402 - Powers and duties of advisory council.
§ 402. Powers and duties of advisory council. 1. The advisory council shall have the following functions, powers, and duties: (a) To assist in the development and implementation of an integrated statewide communications system, using the most effective technology currently available, that would link state and local first responders to each other and allow them to communicate reliably during emergency situations and that would ensure that all first responders would have both access to and the capability to participate in the system; (b) To consult with and advise the office for technology regarding state purchases of information and communications technology intended to implement communications networks or systems that function among state agencies, between state agencies and local governments and first responders, and among local agencies and first responders, including but not limited to the statewide wireless network; (c) To examine and make recommendations to the governor, the temporary president of the senate, and the speaker of the assembly regarding the availability and reliability of means by which residents of the state receive a timely response in all geographic areas of the state, including areas in which some communications technology functions unreliably, such as underground mass transit systems and remote or mountainous regions of the state, and to explore ways in which new technologies may be introduced or enhanced so that such communications effectively lead to timely assistance; and (d) To submit a preliminary report by June first, two thousand five, and to submit annual reports on or before December thirty-first, two thousand five and each year thereafter, to the governor, the temporary president of the senate, and the speaker of the assembly that details the recommendations of the advisory council regarding an integrated statewide emergency communications system and the issues examined pursuant to paragraphs (a), (b), and (c) of this subdivision. The advisory council shall as part of its report evaluate existing state efforts to enhance emergency communications. 2. The advisory council shall meet as necessary to carry out its functions and duties. Members of the advisory council shall receive no compensation for their services as members but shall be allowed their actual and necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their duties. The office for technology shall provide the staff and support necessary for the advisory council to carry out its duties and responsibilities.