United StatesFirst Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026
What it does
This bill extends through FY2037 and modifies the management of the First Responder Network (FirstNet) Authority. (The FirstNet Authority oversees the development and operation of FirstNet, a nationwide, interoperable broadband network for first responders.) The bill also requires certain actions of the entity operating FirstNet.
More detail
Currently, the FirstNet Authority is an independent agency within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). The bill removes the FirstNet Authority’s independent status and establishes an associate administrator in the NTIA to manage the FirstNet Authority’s operations. The FirstNet Authority’s actions must be subject to NTIA approval, with exceptions established by the NTIA. The FirstNet Authority’s Board must include at least five (currently, three) individuals who have served as public safety professionals.
The entity contracted to develop and operate FirstNet (currently AT&T) must notify the FirstNet Authority within 30 minutes of any network outage and provide users with a network status tool to monitor outages. Every five years, such entity must submit to the NTIA for approval a business continuity and disaster recovery plan to ensure rapid restoration of the network following disaster-caused outages. Annual audits of the FirstNet Authority must include an evaluation of such entity’s performance.
The NTIA must brief Congress annually regarding FirstNet and provide annual reports relating to cybersecurity and network adoption rates.
Within seven years after the bill’s enactment, the Government Accountability Office must report on what action Congress should take regarding the termination of the FirstNet Authority in 2037.
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Where it stands
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To President
- Became Law
Looking ahead
No hearings or votes scheduled.
History
- 2026
- Apr 21Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.Latest
- Apr 20Mr. Allen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Apr 20Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2967-2970)
- Apr 20DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7386.
- Apr 20Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2967-2968)Passed House
- Apr 20Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Apr 15Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-615.
- Apr 15Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 533.
- Mar 25Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Mar 25Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 51 - 0.
- Feb 10Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- Feb 10Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- Feb 5Introduced in House
- Feb 5Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
- Feb 5Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.Introduced