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First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026

USA119th CongressHR-7386| House 
| Updated: 2/10/2026
Neal P. Dunn

Neal P. Dunn

Republican Representative

Florida

Cosponsors (1)
Jennifer L. McClellan (Democratic)

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
Feb 5, 2026
Introduced in House
Feb 5, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Feb 5, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Feb 10, 2026
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Feb 10, 2026
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • February 5, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • February 5, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.


  • February 5, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.


  • February 10, 2026
    Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.


  • February 10, 2026
    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.
View Full Text

Suggested Questions

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

Timeline
Feb 5, 2026
Introduced in House
Feb 5, 2026
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.
Feb 5, 2026
Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.
Feb 10, 2026
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.
Feb 10, 2026
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
  • February 5, 2026
    Introduced in House


  • February 5, 2026
    Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.


  • February 5, 2026
    Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.


  • February 10, 2026
    Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.


  • February 10, 2026
    Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held
Neal P. Dunn

Neal P. Dunn

Republican Representative

Florida

Cosponsors (1)
Jennifer L. McClellan (Democratic)

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