Nebraska Executive Order 26-24: Statewide Public Safety Communications Task Force

STATE OF NEBRASKA

OFFICE OF THE GOVERNOR

LINCOLN

EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 26-24

Enhancing Statewide Radio Systems for Public Safety

WHEREAS, Nebraska recognizes the critical threat posed to Nebraskans' lives, the Nebraskan economy, and historic Nebraskan landmarks by wildfires, severe weather, and complex public safety emergencies; and

WHEREAS, the destruction caused by natural disasters and critical incidents results in loss of life, severe economic damage, and ongoing disruption to the livelihoods of Nebraskans; and

WHEREAS, reliable, secure, and resilient communications equipment, systems, and infrastructure are essential to effective, multi-agency emergency response and incident command across local, state, federal, and tribal jurisdictions; and

WHEREAS, structural gaps in radio coverage, hardware end-of-life cycles, multi-vendor equipment interoperability, and operational training create barriers to a unified emergency response, particularly for rural volunteer fire departments and local first responders; and

WHEREAS, conducting comprehensive fact-finding to identify technical, operational, and equipment gaps across Nebraska's public safety communications ecosystem requires a coordinated, whole-of-government initiative led by executive leadership; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Jim Pillen, Governor of the State of Nebraska, pursuant to the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the State of Nebraska, do hereby order and establish the Statewide Public Safety Communications Task Force (hereinafter referred to as the "Task Force"), directed as follows:

Section 1. Leadership and Composition

The Nebraska Military Department shall be designated as the lead agency responsible for directing, organizing, and executing the overall charge, activities, and deliverables of the Task Force.

The Task Force shall consist of representatives and subject matter experts from the Nebraska Military Department, Nebraska Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Nebraska State Patrol (NSP), Nebraska Department of Transportation (NDOT), Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO), Nebraska State Fire Marshal, Nebraska Game and Parks Commission, Nebraska Public Power District (NPPD), Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association (NSVFA) or a representative of rural volunteer fire leadership, League of Nebraska Municipalities, and Nebraska Association of County Officials (NACO). Representatives from other state, local, or public utility entities may also be included if deemed necessary by the Nebraska Military Department or the Governor.

Section 2. Purpose and Responsibilities

The Task Force is charged with conducting a comprehensive fact-finding study to evaluate the statewide public safety communications ecosystem as it relates to disaster response and identify operational, technical, and structural gaps.

In fulfilling this charge, the Task Force shall assess existing infrastructure and coverage capabilities, evaluate equipment distribution and technical interoperability across local and state entities, and identify gaps in user training and operational readiness among emergency responders.

Additionally, the Task Force shall examine potential state, federal, and local funding streams, as well as ongoing support models, to ensure long-term system sustainability. Throughout this study, the Task Force shall engage collaboratively with relevant state agencies, local political subdivisions, emergency response organizations, and key stakeholders to support a unified statewide response capability.

Section 3. Reporting and Deliverables

The Statewide Public Safety Communications Task Force shall submit a final report containing its fact-finding analysis, identified baseline gaps, and actionable recommendations to the Governor no later than sixty days from the signing of this Executive Order.

This Executive Order shall take effect immediately.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I hereunto set my hand and cause the Seal of the State of Nebraska to be affixed on this 15th day of October, 2026.

(Seal of the State of Nebraska)

Jim Pillen, Governor

State of Nebraska

Attest: Robert Evnen, Secretary of State

State of Nebraska