Bills · HR 7386
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 7386First responders and emergency personnelEmergency communications systems
First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026
INTRO FEB 5· LAST ACTION APR 21
READING
13MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenVoters should care about this bill because it directly impacts the reliability and effectiveness of emergency communications for first responders. If this bill becomes law, it ensures that the dedicated broadband network used by police, firefighters, and paramedics continues to operate until at least 2037, providing them with reliable tools to do their jobs and keep communities safe. It also introduces greater federal oversight, which could mean more accountability for how FirstNet is run and how it spends money, potentially making the network more efficient or more bureaucratic depending on how the oversight is implemented.
If this bill does not become law, FirstNet's legal authority to operate would eventually expire, potentially creating uncertainty about the future of a critical communication tool that many emergency services now depend on. This could lead to disruptions or a lack of investment in network improvements, ultimately affecting the speed and coordination of emergency responses. Therefore, the bill is crucial for maintaining and shaping a vital piece of national emergency infrastructure.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Extends the legal authority for the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) to operate until September 30, 2037.
This ensures the continued existence and operation of the dedicated nationwide broadband network for emergency services.
PROVISION 02
Subjects most actions taken by FirstNet to the approval of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
This significantly changes FirstNet's operational independence by increasing federal oversight.
PROVISION 03
Requires FirstNet's governing Board to include at least five individuals who have served as public safety professionals within three years of the bill's enactment.
This aims to ensure that the network's development and operation are guided by the practical needs and experiences of its primary users.
PROVISION 04
Establishes a new Associate Administrator position within FirstNet to manage daily operations and serve as a liaison with the NTIA.
This creates a dedicated role for operational management and direct communication regarding the new oversight structure.
PROVISION 05
Requires FirstNet to provide Congress with various reports, including a business continuity and disaster recovery plan, outage notifications, and its main operating contract.
This increases transparency and accountability for FirstNet's operations and performance.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 1
R· Florida
YRS IN OFFICE
9
BILLS LED
27
COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 0%
DEM 1 REP 0 IND 0
ACTION TIMELINE
23 EVENTSAPR 21
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
APR 20
Mr. Allen moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
APR 20
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2967-2970)
APR 20
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 7386.
BILL INFO
TypeHouse Bill
NumberHR 7386
Congress119th
StatusPassed House
IntroducedFeb 5, 2026
Last actionApr 21, 2026
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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · ENERGY AND COMMERCE COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 5, 2026
House BillHR 7386First responders and emergency personnelEmergency communications systems
First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026
INTRODUCED FEB 5, 2026· LAST ACTION APR 21, 2026
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
13 min
COSPONSORS
1
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
