The Oklahoma Emergency Communications Act establishes the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Authority, which will oversee and regulate statewide emergency communication systems. This Authority will consist of fourteen members appointed from various state departments and organizations, serving without compensation. It will employ an Executive Director funded through the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority Revolving Fund and the newly created Oklahoma Emergency Communications Authority Revolving Fund. The Authority will operate under the Oklahoma Open Records Act and the Oklahoma Open Meeting Act to ensure transparency. The bill also amends existing statutes to redefine responsibilities related to emergency communications and information technology management, modifying the powers of the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority and the Chief Information Officer (CIO).

Additionally, the bill clarifies the definition of "state agencies" and outlines the responsibilities of the Information Services Division, which includes coordinating statewide projects and establishing an interoperable radio communications system. It introduces new provisions requiring the CIO to seek guidance from the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Office for public safety communications purchases and emphasizes the need for statewide planning and contract approval. The bill also modifies the responsibilities of the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Office, changing its name from the Office of Homeland Security and mandating the development of a Statewide Communications Interoperability Plan. Any federal or state funding for public safety communications will be transferred to the new Oklahoma Emergency Communications Authority Revolving Fund, with the act set to take effect on November 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 62-34.11.1, 63-2862, 63-2864, 74-51.1a, 62-35.6.2