ITS Codification Act

Bill Number: H.R. 1455
Origin Chamber: House
Congress: 119th Congress, Session 1
Policy Area: Science, Technology, Communications
Status: Passed House
Latest Action: 2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Last Updated: 2026-07-10T20:38:24Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The legislation aims to formally establish and codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS) within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), recognizing its role in spectrum research and management. It also directs the creation of an initiative to advance emergency communication and tracking technologies for use in challenging environments, such as underground mines or collapsed buildings, where standard radio signals are weak.

Key Provisions

Establishment of ITS: The Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information must operate ITS as the primary federal laboratory for executive branch activities related to radio frequency (RF) spectrum. This includes:
Studying RF emissions, including ways to control emissions and reduce interference (unwanted signal disruptions).
Analyzing how radio waves travel (spectrum propagation characteristics).
Testing technologies that allow federal and non-federal users (e.g., commercial companies) to share spectrum safely.
Enhancing the ability of federal systems to tolerate interference while using federal spectrum.
Promoting access to and sharing of federal spectrum (frequencies primarily assigned to government use).
Other related tasks as needed.
Delegation and Agreements: The Assistant Secretary can assign additional NTIA duties to ITS and enter into partnerships or contracts under existing federal laws, such as those for technology transfer, interagency cooperation, and patent licensing.
Emergency Communication Initiative: ITS must launch a program to develop reliable tracking and communication tools for locating people trapped in confined or shielded spaces. Activities include:
Conducting a needs assessment with private companies and federal agencies to evaluate technical requirements and testing standards.
Creating technical specifications and testing frameworks to boost reliability.
Submitting a public report to Congress within 18 months of enactment detailing the assessment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

Amends Part A of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 901 et seq.) by adding a new Section 106, which formally codifies the existing NTIA test center as ITS. Previously, this entity operated informally; now it has statutory authority, expanded functions, and clear definitions (e.g., "Federal spectrum" as frequencies primarily assigned to federal entities).
Introduces a new mandate for the emergency communication initiative, which did not exist in prior law, building on NTIA's spectrum expertise to address public safety gaps.

Potential Impacts

Government Agencies: Enhances NTIA's and federal agencies' ability to make informed decisions on spectrum allocation, relocation, and sharing, potentially speeding up the release of federal spectrum for commercial use and reducing interference issues. The emergency initiative could improve coordination among agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) and emergency responders.
Citizens: Improves public safety by advancing technologies for rescue operations in disasters or accidents, potentially saving lives in scenarios like mine collapses or building failures. It may also lead to better wireless services through more efficient spectrum use.
International Relations: No direct impacts noted, though better U.S. spectrum management could strengthen the country's position in global telecom standards and negotiations.

Main Stakeholders Affected

Federal Government: NTIA, Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information, and agencies relying on spectrum (e.g., defense, public safety).
Private Sector: Telecom companies, technology developers, and innovators benefiting from spectrum sharing opportunities and partnerships for emergency tech.
Public and Emergency Responders: Miners, firefighters, search-and-rescue teams, and the general public in high-risk environments.
Congress and Regulators: FCC and NTIA staff involved in spectrum policy and oversight.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

Legal: Strengthens NTIA's authority under existing statutes like the Stevenson-Wydler Technology Innovation Act for research collaborations, without overriding FCC primacy on spectrum licensing. The 18-month reporting requirement ensures congressional oversight.
Constitutional: Aligns with Congress's commerce clause powers to regulate interstate communications and promote innovation; no apparent conflicts with free speech or privacy rights.
Political: Codifies a long-standing NTIA function, signaling bipartisan support for spectrum efficiency amid growing demand for wireless tech (e.g., 5G). It prioritizes federal-commercial spectrum sharing as required by law, potentially easing tensions over scarce resources without mandating budget increases.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1]

Cosponsors (1)

Rep. Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]

Recent Actions

2025-07-15: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
2025-07-14: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
2025-07-14: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H3215-3216)
2025-07-14: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
2025-07-14: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 1455.
2025-07-14: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3215-3217)
2025-07-14: Mr. Latta moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
2025-06-30: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 142.
2025-06-30: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-176.
2025-06-30: Reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-176.
2025-03-04: Ordered to be Reported by Voice Vote.
2025-03-04: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
2025-02-21: Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
2025-02-21: Introduced in House
2025-02-21: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Codification Act — issued 2025-07-14 — PDF (8 pages)
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Codification Act — issued 2025-02-21 — PDF (7 pages)
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Codification Act — issued 2025-07-15 — PDF (7 pages)
Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Codification Act — issued 2025-06-30 — PDF (10 pages)