CS/HB 755 — Public Records/Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network
by Oversight, Transparency, and Administration Subcommittee; and Reps. Williamson and others (SB 988 by Senator Perry)
This summary is provided for information only and does not represent the opinion of any Senator, Senate Officer, or Senate Office.
Prepared by: Governmental Oversight and Accountability Committee (GO)
This bill creates a public records exemption that makes confidential and exempt from disclosure information held by an agency which is related to the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network.
The exemption applies to information that would reveal:
- The design, development, construction, deployment, and operation of network facilities;
- Network coverage, including geographical maps showing actual or proposed locations of network infrastructure;
- The features, functions, and capabilities of network infrastructure and facilities, and network services provided to first responders;
- The design, features, functions, and capabilities of network devices provided to first responders and other network users; or
- Security, including cybersecurity, of the design, construction, and operation of the network and associated services and products.
The bill provides an Open Government Sunset Review that repeals the exemption October 2, 2023, unless the Legislature reviews and saves the exemption from repeal before that date.
In the required statement of public necessity, the bill provides that the exemption is needed to protect sensitive security information without which a security breach could occur. Moreover, the exemption will protect proprietary business information, release of which could otherwise compromise the ability of communications services providers to freely and fairly compete in the marketplace.
If approved by the Governor, these provisions take effect July 1, 2018.
Vote: Senate 37-0; House 110-0