SECTION 5.480. Next Generation 9-1-1 Service Fund

(a) Definitions. The following words and terms, when used in this section, shall have the following meanings, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

(1) Commission--The Commission on State Emergency Communications.

(2) Comptroller--The Comptroller of Public Accounts for the State of Texas.

(3) Emergency communication district--Has the meaning assigned by Health and Safety Code, §771.001(3).

(4) Fund--The Next Generation 9-1-1 Service Fund established under Health and Safety Code, §771.0713.

(5) Next generation 9-1-1 service--Has the meaning assigned by 47 U.S.C. §942.

(b) Transfer of money to the fund.

(1) Except as provided by federal law, the comptroller shall transfer to the credit of the fund as authorized by the legislature any amount available from federal money provided to this state from the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds under §9901 of the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (Pub. L. No. 117-2) or from any other federal governmental source for purposes of Health and Safety Code, Chapter 771.

(2) The comptroller shall transfer the money as soon as practicable following the receipt by this state of a sufficient amount of federal money for the transfer.

(c) Administration, distribution, and use.

(1) The commission shall administer the fund.

(2) The commission shall distribute all money deposited to the credit of the fund as appropriated by the legislature, including any interest earned on money deposited to the credit of the fund, by December 31, 2022.

(3) Money deposited to the credit of the fund:

(A) may be used only for the purpose of supporting the deployment and reliable operation of next generation 9-1-1 service, including the costs of equipment, operations, and administration;

(B) may be distributed to only the commission and emergency communication districts; and

(C) must be used in a manner that complies with state and federal law, including the requirements of Health and Safety Code, §771.0713.

(4) All money distributed under paragraph (2) of this subsection must be spent by December 31, 2024.

Source Note: The provisions of this §5.480 adopted to be effective October 25, 2021, 46 TexReg 7223