Public Safety Communications Act
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This bill would authorize a federal office to manage Next Generation 9-1-1 grants and oversee the First Responder Network Authority.
What it does
This bill would establish statutory authority for the Office of Public Safety Communications within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration. The office would be responsible for administering federal grants for Next Generation 9-1-1 systems and managing the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet). Additionally, the office would oversee and audit the communications network used by emergency responders and the public safety community.
Who is affected
This bill affects the Office of Public Safety Communications within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration by establishing its statutory authority to manage federal grant programs and oversee network operations. The legislation also impacts the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) through new management and auditing requirements. Additionally, the public safety community and emergency responders are affected as the primary users of the communications networks and Next Generation 9-1-1 systems supported by the office.
Key provisions
- Statutory Authority for the Office of Public Safety Communications. Formally establishes the Office of Public Safety Communications within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration to support public safety communication initiatives.
- Administration of Next Generation 9-1-1 Grants. Tasks the office with managing federal grant programs for interoperable, Internet Protocol-based systems designed to receive 9-1-1 calls.
- Oversight of the First Responder Network Authority. Assigns the office responsibility for managing and auditing FirstNet, the dedicated communications network for emergency responders and the public safety community.
Fiscal impact
Not applicable: No CBO cost estimate available
Effective dates
Not applicable: Official Summary does not address effective dates
Relationship to existing law
The bill provides statutory authority for the existing Office of Public Safety Communications within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration and formalizes its role in managing the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).
Stated purpose
This bill establishes statutory authority for the Office of Public Safety Communications to support public safety communications by administering federal grants for Next Generation 9-1-1 systems and managing the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet).