HB267 Summary

• Authorizes radio stations, cable operators, and television stations to develop emergency response plans in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security and the Alabama Broadcasters Association.

• Allows statewide broadcaster organizations to establish training and certification programs for broadcast engineers and technical personnel as emergency response broadcasters, with programs requiring consistency with federal law and guidelines.

• Permits state and local governmental agencies to grant emergency response broadcasters access to emergency-affected areas to restore, repair, and resupply broadcasting facilities and equipment necessary for transmitting emergency public information.

• Defines "emergency" as a state of emergency declared by the Governor pursuant to Section 31-9-8, Code of Alabama 1975, and establishes criteria for training programs including personal safety education.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and approval by the Governor.