Summary — SB 25‑256: Funds for Support of Digital Trunked Radio System
Status: Governor signed (Apr 24, 2025)
Introduced: Mar 31, 2025
Bill number: SB 25‑256
Primary sponsors / cosponsors: Shannon Bird (primary), Barbara Kirkmeyer (primary), Judy Amabile (primary), Emily Sirota (primary); cosponsors J. Marchman, R. Taggart, S. Lieder, J. Bridges, C. Clifford
Note: The full bill text and fiscal note were not provided. The summary below describes the bill’s stated purpose based on its title and available legislative metadata, explains typical provisions such a bill would contain, and identifies who would likely be affected. For exact dollar amounts, appropriation sources, effective dates, and implementation details, review the enacted bill text and fiscal analysis.
Main purpose and intent
SB 25‑256 is intended to provide funding to support the operation, maintenance, and/or improvement of a state Digital Trunked Radio System (DTRS). Such systems are used to provide interoperable, secure radio communications for public safety, emergency response, and other government operations across jurisdictions.
Key provisions (based on title and common practice)
Because the bill text was not supplied, the following list outlines the types of provisions this bill most likely contains:
- Authorization of specific appropriations or transfers to fund the DTRS (one‑time and/or ongoing).
- Identification of the recipient agency or program (commonly a state department such as Public Safety, Homeland Security, or the Office of Information Technology).
- Permitted uses of funds: operations, maintenance, equipment upgrades, tower/site construction, user fees/subsidies for local agencies, or contract support.
- Allocation method: statewide formula, grants to local agencies, or centralized fund administration.
- Reporting/oversight requirements: progress reports, audits, or performance metrics for recipients.
- Effective date and any sunset or reversion provisions.
- Potential match/leveraging requirements with federal or local funds.
Who would be affected
- Public safety agencies (state, county, municipal law enforcement, fire, EMS) that rely on interoperable radio communications.
- State technology and public safety departments responsible for operating and maintaining the DTRS.
- Local governments and special districts that receive grants or fee subsidies.
- Contractors/vendors who install, maintain, or upgrade radio infrastructure.
- State budget and taxpayers, to the extent funds are appropriated from the general fund or other state sources.
Procedural and timeline highlights
- Introduced in the Senate: Mar 31, 2025 (assigned to Appropriations).
- Passed both chambers without amendments (Senate and House readings Apr 1–10, 2025).
- Signed by President of the Senate and Speaker of the House Apr 15–16, 2025.
- Sent to Governor Apr 16, 2025; Governor signed Apr 24, 2025.
Recommended next steps
- Consult the enacted bill text for specific appropriation amounts, funding sources, recipient agency, conditions, and effective date.
- Review the legislative fiscal note for budgetary impact and any ongoing fiscal liabilities.
- Check implementing agency guidance for distribution schedules, application processes (if grants), and compliance requirements.
