S. 4691In markupGovernment & democracy
FCC bill seeks clearer disaster alerts for local officials
Data as of July 23, 2026
The bill directs the FCC to make disaster network-status tools easier for local officials to understand and use.AI-decoded45-second read · 4 questions answered below
Decoded
AI-decodedWhat does this do?
The bill directs the FCC to review how it notifies people when its Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS) is activated or deactivated, study creating a clearer contact point for local officials, and produce plain-language guides on DIRS and the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative. These systems track phone and internet company network status and emergency service restoration during disasters. The FCC must complete these tasks within deadlines ranging from 180 days to one year.
Who does it affect?
State, local, tribal, and territorial emergency managers and public safety officials are the main intended beneficiaries, along with the FCC, which must carry out the reviews and materials. Communications companies may be consulted but face no new requirements.
Why does it matter?
Local officials often struggle to get clear, timely information about communications outages during disasters like hurricanes and wildfires, and this bill addresses that coordination gap without changing existing rules.
Where does it stand?
- Introduced
- Senate committee — You are here
- Senate vote
- House
- President's desk
Right now: a Senate committee is reviewing it. If the House changes it, it goes back to the Senate before reaching the President.
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Official title
Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act
- Introduced:
- June 4, 2026
- Latest action:
- July 22, 2026
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read the official bill on Congress.gov