TRANSPORTATION CODE

CHAPTER 226. EMERGENCY HIGHWAY CALL BOX SYSTEM


	§ 226.001.  DEFINITION.  In this chapter, "emergency 
response services" means:
		(1)  fire-fighting, law enforcement, or emergency 
medical services that are provided by a public agency;  or
		(2)  motorist assistance services.                                            

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, § 1.42, eff. Sept. 1, 
1997.     


	§ 226.002.  APPLICABILITY;  LIMITATION ON 
EXPENDITURES.  This chapter does not:
		(1)  apply to a segment of a highway that the commission 
has designated as a farm-to-market or ranch-to-market road;  or
		(2)  authorize the department to make an expenditure of 
money for the implementation, operation, or maintenance of the 
emergency telephone call box system out of the state highway fund.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, § 1.42, eff. Sept. 1, 
1997.     


	§ 226.003.  INSTALLATION, OPERATION, AND MAINTENANCE OF 
CALL BOX SYSTEM.  (a)  The department may provide for the 
installment, operation, and maintenance of a system of emergency 
telephone call boxes along those highways in this state that are 
part of the designated state highway system.
	(b)  The system may:                                                           
		(1)  be designed to enable users of those highways to 
request emergency and nonemergency response services;
		(2)  include:                                                                 
			(A)  wired or wireless telecommunications 
services;  and                   
			(B)  one or more motorist assistance answering 
centers;  and               
		(3)  be capable of performing compatible Intelligent 
Transportation System (ITS) functions.
	(c)  To minimize call processing loads in public safety 
answering points established under Chapter 771 or 772, Health and 
Safety Code, the department may contract with a private entity to 
perform the functions of a motorist assistance answering center 
under Subsection (b)(2)(B).

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, § 1.42, eff. Sept. 1, 
1997.     


	§ 226.004.  FUNDING.  The department may implement a call 
box system under this chapter if a public or private entity provides 
all direct and indirect costs necessary for the installment, 
operation, and maintenance of the system.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, § 1.42, eff. Sept. 1, 
1997.     


	§ 226.005.  LOCATION OF AND DISTANCE BETWEEN CALL 
BOXES.  The location of the emergency call boxes shall be 
determined by the department in accordance with the design 
specifications of the system.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, § 1.42, eff. Sept. 1, 
1997.     


	§ 226.006.  CONTRACTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION AND 
INSTALLATION.  (a)  The department may award a contract for the 
installation, maintenance, or operation of a call box system in the 
manner provided by Chapter 223.
	(b)  The department may solicit proposals for and enter into 
one or more lease-purchase agreements under this chapter.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, § 1.42, eff. Sept. 1, 
1997.     


	§ 226.007.  INTERGOVERNMENTAL COOPERATION.  The Advisory 
Commission on State Emergency Communications, agencies of this 
state, and each county and municipality in this state shall 
cooperate in the design, establishment, operation, and maintenance 
of the emergency telephone call box system.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1171, § 1.42, eff. Sept. 1, 
1997.