H.B. No. 287 amends the Government Code to enhance the authority of the governor regarding the procurement of interoperable public safety radio communications systems by political subdivisions. The bill updates the heading of Subchapter F, Chapter 421, to reflect the governor's powers and responsibilities related to interoperable communications. It also revises Section 421.096 to include new responsibilities for the governor's office, such as implementing procurement standards and procedures, and adds a new Section 421.0965 that mandates political subdivisions to submit proposed acquisitions for interoperability review by the governor's office before obligating funds or entering contracts.

The new Section 421.0965 outlines the review process, requiring the governor's office to assess whether proposed procurements align with interoperability recommendations, do not impair regional communications, and meet necessary technical standards. The governor must issue a determination within 90 days, which can be an approval, denial, or temporary suspension pending remediation. Additionally, the bill establishes procedures for appeals and mandates the adoption of rules to implement these provisions by August 1, 2026. The act applies only to procurements initiated after its effective date, which is set for the 91st day following the end of the legislative session.

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