House OKs task force to unify emergency radio systems across Utah

The Utah House voted unanimously on March 7 to create a community emergency communications task force aimed at making disparate radio systems interoperable across jurisdictions. First Substitute House Bill 388, presented by Representative Dee, directs local and state participants to design a shared backbone so fire, police, and other responders can communicate during major incidents.

Representative Dee said the task force will address gaps that prevent local agencies on different systems — UCAN, DTS and older 700 MHz networks — from talking to one another in an emergency. ‘‘This particular task force will design a way not only to get them talking together, but in getting them all on the same backbone,’’ Dee said.

Members adopted a small technical amendment to add the words "or designee" after a sheriff appointment so that the Summit County Sheriff (or designee) may serve on the panel. Representative Ibsen and others shared examples of dangerous communication failures in the past. ‘‘There was a trooper... whose radio hadn’t been set for that area. Not a very short time later... he was shot and killed,’’ Ibsen said, urging action to prevent similar tragedies.

Supporters described the task force as a practical step toward reducing response confusion in multi‑jurisdictional incidents; the bill passed on the floor 71–0 and will proceed to the Senate.

The task force is charged with designing standards and coordination mechanisms; the bill authorizes representatives from counties, fire and police agencies, and state communications systems to participate. Lawmakers signaled the measure addresses a recurring problem identified in after‑action reports for large incidents.

Next steps: With House approval, the bill will be transmitted to the Senate for further consideration.