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Committee advances Oklahoma Emergency Communication Authority bill amid questions about prior ARPA spending; 32‑1 vote
Summary
House Bill 2710 would create an Oklahoma Emergency Communication Authority to oversee statewide emergency communications and a future statewide radio system. Sponsors said prior ARPA expenditures that touched broadband and radio equipment lacked centralized oversight; the committee reported the bill 32‑1.
Representative Ford presented House Bill 2710, the Oklahoma Emergency Communication Act, proposing creation of the Oklahoma Emergency Communication Authority, membership provisions, and an executive director to oversee and coordinate statewide emergency communications.
Members asked whether previous American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds had been used to buy radio or broadband equipment without appropriate approvals. Representative Blanstedt and others asked whether the proposed authority would “watch the watchmen” and provide statewide governance. The sponsor said broadband funds had been used in ways that later required backfill and that the new authority would provide centralized oversight going forward.
Committee members also pressed on scope: whether the authority would manage contracting for a statewide radio system expiring in 2026–27, whether local municipalities and counties would be merged into a statewide network, and whether the authority would hire staff to operate the system. The sponsor said the authority would provide governance and coordination for a long‑discussed statewide radio system and a 14‑member board would represent users across the state.
Representative Pfeiffer asked whether a failure to pass the bill would leave the contract negotiations to a small set of officials in OMES and DPS; the sponsor said yes, and that the authority creates a broader governance structure.
After discussion the committee adopted the PCS and reported HB2710 with a due‑pass recommendation, 32 ayes and 1 nay.
Votes at a glance: HB2710 — Motion: do pass (PCS adopted); Vote: 32 ayes, 1 nay; Outcome: advanced from committee.
