House Bill No. 2710, titled the "Oklahoma Emergency Communications Act," establishes a new framework for emergency communications in Oklahoma by creating the 9-1-1 Management Unit and the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Section under the Oklahoma Office of Homeland Security. The bill mandates the appointment of a 9-1-1 Coordinator and facilitates the transfer of personnel and resources from the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority to these new entities. It also establishes the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Council to oversee state emergency communication systems, replacing the previous governing body. The bill introduces the Oklahoma Emergency Communications System, which includes all state-owned radio infrastructure, and creates the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Restricted Revolving Fund to support its operations, funded through various revenue sources.

Furthermore, the bill amends existing laws related to the Oklahoma 9-1-1 Management Authority, changing its name to the Oklahoma Emergency Communications Council and enhancing its powers, including responsibilities for grant consultation and compliance with national standards for emergency call handling. It maintains a $1.25 monthly fee for 9-1-1 services and establishes a revolving fund for the Council, ensuring that funds are exclusively used for 9-1-1 services. The bill also sets training requirements for emergency telecommunicators, mandating a minimum of forty hours of instruction and specific CPR training by July 1, 2024, for all dispatchers. Overall, the amendments aim to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of emergency response services in Oklahoma while ensuring accountability and compliance with established standards.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 62-34.11.1, 63-2862, 63-2864, 74-51.1a, 62-35.6.2
House Committee Substitute: 62-34.11.1, 63-2862, 63-2864, 63-2865, 74-51.1a, 62-35.6.2
Floor (House): 62-34.11.1, 63-2862, 63-2864, 63-2865, 74-51.1a, 62-35.6.2
Sub Committee OR Policy Committee Recommendations (House) Sub Committee Recommendation: 62-34.11.1, 63-2862, 63-2864, 63-2865, 63-2866, 63-2867, 63-2868, 63-2871, 63-2863