Technology (Public Safety)

This bill requires the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection to cover all lifecycle costs for municipalities participating in the state-wide Connecticut Land Mobile Radio Network, which provides interoperable radio communications for public safety agencies. Lifecycle costs include expenses for software and hardware needed to keep municipal systems compatible and functional within the network. The Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection must also create a plan to encourage more municipalities to join the network and submit it to the Public Safety and Security Committee by January 1, 2027. This plan will assess current participation, identify infrastructure needs, and explore opportunities for regional coordination and cost reduction. The change shifts financial responsibility from individual municipalities to the state, with estimated annual costs of at least $1.3 million starting in fiscal year 2027.

HB 5122 authorizes the state to issue up to $2.5 million in bonds to fund technological and electrical upgrades at municipal firehouses. The bill directly affects local fire departments by providing them with state grants for infrastructure improvements. Funds will be distributed through the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, specifically for non-structural upgrades like modernizing electrical systems or adding safety technology to firehouse facilities. The bill does not change existing funding mechanisms but creates a new grant program for these specific upgrades.