Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act
- Bill Number
- S. 4691
- Origin Chamber
- Senate
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-04: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-01T20:24:24Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose This legislation aims to improve awareness and coordination of Federal communications resources during disasters and emergencies by directing the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review existing processes, evaluate coordination options, and create educational materials for emergency responders.
Key Provisions
- Section 3: Requires the FCC to review its procedures for issuing notices on the activation and deactivation of the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) within 180 days. The review must consider input from communications providers and state, local, Tribal, and territorial emergency authorities, and assess whether changes to notice format or content would improve usability.
- Section 4: Directs the FCC to evaluate the feasibility of strengthening its public safety liaison functions, such as through its 24-hour operations center, to serve as a central contact point for officials seeking communications status information and to improve coordination with providers before, during, and after disasters.
- Section 5: Instructs the FCC to develop and publicly release plain-language materials within one year that explain DIRS operations, the types of information available during activations (including limitations), the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative, existing FCC resources, and general communications capabilities available for public safety use. These materials may draw from existing FCC resources.
Significant Changes to Existing Law The bill introduces no new regulatory requirements or modifications to existing FCC rules on DIRS or the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative. It focuses on internal reviews, feasibility assessments, and outreach without mandating regulatory changes.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: The FCC would conduct reviews and develop materials, potentially enhancing its role in disaster coordination without adding operational mandates.
- Citizens: Indirect benefits through improved emergency communications awareness for public safety officials, though no direct effects on individuals are specified.
- International relations: No provisions address or impact international matters.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- The FCC, as the primary agency tasked with reviews and material development.
- Communications service providers that report to DIRS or participate in the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative.
- State, local, Tribal, and territorial emergency management and public safety authorities, who would receive improved notices, coordination support, and educational resources.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications The bill contains multiple rules of construction clarifying that it does not create new reporting obligations, require regulatory actions, or limit FCC discretion. It raises no apparent constitutional issues and maintains existing legal frameworks without expansion or restriction.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (1)
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-04: Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
- 2026-06-04: Introduced in Senate
Bill Versions
- Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act — issued 2026-06-04 — PDF (7 pages)