Mystic Alerts Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7022
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Science, Technology, Communications
- Status
- Passed House
- Latest Action
- 2026-04-21: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-25T14:26:20Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Mystic Alerts Act (H.R. 7022) aims to enable the optional transmission of emergency alerts—such as those for severe weather or national emergencies—via satellite to mobile devices, supplementing existing cellular-based alerts under the Warning, Alert, and Response Network Act (WARN Act). This enhances alerting in areas without traditional cell coverage.
Key Provisions
- Provider Election:
- "Covered service providers" (wireless carriers offering satellite voice/data services who voluntarily participate in WARN Act alerts) must decide within 60 days of FCC final rules whether to transmit satellite alerts to capable subscriber devices.
- If opting in: Must notify FCC, follow FCC technical standards, allow user opt-outs (as under WARN Act), and charge no extra fees.
- If opting out: Must notify new/existing subscribers clearly.
- FCC Rulemaking:
- FCC issues Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) within 6 months and final rule within 18 months, consulting DHS and FEMA.
- Rules account for satellite transmission capabilities and mobile device reception/display, while minimizing interference with calls, data, or 911 services.
- Rule effective no earlier than 36 months after publication or 12 months after DHS/FEMA standards are ready.
- Liability Protection:
- Compliant providers (and their staff/vendors) are immune from lawsuits over transmission failures, harms from alerts, or sharing subscriber info for alert delivery.
- Opting out alone does not create liability.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Builds on the WARN Act (which mandates cellular emergency alerts) by adding voluntary satellite delivery as an option, not a requirement.
- Introduces FCC-specific rules for satellite alerts, including timelines, opt-out notices, no-fee mandates, and broad liability shields not explicitly detailed in prior law for satellite methods.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: FCC gains new rulemaking duties; DHS and FEMA must develop supporting standards, potentially improving nationwide emergency response coordination.
- Citizens: Better alerts in remote/off-grid areas (e.g., rural zones, during disasters), with opt-out options preserving choice; no added costs.
- Service Providers: Encourages satellite integration without mandates or fees, but requires compliance investments.
- No direct international effects, though could indirectly aid U.S. territories or border areas.
Main Stakeholders
- Covered Service Providers: Wireless carriers with satellite services (e.g., those offering add-on satellite connectivity).
- Federal Agencies: FCC (rulemaking/enforcement), DHS, and FEMA (standards/support).
- Subscribers/Users: Mobile customers with satellite-capable devices, gaining or opting out of alerts.
- Public Safety Entities: Benefit from expanded alert reach for emergencies.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Liability Immunity: Strong protections reduce provider risk, likely encouraging participation; courts may interpret scope narrowly to avoid overreach.
- Privacy: Allows limited subscriber data sharing for alerts, balanced by opt-outs; aligns with existing WARN Act precedents.
- Federalism/Voluntary Nature: Avoids mandates on states/providers, minimizing preemption issues; politically promotes innovation in emergency tech without controversy.
- No apparent constitutional concerns (e.g., free speech or due process), as it's opt-in/opt-out and tied to public safety.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Rep. Pfluger, August [R-TX-11]
Cosponsors (4)
Rep. Fletcher, Lizzie [D-TX-7], Rep. Carter, Earl L. "Buddy" [R-GA-1], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Hill, J. French [R-AR-2]
Recent Actions
- 2026-04-21: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-04-20: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- 2026-04-20: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2970)
- 2026-04-20: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H2970)
- 2026-04-20: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7022.
- 2026-04-20: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2970-2971)
- 2026-04-20: Mr. Allen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- 2026-04-15: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 534.
- 2026-04-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-616.
- 2026-04-15: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Rept. 119-616.
- 2026-03-25: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 52 - 0.
- 2026-03-25: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-01-15: Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
- 2026-01-15: Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
- 2026-01-12: Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Bill Versions
- Mystic Alerts Act — issued 2026-04-20 — PDF (8 pages)
- Mystic Alerts Act — issued 2026-01-12 — PDF (4 pages)
- Mystic Alerts Act — issued 2026-04-21 — PDF (7 pages)
- Mystic Alerts Act — issued 2026-04-15 — PDF (10 pages)