2 versions

CosmeticWhat changed in REPORTED IN HOUSEcompared with INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (Jun 30, 2025)

Technical corrections only. The later version includes updated legislative status information, such as additional sponsors and committee reporting details. No substantive policy changes were made to the bill's text.

H.R. 4256119th CongressIntroduced Jun 30, 2025

Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025

Reported To HousePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47]
Committees: Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Oct 31, 2025

Bottom line

The bill ensures the continuation of the Digital Coast program, making its valuable coastal data more accessible and comprehensive by including underground infrastructure information.

What it actually does

This bill reauthorizes the Digital Coast Act, extending the authorization for appropriations until fiscal year 2030. It also enhances the program by requiring data to be fully and freely available, and by explicitly including data related to underground infrastructure and subsurface utilities within its scope.

Proponents argue

Supporters argue that this reauthorization is crucial for maintaining and improving the Digital Coast program, which provides essential data for coastal resilience, hazard mitigation, and resource management. They contend that making data fully and freely available will maximize its utility for a broader range of stakeholders, while including underground infrastructure data will lead to more comprehensive and effective planning.

Opponents contend

Given the nature of the bill, specific organized opposition is not typically raised. Potential concerns, if any, might revolve around the increased cost of collecting and integrating new data types, or general fiscal conservatism regarding federal spending, but these are not explicitly articulated in public discourse regarding this type of reauthorization.

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a thorough understanding and evaluation in a very short amount of time.

Section 2(1)

Enhancing Data Accessibility

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision amends the Digital Coast Act to require that data collected and disseminated under the program be not only 'readily accessible' but also 'fully and freely available'. This change aims to remove any potential barriers to accessing and utilizing the valuable coastal data for a wider range of users, including researchers, planners, and the public.

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupCoastal communities and local governmentsImpactPositiveMechanismImproved access to data for planning and emergency response.ScaleBroad

GroupResearchers and academicsImpactPositiveMechanismEasier access to comprehensive datasets for studies and analysis.ScaleBroad

GroupFederal and state agenciesImpactPositiveMechanismEnhanced ability to share and integrate data across different programs.ScaleBroad

Supporters argue

Proponents argue that making data 'fully and freely available' maximizes the public benefit of federally funded data collection efforts, fostering innovation and informed decision-making across various sectors. They believe it promotes transparency and ensures that critical information is not hindered by access restrictions.

Critics contend

No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as open data initiatives are broadly supported. However, some might raise general concerns about data security or the potential for misuse if sensitive data were to be included, though this is less likely for the types of data typically collected by the Digital Coast program.

Tradeoffs

The primary tradeoff is balancing the desire for maximum data accessibility with considerations for data integrity, security, and the resources required to maintain such open access platforms.

Section 2(2)

Expanding Data Scope to Include Underground Infrastructure

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision expands the types of data collected under the Digital Coast Act to specifically include 'data related to underground infrastructure and subsurface utilities'. This means the program will now explicitly gather and integrate information about pipes, cables, and other hidden utilities, which is crucial for comprehensive urban and coastal planning.

Section 2(3)

Reauthorization of the Digital Coast Act until 2030

prominently featuredstraightforward

This provision extends the authorization for appropriations for the Digital Coast Act by five years, moving the expiration date from fiscal year 2025 to fiscal year 2030. This ensures that the program has the legal authority to receive federal funding and continue its operations for an extended period.

About this analysis. AI-Generated from the official bill text and available committee reports. Gaps in available data are noted explicitly. Verify important details with the official Congress.gov record.

CosmeticWhat changed in REPORTED IN HOUSEcompared with INTRODUCED IN HOUSE (Jun 30, 2025)

H.R. 4256119th CongressIntroduced Jun 30, 2025

Digital Coast Reauthorization Act of 2025

Reported To HousePublic Lands and Natural ResourcesSubstantive

View bill text

Sponsor: Rep. Min, Dave [D-CA-47]
Committees: Natural Resources Committee (primary)
Last action: Oct 31, 2025

Bottom line

The bill ensures the continuation of the Digital Coast program, making its valuable coastal data more accessible and comprehensive by including underground infrastructure information.

What it actually does

Proponents argue

Opponents contend

The bill is exceptionally short and clear, allowing for a thorough understanding and evaluation in a very short amount of time.

Section 2(1)

Enhancing Data Accessibility

prominently featuredstraightforward

GroupImpactMechanismScale

GroupCoastal communities and local governmentsImpactPositiveMechanismImproved access to data for planning and emergency response.ScaleBroad

GroupResearchers and academicsImpactPositiveMechanismEasier access to comprehensive datasets for studies and analysis.ScaleBroad

GroupFederal and state agenciesImpactPositiveMechanismEnhanced ability to share and integrate data across different programs.ScaleBroad

Supporters argue

Critics contend

Tradeoffs

The primary tradeoff is balancing the desire for maximum data accessibility with considerations for data integrity, security, and the resources required to maintain such open access platforms.

Section 2(2)

Expanding Data Scope to Include Underground Infrastructure

prominently featuredstraightforward

Section 2(3)

Reauthorization of the Digital Coast Act until 2030

prominently featuredstraightforward