(a) The committee shall determine which state public safety departments listed in subdivision (b) of Section 8592.1 need new or upgraded communication equipment and shall establish a program for equipment purchase. In establishing this program, the committee shall recommend the purchase of public safety radio subscriber equipment that will enable state agencies to commence conforming to industry and governmental standards for interoperability as set forth in Section 8592.5. As technology continues to evolve, the committee shall recommend the purchase of nonproprietary equipment or systems that have open architecture and backward compatibility, and that are in compliance with paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 8592.5.
(b) The committee may recommend to any other federal, state, regional, or local entity with responsibility for developing, operating, or monitoring interoperability of the public safety spectrum, the purchase of public safety radio subscriber equipment that will enable first response agencies to commence conforming to industry and governmental standards for interoperability as set forth in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 8592.5. As technology continues to evolve, the committee may recommend the purchase of nonproprietary equipment or systems that have open architecture and backward compatibility, and that are in compliance with paragraphs (1) and (2) of subdivision (a) of Section 8592.5.
(c) This section does not mandate that a state or local governmental agency affected by this section is required to compromise its immediate mission or ability to function and carry out its existing responsibilities.
(Amended by Stats. 2006, Ch. 903, Sec. 3. Effective January 1, 2007.)