Technical and administrative changes only. The diff reflects the bill's progression from being reported with an amendment to being engrossed after passing the Senate, removing legislative markup and adding an attestation. There are no substantive policy changes between v2 and v3.
A bill to amend the Digital Coast Act to improve the acquisition, integration, and accessibility of data of the Digital Coast program and to extend the program.
- Sponsor
- Sen. Baldwin, Tammy [D-WI]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Mar 3, 2026
Bottom line
The bill strengthens open data requirements, broadens the types of coastal data collected, streamlines training, and extends the Digital Coast program's authorization through 2030.
What it actually does
This bill amends the Digital Coast Act to enhance the accessibility of data by requiring it to be 'fully and freely available'. It expands the scope of data collected to explicitly include underground infrastructure and subsurface utilities. Additionally, it narrows the types of training the program can offer, limiting them to technical instruction on data and tools. Finally, the bill extends the authorization for the Digital Coast program for an additional five years, from 2025 to 2030.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill improves the utility and reach of the Digital Coast program by ensuring data is more accessible and comprehensive, particularly with the inclusion of critical underground infrastructure data. The reauthorization provides stability for a vital program supporting coastal resilience and management, while focusing training resources on technical application ensures efficiency.
Opponents contend
Critics might contend that while expanding data collection is beneficial, limiting training strictly to technical instruction could hinder broader understanding and effective application of the data, especially for non-technical users or those needing contextual policy insights. Concerns could also be raised about the ongoing costs of the program's extension and expanded data scope, particularly if not offset by savings from streamlined training.
The bill is very short and clear, making it highly accessible for a quick and thorough review.
Section 1(1)
Enhancing Data Availability
This provision amends the Digital Coast Act to require that data collected and managed under the program be not only 'readily accessible' but also 'fully and freely available'. This change aims to remove any potential barriers to accessing coastal data, ensuring it is openly available to the public, researchers, and local governments without restrictions or fees, thereby maximizing its utility for various applications.
Supporters argue
Proponents argue this change promotes transparency, fosters innovation, and ensures that publicly funded data serves the broadest possible public good. It aligns with modern open data principles and maximizes the return on investment in data collection.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against provisions that enhance data accessibility, as it is generally seen as beneficial. However, some might raise concerns about the practicalities or costs of ensuring all data meets this standard, especially if it involves proprietary data from partners.
Tradeoffs
The provision balances the desire for maximum data utility with potential administrative challenges or costs associated with ensuring all data is fully and freely available, particularly concerning data integration from diverse sources.
Section 1(2)(A)(i)
Expanding Data Scope to Include Underground Infrastructure
This amendment expands the types of data the Digital Coast program is authorized to acquire and integrate. Specifically, it adds 'data related to underground infrastructure and subsurface utilities' to the existing list of data types. This means the program will now explicitly focus on collecting information about buried pipelines, cables, and other utility systems, providing a more comprehensive understanding of coastal environments both above and below ground.
Section 1(2)(C)
Limiting Training Scope
This new provision specifies that any training provided by the Digital Coast program must be limited to 'technical instruction in the use of data and tools provided under this section'. This means the program will focus its educational efforts strictly on how to operate its specific data platforms and tools, rather than offering broader educational content on coastal policy, science, or management principles.
Section 1(3)
Program Reauthorization Extension
This amendment extends the authorization for the Digital Coast program by five years, changing the expiration date from 2025 to 2030. This ensures the program has continued legal authority to operate and receive appropriations for its activities in collecting, integrating, and making accessible coastal data for an extended period.
Adds a new paragraph (5) to subsection (d) of the Digital Coast Act, stating that the program shall 'limit trainings to technical instruction in the use of data and tools provided under this section.'
Section 1(2)(C)
Why it matters:This is likely standard legislative practice for modifying specific operational details within an existing statutory framework, rather than an attempt to obscure. However, its impact on the program's outreach and user support strategy is significant.
Case for: Proponents argue this ensures the Digital Coast program maintains a focused mission, dedicating resources primarily to its core function of providing data and tools. It prevents mission creep and ensures efficiency by specializing in technical instruction.
Case against: Critics might argue that by strictly limiting training to technical instruction, the program may inadvertently reduce the effectiveness of its data for users who require broader contextual understanding or guidance on how to apply the data to complex policy or scientific questions.
Estimated impact: This provision could lead to a shift in the program's educational outreach strategy, potentially reducing the scope of non-technical support provided to stakeholders and focusing resources more narrowly on technical skill-building.