Texas HB70: Relating to first responder broadband network services used by first responders during natural disasters and other emergencies.

What the bill says

An act relating to first responder broadband network services used by first responders during natural disasters and other emergencies.

From the introduced text, August 15, 2025:

A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT relating to first responder broadband network services used by first responders during natural disasters and other emergencies. BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: SECTION 1. Chapter 411, Government Code, is amended by adding Subchapter N-1 to read as follows: [ADDED: SUBCHAPTER N-1. ][ADDED: ][ADDED: FIRST RESPONDER BROADBAND NETWORK SERVICE] [ADDED: Sec. 411.411. DEFINITIONS. In this subchapter:] [ADDED: (1)][ADDED: ][ADDED: ][ADDED: "First responder" has the meaning assigned by ] [ADDED: Section 161.0001, Health and Safety Code.] [ADDED: (2)][ADDED: ][ADDED: ][ADDED: "First responder broadband network service" means ] [ADDED: a dedicated wireless broadband communications network specifically ] [ADDED: designed for use by first responders responding to natural ] [ADDED: disasters or other emergencies.] [ADDED: Sec.][ADDED: ][ADDED: 411.412.][ADDED: ][ADDED: ][ADDED: SELECTION OF SERVICE PROVIDER FOR DEPARTMENT ] [ADDED: FIRST RESPONDERS. (a) ][ADDED: ][ADDED: The department shall select and procure from ] [ADDED: a provider a first responder broadband network service for use by ] [ADDED: first responders who are department employees. The first responder ] [ADDED: broadband network service selected by the department for department ] [ADDED: employees must have service availability in all areas of the state, ] [ADDED: including those areas in which flooding or other natural disasters ] [ADDED: are most likely to occur.] [ADDED: (b)][ADDED: ][ADDED: ][ADDED: …

Sponsors

• Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D, HD-120) · primary sponsor

Latest actions

1. August 18, 2025: Referred to Disaster Preparedness & Flooding
2. August 18, 2025: Read first time
3. August 15, 2025: Filed

Common questions

What is HB70?

HB70 is a bill in the Texas Legislature (89th Legislature 2nd Special Session): Relating to first responder broadband network services used by first responders during natural disasters and other emergencies.

What does HB70 do?

In its own words: An act relating to first responder broadband network services used by first responders during natural disasters and other emergencies.

What is the status of HB70?

In committee as of August 18, 2025. Latest action: Referred to Disaster Preparedness & Flooding (August 18, 2025).

Who sponsored HB70?

Barbara Gervin-Hawkins (D, HD-120).

Where is the official record for HB70?

On the Texas Legislature website: https://capitol.texas.gov/BillLookup/History.aspx?LegSess=892&Bill=HB00070