Legis Daily

Weather Radar Coverage Improvement Act

USA119th CongressHR-1115| House 
| Updated: 2/7/2025
Eric A. "Rick" Crawford

Eric A. "Rick" Crawford

Republican Representative

Arkansas

Cosponsors (1)
Nathaniel Moran (Republican)

Science, Space, and Technology Committee

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted
This legislation directs the Under Secretary, in consultation with the National Weather Service, to develop a comprehensive plan for replacing the existing NEXRAD weather radar system. The plan must outline quantifiable improvements in coverage and accuracy, and the replacement process is mandated to be completed by September 30, 2040. Key elements of this plan include the development of a prototype digital phased array radar to determine specifications and the establishment of a weather surveillance phased array radar testbed . This testbed will evaluate commercial radars and provide technical assistance for small, gap-filling radars, especially in areas where topography hinders larger systems. The bill also emphasizes soliciting input from meteorologists, emergency managers, and public safety officials. Furthermore, the Act authorizes the Director of the National Weather Service to utilize a "Radar-as-a-Service" model, contracting with third-party entities to supplement existing radar coverage gaps. This initiative aims to enhance the detection of significant precipitation and severe weather, prioritizing entities that have participated in the established testbed and potentially incorporating weather camera systems as viable technologies.
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Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-4575
Weather Radar Coverage Improvement Act
Feb 7, 2025
Introduced in House
Feb 7, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-4575
    Weather Radar Coverage Improvement Act


  • February 7, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • February 7, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.

Science, Technology, Communications

Weather Radar Coverage Improvement Act

USA119th CongressHR-1115| House 
| Updated: 2/7/2025
This legislation directs the Under Secretary, in consultation with the National Weather Service, to develop a comprehensive plan for replacing the existing NEXRAD weather radar system. The plan must outline quantifiable improvements in coverage and accuracy, and the replacement process is mandated to be completed by September 30, 2040. Key elements of this plan include the development of a prototype digital phased array radar to determine specifications and the establishment of a weather surveillance phased array radar testbed . This testbed will evaluate commercial radars and provide technical assistance for small, gap-filling radars, especially in areas where topography hinders larger systems. The bill also emphasizes soliciting input from meteorologists, emergency managers, and public safety officials. Furthermore, the Act authorizes the Director of the National Weather Service to utilize a "Radar-as-a-Service" model, contracting with third-party entities to supplement existing radar coverage gaps. This initiative aims to enhance the detection of significant precipitation and severe weather, prioritizing entities that have participated in the established testbed and potentially incorporating weather camera systems as viable technologies.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

Get AI-generated questions to help you understand this bill better

Timeline

Bill from Previous Congress

HR 118-4575
Weather Radar Coverage Improvement Act
Feb 7, 2025
Introduced in House
Feb 7, 2025
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
  • Bill from Previous Congress

    HR 118-4575
    Weather Radar Coverage Improvement Act


  • February 7, 2025
    Introduced in House


  • February 7, 2025
    Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
Eric A. "Rick" Crawford

Eric A. "Rick" Crawford

Republican Representative

Arkansas

Cosponsors (1)
Nathaniel Moran (Republican)

Science, Space, and Technology Committee

Science, Technology, Communications

  • Introduced
  • In Committee
  • On Floor
  • Passed Chamber
  • Enacted