:          SECTION 1.  Chapter 411, Government Code, is amended by   adding Subchapter N-1 to read as follows:   SUBCHAPTER N-1.  FIRST RESPONDER BROADBAND NETWORK SERVICE          Sec. 411.411.  DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:                (1)  "First responder" has the meaning assigned by   Section 161.0001, Health and Safety Code.                (2)  "First responder broadband network service" means   a dedicated wireless broadband communications network specifically   designed for use by first responders.          Sec. 411.412.  SELECTION OF SERVICE PROVIDER FOR DEPARTMENT   FIRST RESPONDERS. (a)  The department shall select and procure from   a provider a first responder broadband network service for use by   first responders who are department employees. The first responder   broadband network service selected by the department for department   employees must have service availability in all areas of the state.          (b)  In the event that a department employee is terminated by   or otherwise separates from employment with the department, the   department shall inform the first responder broadband network   service provider of that fact and require the provider to cancel   that employee's access to the service.          Sec. 411.413.  ASSISTANCE TO OTHER FIRST RESPONDERS. (a)     The department may assist first responders who are not department   employees to select and secure a first responder broadband network   service or to renew a first responder broadband network service   previously secured by the first responders.          (b)  For purposes of Subsection (a), the department shall   maintain a database that lists the first responder broadband   network service providers in this state.  The database must include   information that demonstrates the service area of each provider, as   well as the average broadband network service availability of the   system offered by the provider at each location within the   provider's service area.          Sec. 411.414.  ANNUAL REPORT. Not later than December 1 of   each year, the department shall prepare and submit to the   lieutenant governor, the speaker of the house of representatives,   and each other member of the legislature an annual report that   includes:                 (1)  an evaluation of the effectiveness of first   responder broadband network services, the total cost of these   services to the state, and the current method of paying those costs;                (2)  data on the outcomes, including failures and   successes, of first responder broadband network services during   natural disasters, mass shootings, bombings, and other   circumstances that require use of the first responder broadband   network services;                (3)  data on use of first responder broadband network   services, including the name of the provider of the service and the   number of first responders using the service offered by each   provider; and                (4)  recommendations for improving emergency and first   responder communication operability and interoperability and   enhancing resource capabilities.          SECTION 2.  This Act takes effect September 1, 2025.