First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 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.