Sec. 771.051. POWERS AND DUTIES OF COMMISSION. (a) The commission is the state's authority on emergency communications. The commission shall:

(1) administer the implementation of statewide 9-1-1 service and the poison control network, including poison control centers under Chapter 777;

(2) develop minimum performance standards for equipment and operation of 9-1-1 service to be followed in developing regional plans under Section 771.055, including requirements that the plans provide for:

(A) automatic number identification by which the telephone number of the caller is automatically identified at the public safety answering point receiving the call; and

(B) other features the commission considers appropriate;

(3) examine and approve or disapprove regional plans as provided by Section 771.056;

(4) recommend minimum training standards, assist in training, and provide assistance in the establishment and operation of 9-1-1 service;

(5) allocate money to prepare and operate regional plans as provided by Section 771.056;

(6) develop and provide public education materials and training;

(7) plan, implement, operate, and maintain poison control center databases and assist in planning, supporting, and facilitating 9-1-1 databases, as needed;

(8) provide grants or contracts for services that enhance the effectiveness of 9-1-1 service;

(9) coordinate emergency communications services and providers;

(10) make reasonable efforts to gain voluntary cooperation in the commission's activities of emergency communications authorities and providers outside the commission's jurisdiction, including:

(A) making joint communications to state and federal regulators; and

(B) arranging cooperative purchases of equipment or services; and

(11) accept, receive, and deposit in its account in the general revenue fund gifts, grants, and royalties from public and private entities. Gifts, grants, and royalties may be used for the purposes of the commission.

(b) The commission shall comply with state laws requiring state agencies, boards, or commissions generally to submit appropriations requests to the Legislative Budget Board and the governor and to develop a strategic plan for operations.

(c) The commission may obtain a commercial license or sublicense to sell 9-1-1 or poison control public education and training materials in this state or in other states. The commission may use all profits from sales for purposes of the commission.

(d) The commission shall develop and implement policies that clearly separate the policy making responsibilities of the commission and the management responsibilities of the executive director and the staff of the commission.

Acts 1989, 71st Leg., ch. 678, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1989. Amended by Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 36, Sec. 1.05, eff. April 19, 1993; Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 638, Sec. 3, eff. Sept. 1, 1995; Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1377, Sec. 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1997; Acts 1999, 76th Leg., ch. 1405, Sec. 13, eff. Sept. 1, 1999.

Amended by:

Acts 2009, 81st Leg., R.S., Ch. 347 (H.B. 1093), Sec. 2, eff. September 1, 2009.