2018 Vermont Statutes
Title 3 Appendix - Executive Orders
Chapter 20 - Internal Security And Public Safety
App 20-49 (No. 05-13) [Public Safety Broadband Network Commission

Executive Order No. 20-49

(No. 05-13)

[Public Safety Broadband Network Commission]

WHEREAS, Congress enacted The Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012, (Act) containing landmark provisions to create a much-needed nationwide interoperable broadband network that will help police, firefighters, emergency medical service professionals and other public safety officials stay safe and do their jobs and created FirstNet, the authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to oversee development of this network; and

WHEREAS, the Act requires FirstNet to consult with state and local stakeholders to ensure coordinated development, construction, management, maintenance, and operation of the network; and

WHEREAS, the Act provides $7 billion in funding towards deployment of this network, as well as $135 million for a new State and Local Implementation Grant Program administered by NTIA to support efforts to plan and work with FirstNet to ensure the network meets wireless public safety communications needs.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that I, Peter Shumlin, by virtue of the power vested in me as Governor, do hereby create the Vermont Public Safety Broadband Network Commission, to help plan, develop, and implement an interoperable wireless network to support the communication needs of first responders and others, as follows:

I. Composition and Appointments

The Commission shall consist of at least eleven voting representatives appointed by the Governor and up to ten additional non-voting representatives recommended for appointment by the Commission. Representatives shall serve three-year terms or until their successors are appointed.

The voting representatives shall include: (A) representatives from the Department of Public Safety including a representative from the Division of Vermont Emergency Management/Homeland Security, a representative from the Vermont State Police, a technical advisor and/or an at large member; (B) representatives from local police, fire, and Emergency Medical Services, (C) a representative from ConnectVT and/or the Agency of Commerce and Community Development, (D) a representative from the Department of Information and Innovation, (E) a representative from the Vermont Telecommunications Authority, (F) a representative from the Department of Public Service, (G) a representative from the Department of Buildings and General Services,  and (H) a representative from the Agency of Transportation.

Additional non-voting representatives will be recommended by the Commission for appointment by the Governor.

II. Commission Charge

The purpose of the Commission is to ensure the building, deployment and operation of a statewide interoperable public safety broadband network that meets the interoperability goals and specifications of the FirstNet nationwide public safety broadband network, pursuant to Title VI of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 (Act), Pub. L. No. 112-96, 126 Stat. 156 (2012).

The Commission shall advise the Governor on issues related to the public safety broadband network. In addition, the Commission shall report to the Governor annually on implementation of the public safety broadband network in Vermont and nationally, and shall include information regarding the use of grant money received in Vermont for the purpose of building a public safety broadband network. The report shall also include information regarding how the completed system will be sustained.

III. Commission Process

The Governor shall appoint the Chair of the Commission. The Chair may select a Vice Chair and an Executive Committee. The Commission may adopt bylaws and create subcommittees as necessary. The Commission shall receive administrative support from the Department of Public Safety and shall meet at least monthly. To the extent funds permit, voting representatives shall receive reimbursement of expenses and a per diem as permitted by 32 V.S.A. § 1010(e).

IV. Effective Date

This order shall take effect upon signing and shall expire on July 15, 2019.

Dated April 30, 2013.