NWR Modernization Act of 2025

The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act of 2025 aims to significantly upgrade and expand the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio All Hazards network. It mandates improving the reliability and coverage of existing systems, particularly in areas with poor cellular service, and acquiring new transmitters to reach rural and underserved communities , national parks, and recreation areas. Concurrently, the bill establishes a comprehensive modernization initiative to enhance the network's capabilities and resilience. This includes upgrading telecommunications infrastructure to internet protocol-based systems , accelerating software upgrades for more precise alerts, and developing options like satellite backup and commercial partnerships to ensure continuity during outages. The legislation also requires the Administrator to conduct an assessment within 12 months to evaluate current access to NOAA Weather Radio. This assessment will inform recommendations for maximizing accessibility, especially in remote areas, considering factors like third-party compatibility and central data aggregation.