Date: 04/10/2006
Final
Radio Interoperability Draft
COMMITTEE ON JOINT SELECT COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY
| Votes: View--> | Action Taken: |
| TIE |
12:15 PM
Senator Grossman presented a draft of legislation addressing communications interoperability (Attachment A). He discussed the processes used in Virginia and Minnesota to standardize emergency communications systems. He talked about how local jurisdictions should be required to become interoperable and how the bill draft would accomplish that. The committee discussed the gaps in emergency communications systems in the state.
12:21 PM
Senator Isgar raised concerns about some of the language which requires every local jurisdiction to develop an interoperability plan. He also expressed concern that the federal (or tribal) government is not represented in the draft. Representative Balmer raised the issue of National Guard use of public safety information systems. Senator Grossman invited members of the public to comment on the bill draft.
12:26 PM
Larry Mayberry, Motorola, asked what level of interoperability is trying to be accomplished by this legislation. He talked about the number of users on the Digital Trunked Radio System (DTRS). He mentioned that some federal groups are using DTRS, but listed several that work in a VHF system.
12:29 PM
Fran Santiago, private citizen, talked about federal guidance for tactical interoperability plans for urban areas. She suggested that the state should mimic the federal guidelines for urban areas. She did question how to expand the plans to every jurisdictions and suggested doing it at a tactical level.
12:32 PM
George Epp, County Sheriffs of Colorado, stated his support for the idea behind this legislation. Sheriff Epp stated that the established planning regions in the state are already required to develop interoperability plans that will incorporate with the DTRS. He urged the committee to make details of any plan very general in nature.
12:35 PM
Kevin Bommer, Colorado Municipal League, cautioned the committee not to place an undue burden on local jurisdictions. Mr. Bommer is concerned that unfunded mandates do not actually accomplish anything. Representative Balmer expressed his desire to see something done to accomplish the goal of interoperability. Mr. Bommer clarified that he was not suggesting that the state not work toward interoperability, but rather that local governments be given the necessary resources to meet the requirements established by the state.
12:44 PM
Senator Grossman expressed his desire for the committee, members of the public, and interested agencies to look at the draft and direct suggestions to staff for incorporation in a future versions of the bill. He stated that the next meeting would begin with a brief discussion of the bill. He then adjourned the meeting.