Science, Technology, CommunicationsAtmospheric science and weatherBroadcasting, cable, digital technologiesEmergency communications systemsEmployment and training programsNews media and reportingPublic-private cooperationSpacecraft and satellitesState and local government operations
Why This Matters
This bill directs the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to expand and modernize its NOAA Weather Radio network and establishes new alert standards and staffing requirements to improve weather warnings and forecasting services.
1Requires NOAA to maintain a 24-hour, 7-day NOAA Weather Radio network that broadcasts weather watches, warnings, geological hazards, and other hazard information and is resilient to power or service outages.
2Directs NOAA to expand coverage by adding transmitters in high-risk or underserved areas and on federal lands and to enhance alert delivery via satellite and common internet protocols.
3Calls for modernizing infrastructure and software, including upgrading to internet protocol communications, implementing partial county alerts, and adding backup capabilities through commercial or satellite partnerships.
4Enhances the ability to broadcast non-weather emergency messages via the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System (IPAWS) through NOAA Weather Radio.
5Requires an assessment of public access to NOAA Weather Radio within one year, with stakeholder input and recommendations, and authorizes $20 million annually from fiscal years 2026 through 2031 for operations and $100 million in fiscal year 2026 for modernization and assessment.
6Supports development of national standards for flash flood emergency alert systems in 100-year floodplains, focusing on communities without broadband, local warning systems, or satellite coverage, and calls for a report within two years.
7Classifies NOAA positions in meteorology, hydrology, physical science, electronics, and information technology as protective service occupations and mandates a five-year staffing plan for forecast and warning support roles.
8Requires the National Weather Service (NWS) to assess critical staffing needs of each forecast office and service unit and grants NWS direct hire authority to fill key public safety and technical positions until vacancies are filled.
