House BillHR 5456Science, Technology, Communications
NWR Modernization Act of 2025
INTRO SEP 18· LAST ACTION SEP 18
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
4BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
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All Americans, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, national parks, and recreation areas, would be directly affected by this bill. People who live in areas with poor cell service or limited internet access would especially benefit from the expanded and more reliable broadcast coverage of emergency alerts. Anyone who relies on NOAA Weather Radio for critical information during severe weather or other hazards, whether through traditional receivers or potentially new digital platforms, would experience improved access and reliability.
Emergency managers, first responders, and local authorities would also be affected as the modernized system aims to provide more consistent, efficient, and precise hazard information, potentially aiding their response efforts and communication with the public.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires the expansion of NOAA Weather Radio coverage to rural and underserved communities, national parks, and recreation areas.
This ensures more people, especially in remote or vulnerable locations, receive critical hazard alerts.
PROVISION 02
Mandates the upgrade of telecommunications infrastructure to internet protocol-based communications and accelerates software upgrades for precise partial county notifications.
This modernizes the system for faster, more accurate alerts and allows for more targeted warnings.
PROVISION 03
Directs the Administrator to develop options, including satellite backup and commercial partnerships, for NOAA Weather Radio continuity during outages.
This enhances the system's resilience, ensuring alerts continue even if local weather offices are impacted.
PROVISION 04
Requires an assessment within 12 months to evaluate current access and provide recommendations on continuous broadcasts, third-party platform compatibility, and managing real-time feeds.
This sets the stage for data-driven improvements and ensures the system evolves to meet public needs and modern technology.
All Americans, particularly those in rural and underserved communities, national parks, and recreation areas, would be directly affected by this bill. People who live in areas with poor cell service or limited internet access would especially benefit from the expanded and more reliable broadcast coverage of emergency alerts. Anyone who relies on NOAA Weather Radio for critical information during severe weather or other hazards, whether through traditional receivers or potentially new digital platforms, would experience improved access and reliability.
Emergency managers, first responders, and local authorities would also be affected as the modernized system aims to provide more consistent, efficient, and precise hazard information, potentially aiding their response efforts and communication with the public.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires the expansion of NOAA Weather Radio coverage to rural and underserved communities, national parks, and recreation areas.
This ensures more people, especially in remote or vulnerable locations, receive critical hazard alerts.
high
Mandates the upgrade of telecommunications infrastructure to internet protocol-based communications and accelerates software upgrades for precise partial county notifications.
This modernizes the system for faster, more accurate alerts and allows for more targeted warnings.
med
Directs the Administrator to develop options, including satellite backup and commercial partnerships, for NOAA Weather Radio continuity during outages.
This enhances the system's resilience, ensuring alerts continue even if local weather offices are impacted.
med
Requires an assessment within 12 months to evaluate current access and provide recommendations on continuous broadcasts, third-party platform compatibility, and managing real-time feeds.
This sets the stage for data-driven improvements and ensures the system evolves to meet public needs and modern technology.
Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment.
Complete an assessment of access to NOAA Weather Radio, considering various factors like continuous broadcasts, third-party compatibility, and management systems.
GLOSSARY
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NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards network
A nationwide network of government-operated radio stations that broadcast continuous weather information and warnings for all types of hazards, including natural disasters and non-weather emergencies.
Administrator
Refers to the head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), who is responsible for managing the agency and its programs.
Telecommunications infrastructure
The underlying physical and organizational structures that support communication over distance, such as internet cables, radio towers, and networks.
Internet protocol-based communications
A method of sending and receiving data using the same technical rules and systems as the internet, allowing for more flexible and modern data transfer than older methods.
Advanced Weather Interactive Processing System (AWIPS)
A computer system used by the National Weather Service to gather, process, and display weather data, helping meteorologists create forecasts and issue warnings.
Electromagnetic pulse (EMP)
A burst of electromagnetic radiation that can damage or disrupt electronic equipment and power grids, often associated with nuclear explosions or certain natural events.
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTS
SEP 18, 25
Introduced in House
INTROREFERRAL
SEP 18, 25
Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
A temporary disruption of the Earth's magnetic field, typically caused by solar activity, which can affect power grids, satellite communications, and navigation systems.
