Communications and Technology Subcommittee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
This bill extends the authorization for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) until September 30, 2037. A significant change is the removal of FirstNet's independent authority status, making its actions largely subject to the approval of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) . The NTIA will develop a list of actions that do not require prior approval, establishing a new oversight framework. The legislation introduces several provisions to enhance accountability and operational resilience. It requires the FirstNet Board to include at least five public safety professionals after three years and creates a new Associate Administrator position to manage operations and serve as a liaison with NTIA. Furthermore, the bill mandates the FirstNet contractor to submit a business continuity and disaster recovery plan to NTIA every five years to ensure rapid network restoration following emergencies. To improve transparency and responsiveness, the bill establishes new reporting requirements. It directs the FirstNet contractor to notify FirstNet of confirmed network outages within 30 minutes, with FirstNet then reporting these to FCC systems. Additionally, the NTIA will submit annual reports to Congress on cybersecurity matters and the adoption rates of the nationwide public safety broadband network. Congress can also request the FirstNet contractor's contract for review.
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Timeline
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Emergency Management
Advisory bodiesComputers and information technologyComputer security and identity theftCongressional oversightEmergency communications systemsEmergency planning and evacuationFirst responders and emergency personnelGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsPerformance measurementPublic contracts and procurementTelephone and wireless communication
First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026
USA119th CongressHR-7386| House
| Updated: 2/10/2026
This bill extends the authorization for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) until September 30, 2037. A significant change is the removal of FirstNet's independent authority status, making its actions largely subject to the approval of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) . The NTIA will develop a list of actions that do not require prior approval, establishing a new oversight framework. The legislation introduces several provisions to enhance accountability and operational resilience. It requires the FirstNet Board to include at least five public safety professionals after three years and creates a new Associate Administrator position to manage operations and serve as a liaison with NTIA. Furthermore, the bill mandates the FirstNet contractor to submit a business continuity and disaster recovery plan to NTIA every five years to ensure rapid network restoration following emergencies. To improve transparency and responsiveness, the bill establishes new reporting requirements. It directs the FirstNet contractor to notify FirstNet of confirmed network outages within 30 minutes, with FirstNet then reporting these to FCC systems. Additionally, the NTIA will submit annual reports to Congress on cybersecurity matters and the adoption rates of the nationwide public safety broadband network. Congress can also request the FirstNet contractor's contract for review.
Communications and Technology Subcommittee, Energy and Commerce Committee
Emergency Management
Introduced
In Committee
On Floor
Passed Chamber
Enacted
Advisory bodiesComputers and information technologyComputer security and identity theftCongressional oversightEmergency communications systemsEmergency planning and evacuationFirst responders and emergency personnelGovernment information and archivesGovernment studies and investigationsPerformance measurementPublic contracts and procurementTelephone and wireless communication