House passes bill requiring governor review of public‑safety radio system purchases to protect interoperability

Representative Lauderback brought HB149 to the floor, describing radio interoperability as one of the state's largest public‑safety challenges and saying the bill creates a review pathway to prevent new purchases that would harm statewide operability. "This bill is a pathway ... where we can start moving ... to operable and interoperable [systems]," Lauderback said. He said the governor already has strategic planning authority for interoperability and the bill provides a mechanism to pause or deny purchases that would create non‑interoperable systems.

Under the bill, the governor — through the office charged with homeland security and interoperability work — would review proposed large‑scale radio system purchases submitted by political subdivisions. The review period would be 90 days, during which the governor could approve, summarily deny, or conditionally deny a purchase and provide instructions to achieve interoperability. Lauderback emphasized the bill is not retroactive and does not prevent replacement of individual radios; it targets large system purchases that create long‑term interoperability problems.

Supporters argued the measure will reduce communications failures in disasters and everyday mutual‑aid law‑enforcement operations. Representative Darby and others noted the bill follows session investments in radio interoperability and creates a practical mechanism to coordinate purchases across jurisdictions. The House passed HB149 on final reading by a recorded vote of 128 ayes to 8 nays.

The bill directs the governor's office to adopt standards for review and sets a timeline for the review process; implementing details and technical standards will be developed by the office and stakeholders during rulemaking and guidance.