Committee approves $250,000 pilot fund for police-community app; questions on data and rural coverage

A legislative committee advanced House Bill 1250, which would establish a public safety technology revolving fund to support a pilot that connects police departments to residents through a mobile app.

The bill sponsor said the pilot would start with a $250,000 request and that about 10 police departments have already expressed interest in participating. "Right now, they've got it down to where we're gonna do a small pilot program ... we're asking for $250,000 and we have, about 10 or so police departments that have already said ... they would like to use this app to further connect with the community that they serve," the sponsor said.

Members pressed on data entry and safeguards. Representative Adams asked who is responsible for entering personal data and how accuracy will be maintained; the sponsor replied that citizens would opt in to register and submit information and that existing rules would hold participants accountable for false information. Adams asked, "who is responsible for entering that information and what guardrails do we have to make sure that that information is accurate?" The sponsor said false entries could be prosecuted under existing law.

Questions also focused on integration with law-enforcement databases and who can input data into NCIC/OLITS. Representative Harden noted those systems are law-enforcement telecommunication systems and asked who would enter the data; Chris Foster Allender, identified as the app's creator, said participating police departments will work with their IT teams to integrate the app and facilitate officer verification. "Police departments will work with their IT teams to ensure that it goes through OLITS," Allender said.

Members emphasized the pilot should be voluntary, particularly in rural counties with spotty cell service. "This is a pilot program right now, and in the future, this will not be mandatory," a member said, noting rural coverage limitations.

After discussion the committee moved and seconded the measure and the transcript records the vote as eight yeas and one nay; the chair declared the bill passed and reported out of committee. The bill will proceed to later legislative stages and any expansion would require further appropriations and technical work with local agencies and dispatch centers.