CS/HB 1575 (Brackett) and CS/SB 1614 (Rodriguez) require local authorities to have a qualified third party certify that the jurisdiction’s public safety emergency communications system meets or exceeds the minimum radio coverage design criteria for emergency services communications systems in the current edition of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) before the local authority having jurisdiction requires an assessment for the need of a two-way radio communications enhancement system in a new or existing building. If the third party proves the authority has a valid radio coverage design certification, the authority may only require an assessment of a new or existing building’s interior radio coverage and signal strength in such building once every three years for high-rise buildings or once every five years for any other buildings in order to determine the need for a two-way radio communications enhancement system.

If an assessment of a new building’s interior radio coverage and signal strength determines that installation of a two-way radio communications enhancement system is required, the authority may not withhold the issuance of a certificate of occupancy for the building if the registered architect or professional engineer who designed the building determines, in his or her professional judgment, that a two-way radio communications enhancement system is not necessary in order for the building to meet the minimum standards for interior radio coverage and signal strength. The authority may not require the installation of a two-way radio communications enhancement system until at least 90 days after the building’s interior radio coverage and signal strength assessment report is completed. CS/HB 1575 passed the House (115-0) and is awaiting action by the Senate. (Taggart)