Improving Public Safety in Texas

The U.S. Biometric Consortium will be advancing a public policy initiative in Texas. This initiative would bring additional funding to county, local and state law enforcement agencies to acquire new and upgraded biometric and public safety technical solutions.

The Texas economy weathered the recession better than most states but did so because of frugal government budgets. Law enforcement agencies charged with protecting communities and the state often did not have enough money to purchase fuel for their patrol units let alone refresh existing equipment or to acquire the latest technology.

The timing in Texas and nationally could not be more critical to increase access to resources for law enforcement agencies to acquire or refresh technology which will improve public safety. 

What is at Stake?

Several high profile and tragic events have the public calling for improved security at educational institutions and facilities as well as needed improvements in how law enforcement serves communities. The Texas Legislature will be addressing these challenges in 2019.

We have identified a funding method which would generate upwards of $50 Million per year to fund law enforcement biometric solutions at the state, county and local levels. 

The plan would require engagement by the Texas Legislature to create the funding source and establish the program. Rather than a top down program driven by the State of Texas, we propose local control so that county and local law enforcement agencies can purchase biometric and technology solutions through regional or county boards.

 Rather than a top down program driven by the State of Texas, we are proposing local control so that county and local law enforcement agencies can purchase biometric solutions through regional or county boards.

Legislative Approach

The U.S. Biometric Consortium is being led by Government State and Local Partners (GSLP). GSLP has the experience leading public policy advocacy campaigns involving consortiums as well as advancing business opportunities with state and local governments. 

For a legislative undertaking seeking almost $50,000,000 in increased revenue for Texas law enforcement agencies, we are assembling the best team possible, to influence success, including a prominent and highly respected Texas lobbyist and legislative operative. In addition to bringing on board a lobbyist, GSLP is acquiring the talent of an ABIS professional, a legislative affairs strategist and a business to government strategist.

Timeline

The Texas Legislature is called to order January 8, 2019 and 140 days later, it adjourns sine die May 27, 2019. Legislators may pre-file bills following the November 12, 2018 general election. Timing is critical to bring this issue from concept to a filed bill and we must act fast to succeed.

Before the Legislature is called to order in January, we need to gain the support of the Governor, Lt. Governor, Legislative committee chairs, committee staff and a myriad of associations representing law enforcement, counties, municipalities and regional government organizations. 

Why a Consortium?

The U.S. Biometric Consortium is a collaboration of biometric businesses, Texas law enforcement agencies and other groups. We are building the Consortium to gain strength and influence through numbers. In our experience, single vendor led legislative initiatives aren’t typically effective and very few businesses can affect legislative outcomes on their own. Knowing this, a consortium is the most effective strategy given the scope of what we are seeking to accomplish.

Outcomes

If successful, getting legislation passed, implemented and a funding model created, this initiative would increase the capacity of law enforcement agencies to protect the public, investigate crimes and prosecute those charged with crimes. It would also increase open competition opportunities for companies to pursue business with Texas law enforcement agencies.

GSLP Roles & Responsibilities

Government State & Local Partners (GSLP) will serve as the principal point of contact, administrator and advocacy leader for the U.S. Biometric Consortium. GSLP will represent the Consortium on behalf its members in all facets of the legislative process as well as organizing county and regional boards in a consulting capacity. GSLP will maintain vender neutrality during the legislative process and through its consultancy with county and regional governing boards allocating funds through the program. 

In addition to existing GSLP representatives, the firm will retain and direct the activities of all external lobby representatives on behalf of the U.S. Biometric Consortium. GSLP will not derive financial benefit nor will it represent, as a procurement representative for, Consortium members or nonmembers associated to this initiative. 

Both Gary Massey and Michael Terry have extensive legislative experience advocating on public policy issues before the Texas Legislature. Keith Gillon brings two decades experience within the biometric and law enforcement technology field and worked on a similar initiative in California. GSLP’s contract lobbyist was a former legislator, retired as a CEO of one of the state’s most influential associations and currently operates his own lobby practice in Austin.

Participation in the Consortium

Dependent upon participation level, businesses participating as members in the Consortium will:

• Participate in meetings with members of the Executive and Legislative branches as well as their staff
• Participate during legislative conference calls or meetings with GSLP
• Receive visible presentation of a logo and company name in publications, web presence and social media as members of the U.S. Biometric Consortium
• Receive recognition of participation by GSLP representatives on behalf of the U.S. Biometric Consortium before State, County and Regional policymakers and governing boards
• Be able to influence future initiatives of the Consortium

U.S. Biometric Consortium Advisory Committee (USBC-AC)

GSLP will be responsible for directing all advocacy efforts. Additionally, an Advisory Committee will be formed of participants who have contributed at the highest level along with partners representing law enforcement groups. The purpose of the Advisory Committee will be:

• Advise GSLP on industry specifics impacting or being impacted by legislation.
• Provide guidance and perspective on advocacy strategies and tactics.
• Advise GSLP of future advocacy initiatives in other states.
• Advise GSLP of the future structure of the U.S. Biometric Consortium.
• Assist GSLP in advocacy efforts.

How to Become a Member in the U.S. Biometric Consortium

Businesses and groups interested in joining the Consortium should send an email to info@bioconsortium.us. Members companies are asked to financially contribute to participate as a member of the U.S. Biometric Consortium.  

U.S. Biometric Consortium | 12600 Avery Ranch Blvd, Ste. 331 Cedar Park, Texas 78613, United States (512) 720-1198 | www.bioconsortium.us