TITLE: Relating to a study regarding emergency service in rural areas.

SUMMARY: Relating to a study regarding emergency service in rural areas.

FULL TEXT:
AN ACT relating to a study regarding emergency service in rural areas. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. STUDY ON EMERGENCY SERVICES IN RURAL AREAS. (a) In this section, "first responder" has the meaning assigned by Section 421.095, Government Code. (b) The Commission on State Emergency Communications shall conduct a study to: (1) evaluate access to 9-1-1 communications in rural areas and the ability of first responders to respond to emergencies in rural areas; and (2) provide recommendations for the creation of a program that will maximize the use of federal and state funding for 9-1-1 services to ensure rural areas have greater access to 9-1-1 communications and first responders are able to respond more efficiently to emergencies in rural areas. (c) Not later than December 1, 2012, the Commission on State Emergency Communications shall submit a report containing the findings of the study conducted under Subsection (b) of this section and the commission's recommendations to the governor, lieutenant governor, and speaker of the house of representatives. SECTION 2. EXPIRATION. This Act expires December 31, 2012. SECTION 3. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Act takes effect immediately if it receives a vote of two-thirds of all the members elected to each house, as provided by Section 39, Article III, Texas Constitution.