The proposed legislation, advanced by the bipartisan Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee, aims to enhance Colorado's emergency communication systems and streamline wireless service deployment. The bill outlines specific responsibilities for the Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM) and expands the duties of the Colorado Broadband Office.
Key Provisions:
Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management (DHSEM):
Single Point of Contact: Establish a dedicated liaison within DHSEM to:
Ensure comprehensive statewide coverage of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) for wireless emergency alerts and the Emergency Alert System.
Provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions aiming for IPAWS certification.
Implement best practices for inclusive alerting, aligning with the findings of the Language Access in Emergency Communications study.
Recommend improvements to Colorado's current wireless alert systems, addressing language and accessibility needs.
Colorado Broadband Office:
Expanded Responsibilities: In addition to its existing broadband-related duties, the office will now oversee wireless services, ensuring cohesive policy coordination and infrastructure development across the state.
This initiative reflects Colorado's commitment to bolstering public safety through improved emergency communication and facilitating the deployment of wireless infrastructure, particularly in underserved areas. For more details on the committee's activities and legislative advancements, refer to the official reports and summaries.
Summary
Cell Phone Connectivity Interim Study Committee. The bill
requires the division of homeland security and emergency management in the department of public safety (division) to develop a single point of contact within the division to:
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Help ensure statewide coverage of the integrated public alert and warning system for wireless emergency alerts and the emergency alert system;
•
Provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions on becoming integrated public alert and warning system certified;
•
Provide technical assistance, consistent with the language access in emergency communications study, to implement best practices for inclusive alerting; and
•
Offer recommendations to improve current wireless alert systems in Colorado that address language and access needs.
Under current law, the Colorado broadband office (office) has
certain duties related to broadband in Colorado. The bill requires the office to also perform those duties for wireless services.
