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HB 2710

Statewide radio systems; creating the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Act; defining terms; effective date.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Ross Ford and 1 co-sponsor

HB 2710 creates a centralized, state-owned emergency communications system with OECA/OECO to fund, govern, and coordinate interoperable radio across state and local agencies.

Placed on General Order
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Bill Summary · HB 2710

Summary: Oklahoma Emergency Communications Act (HB 2710, 2025-2026)

Aimed at unifying and governing state-owned emergency radio systems, HB 2710 creates a centralized framework—the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Act—for oversight, funding, procurement, and interoperability of public safety communications across state and local agencies. The bill establishes a new governance structure, roles, funding mechanisms, and coordination with existing 9-1-1 authorities.

1) Purpose and Intent

  • Establish a statewide, state-owned emergency communications system with centralized governance, planning, and standards.
  • Achieve interoperability and cost savings by unifying disparate radio systems and ensuring compliance with FCC rules and national interoperability standards (e.g., Project 25).
  • Improve coordination between state agencies (public safety, transportation, health, fire, EMS, etc.) and local entities (cities/counties) in emergency communications.
  • Create a funding and procurement pipeline to support development, maintenance, and expansion of the state-owned radio infrastructure.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

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A. Definitions and New Entities

  • Introduces the “Oklahoma Emergency Communications Authority” (OECA) as the governing board for state emergency communications.
  • Creates the “Oklahoma Emergency Communications Office” within the OECA for day-to-day operations.
  • Establishes the “Joint Executive Board for Emergency Communications” to oversee an Executive Coordinator who administers both the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Office and the Emergency Communications Office.
  • Creates the “Oklahoma Emergency Communications Authority Revolving Fund” to finance operations.

B. OECA Composition and Governance

  • OECA will have 14 members, drawn from a mix of state agencies and statewide organizations representing:
    • DPS, DOT, Forestry/State Fire, Office of Management and Enterprise Services (OMES), Health, municipal and county associations, fire service, municipalities, counties, radio-communications advocacy, emergency medical services, and a representative from a city/county that owns radio infrastructure.
  • Members serve at the pleasure of their appointing authorities; no compensation.
  • Quorum: seven members; majority vote required for actions.
  • OECA appoints an Executive Coordinator via the Joint Executive Board.

C. OECA Powers and Duties

  • Approve or disapprove the Deputy Coordinator selection for the OECA.
  • Promulgate rules to implement the Act and govern the OECA and its Office.
  • Prepare and solicit grants to help public agencies join the state-owned radio system (infrastructure and subscribers).
  • Oversee the OECA’s annual budget.
  • Enter into contracts for the administration and maintenance of state-owned emergency radio systems.
  • Move funding, contracts, and personnel related to state-owned radio infrastructure to the OECA within two years of the act’s effective date.
  • Establish user training, strategic plans, and interoperability standards.
  • Facilitate information-sharing, best-practices databases, and cross-jurisdiction policy development.
  • Encourage equipment and technology sharing; promote data operability and interoperability.

D. Oklahoma Emergency Communications Office (OECO)

  • Management, maintenance, and expansion of state-owned radio systems.
  • Develop strategic plans (biannually) for state and local emergency communications, including underserved areas.
  • Implement policies for operability and interoperability; seek and administer grant funding.
  • Ensure compliance with FCC rules; maintain GIS data for radio systems.
  • Support local procurement and expansion in coordination with FCC requirements.
  • Promote training and provide resources to assist local agencies with radio infrastructure needs.

E. Local and Statewide Integration

  • The Chief Information Officer (CIO) role is expanded to oversee interoperable radio communications and procurement for state agencies.
  • OMES Information Services Division coordinates statewide planning, contracts, and standards for communications, including the state interoperable radio system.
  • Emphasis on using state-owned fiber where available for OECO activities.

F. Open Records and Meetings

  • OECA and OECO are subject to the Oklahoma Open Records Act and the Open Meetings Act.

G. 9-1-1 Integration (Cross-reference)

  • The bill interacts with the existing Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority Act, sharing governance and budgeting roles via the Joint Executive Board structure.

H. Financial Provisions

  • Establishes the revolving fund to finance OECA operations, with funding appropriated and budgeted via the OECA.
  • The 9-1-1 fee structure and funding mechanisms are referenced (see Section 12), with specific allocations and uses for the 9-1-1 revolving fund.

I. Sunset and Transfers

  • Within two years, state-funded radio infrastructure and personnel related to the state-owned systems move to OECO/OECA oversight.
  • Repeals conflicting provisions and aligns with existing State IT governance.

3) Affected Parties

  • State agencies involved in public safety, transportation, health, and emergency management.
  • Local governments (cities/counties) with public safety radio needs or owned infrastructure.
  • 9-1-1 management and PSAP operations (via Joint Executive Board and shared standards).
  • Telecommunications vendors and radio technology providers (through centralized procurement and contracts).
  • Public safety personnel (through training, interoperability, and standardized equipment).

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Effective date: November 1, 2025.
  • Within two years of the act’s effective date, move state-owned radio infrastructure, funding, and personnel under OECO/OECA.
  • OECA, in collaboration with OMES and the CIO, must develop and implement a comprehensive plan for interoperable, statewide radio systems, including grant administration and shared services.
  • Annual reporting requirements: OECO and CIO-related activities; governor and leadership receive updates.
  • The act integrates with existing 9-1-1 governance, requiring coordination and possible revenue stewardship (9-1-1 fees and revolving funds).

Note: The bill includes complex procurement and IT modernization provisions, emphasizing open standards, shared services, and cost savings through consolidation and interoperability.

Overall, HB 2710 creates a centralized, state-led framework to modernize, fund, and coordinate emergency communications across Oklahoma, with a strong emphasis on interoperability, compliance with federal standards, and cross-agency collaboration.

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

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