II 109th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1645 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES September 8, 2005 Mrs. Boxer introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs A BILL To establish a first responder interoperable communications grant program.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the First Responders Interoperable Communications Act of 2005.

2.

Communication system grants

(a)

In general

The Secretary of Homeland Security is authorized to make grants, on a competitive basis, to States, local governments, local law enforcement agencies, and local fire departments to assist in— (1)improving communication systems to allow for real-time, interoperable communication between State and local first responders; or (2)the purchase of communication systems that allow for real-time, interoperable communication between such State and local first responders. (b)

Application

Any State, local government, local law enforcement agency, or local fire department that desires to receive a grant under subsection (a) shall submit an application to the Secretary, in such form and containing such information as prescribed by the Secretary. (c)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated $300,000,000 in each of fiscal years 2006 through 2010, to carry out this section.