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LB 62

Appropriate funds for certain communications equipment

109th Legislature (2025-2026) Introduced by Tom Brandt and 1 co-sponsor

Allocates 19 million General Fund to build and fund interoperable radio communications between state agencies and Nebraska volunteer fire departments with grant-based training.

Title printed. Carryover bill
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Bill Summary · LB 62

LB 62 — Summary

Overview

LB 62, introduced by Senator Brandt with Senator Wordekemper as a cosponsor, is a General Fund appropriation bill in the Nebraska Legislature's One Hundred Ninth (2025) First Session. The bill seeks to fund the ongoing development of a statewide radio network to enable interoperable communications between state agencies and volunteer fire departments, particularly in wildfire response. A hearing is scheduled for March 4, 2025. The act includes an emergency clause, making it effective upon enactment.

Purpose and Rationale

  • To establish interoperable communications across state agencies and volunteer fire departments during wildfires and other emergencies.
  • To create and support a common radio system, with emphasis on portable and mobile radios, equipment, and related programming, plus training to ensure interoperable use.

Key Provisions

  1. Funding and Allocation

    • Appropriates $19,000,000 from the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2025-26 to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS), Program 245.
    • Funds are to be provided to the Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO) for the purposes described below.

  2. Interoperable Communications Establishment

    • OCIO will implement portable and mobile programming and install radios and equipment to establish interoperable communications between state agencies and volunteer departments.

  3. Grant-Based Training and Connectivity

    • OCIO will provide training for interoperability with the Statewide Radio System (SRS) to connect volunteer departments and agencies.
    • A grant program will determine eligibility based on the number and type of radios required by each volunteer department, considering department size and needs.
    • Volunteer departments connected to the SRS under this grant will not incur subscription, programming, or training fees.

  4. Grant Distribution Timeline

    • It is the Legislature’s intent that all grant funds be distributed by June 30, 2028.

  5. Definitions

    • “Volunteer department” has the same meaning as defined in section 35-901.

  6. Effective Date

    • Because an emergency exists, the act takes effect when passed and approved according to law.

Fiscal and Administrative Details

  • Funding Source: General Fund
  • Total Amount: $19,000,000
  • Managing Agency: Department of Administrative Services with oversight by the Office of the Chief Information Officer
  • Program Reference: Program 245 within DAS

Procedural and Timeline Highlights

  • Introduced: January 9, 2025
  • Referred to: Appropriations Committee
  • Hearing Notice: February 5, 2025 (hearing set for March 4, 2025)
  • Legislative Actions include sponsor additions (Wordekemper as cosponsor) and standard committee processing
  • Emergency clause: Yes (takes effect upon enactment)

Potential Impact

  • Improves wildfire and emergency response through reliable, interoperable communications across agencies and volunteer departments.
  • Reduces or eliminates fees for volunteer departments connected to the Statewide Radio System.
  • Creates a structured, grant-based mechanism to fund radios, programming, installation, and training, with a target completion for grant distribution by mid-2028.
  • Beneficiaries include state agencies, volunteer fire departments, and emergency responders, with broader implications for public safety coordination.

Stakeholders

  • Primary: Office of the Chief Information Officer; Department of Administrative Services
  • Affected: State agencies; Nebraska volunteer fire departments; emergency management communities
  • Legislative sponsors: Senator Brandt (primary), Senator Wordekemper (cosponsor)

This summary highlights the bill’s main objective, the mechanisms it uses to achieve interoperable communications, and the anticipated timeline and beneficiaries.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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