Date: 04/29/2014

Final
BILL SUMMARY for SB14-127

HOUSE COMMITTEE ON JUDICIARY

Votes: View--> Action Taken:
Refer Senate Bill 14-127 to the Committee on ApproPASS



02:15 PM -- SB14-127

Representative Dore, prime sponsor, presented Senate Bill 14-127, concerning statewide radio communications, and, in connection therewith, directing the Department of Public Safety to perform a communications needs assessment and recreating the Consolidated Communications System Authority as a new standing public safety communications subcommittee under the Homeland Security and All-Hazards Senior Advisory Committee in the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in that department. Representative Dore provided background on the operation and management of the Digital Trunked Radio System (DTRS), and explained the effect of the bill. Representative Dore responded to questions regarding expenditures to be made under the bill to hire a consultant for the assessment of statewide radio communications, and the overall fiscal impact of the legislation.


02:22 PM

The following persons testified regarding Senate Bill 14-127:

02:22 PM -- Chief David Daley, representing the Colorado Fire Chiefs, testified in support of the bill. Chief Daley explained how emergency communications are broadcast among first responders, and provided scenarios on the communications needs of first responders. Chief Daley responded to questions regarding the previously referenced costs associated with hiring a consultant.

02:28 PM -- Mr. Kurt Schlegel, representing the Consolidated Communication System Authority, testified in support of Senate Bill 14-127. Mr. Schlegel discussed the function of this authority, and explained why a business plan is needed for DTRS. Mr. Schlegel also explained the need to hire a consultant for business planning and needs assessments. Mr. Schlegel responded to questions regarding the total cost for DTRS upgrading that the planning and assessments conducted under Senate Bill 14-127 may reveal, and the types of infrastructure required to perpetuate the DTRS. Mr. Schlegel discussed potential interoperability issues with the DTRS, and explained how Senate Bill 14-127 will mitigate these issues. Mr. Schlegel responded to questions regarding what the moneys appropriated for consulting under the bill will purchase.


02:40 PM

Discussion ensued regarding the nature of the planning to be funded by Senate Bill 14-127. Representative Dore responded to questions regarding the propriety of the bill's consulting costs.

02:45 PM -- Mr. Kevin Klein, representing the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management within the Department of Public Safety, testified in support of Senate Bill 14-127. Mr. Klein discussed the suitability of moving DTRS oversight responsibilities into the Department of Public Safety, and addressed certain interoperability issues associated with the system. Mr. Klein discussed the fiscal impact of the bill. Mr. Klein responded to questions regarding the eventual build-out costs associated with DTRS once assessments are made, and the potential for his division to conduct the bill's assessments in-house.


02:55 PM

Discussion continued regarding the potential for the Department of Public Safety to conduct the assessments associated with Senate Bill 14-127 in-house.


02:56 PM

No amendments were offered to Senate Bill 14-127. Representative Dore provided closing remarks in support of Senate Bill 14-127. Representatives Murray and Salazar provided input on the legislation.
BILL:SB14-127
TIME: 02:57:25 PM
MOVED:Waller
MOTION:Refer Senate Bill 14-127 to the Committee on Appropriations. The motion passed on a vote of 8-0.
SECONDED:Pettersen
VOTE
Buckner
Yes
Court
Excused
Gardner
Excused
Lawrence
Excused
McLachlan
Yes
Murray
Yes
Pettersen
Yes
Salazar
Yes
Waller
Yes
Lee
Yes
Kagan
Yes
Final YES: 8 NO: 0 EXC: 3 ABS: 0 FINAL ACTION: PASS