HB 12-1224 Summary

• Creates the Consolidated Communications System Authority as a body corporate and political subdivision of Colorado to oversee the statewide digital trunked radio system for public safety communications.

• Establishes a 20-member board consisting of 12 local government representatives, 6 state agency representatives, and 2 tribal nation representatives, with appointments made by the Governor, State Emergency Medical and Trauma Services Advisory Council, professional associations, and tribal nations.

• Grants the Authority power to solicit and accept appropriations and grants for expanding, upgrading, and operating the system, and to represent members on network matters including spectrum allocations and radio frequency licensing.

• Prohibits the Authority from levying taxes, assessing member fees, or taking member assets without prior agreement, and exempts its income and property from all state and local taxes.

• Requires the Authority to submit annual reports to the Joint Budget Committee by October 15 detailing operational and capital infrastructure needs and potential funding options; sets the Authority to terminate July 1, 2018 unless extended by the General Assembly.