Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act
- Sponsor
- Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT]
- Committees
- Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Jul 22, 2026
Bottom line
The bill aims to improve disaster preparedness and response by enhancing communication coordination and making federal communication resources more accessible and understandable for state and local emergency responders.
What it actually does
This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to review and update its procedures for notifying stakeholders about the activation and deactivation of the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS). It also requires the FCC to evaluate the feasibility of enhancing its public safety liaison functions and to develop plain-language materials to improve awareness among state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency management authorities regarding federal communications resources during disasters.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that this bill will significantly enhance disaster preparedness and response by streamlining communication and information sharing between federal, state, local, and tribal authorities and communication providers. They contend that improving the usability of DIRS notices, evaluating enhanced liaison functions, and providing clear, consolidated awareness materials are common-sense measures that will lead to more effective coordination and ultimately save lives and reduce damage during emergencies.
Opponents contend
No strong organized opposition is immediately apparent for a bill focused on improving coordination and awareness. Potential mild concerns might revolve around the administrative burden on the FCC to conduct reviews and develop materials, or that the bill does not go far enough to mandate specific operational changes. However, the bill explicitly states it does not create new reporting requirements or operational mandates for providers or the FCC, mitigating stronger opposition.
The bill is very short and written in clear language, making it highly accessible for a reader to understand and evaluate within a few minutes.
Section 3
Review of DIRS Activation Notices
This section requires the FCC to review and, if appropriate, update its procedures and practices for providing notices regarding the activation and deactivation of the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS). The review must involve consultation with communication providers and state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency management authorities to improve the usability of these notices. It explicitly states that this does not require the FCC to adopt new regulations or affect its discretion to activate DIRS.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that clearer and more user-friendly DIRS activation notices will ensure that emergency responders receive critical information promptly and in an understandable format, facilitating more effective coordination and resource deployment during crises.
Critics contend
No specific opposition is typically raised against this provision, as it focuses on improving existing communication processes without imposing new burdens. Some might argue it's an administrative task the FCC should already be performing.
Tradeoffs
The primary tension is between the desire for improved usability of critical disaster information and the administrative effort required for the FCC to conduct the review and potential updates. The bill balances this by explicitly stating it does not mandate new regulations, offering flexibility.
Section 4
Feasibility Evaluation for Enhanced Public Safety Liaison
This section directs the FCC to evaluate, within 18 months, the feasibility of enhancing its existing public safety liaison functions. This enhancement could include expanded use of the FCC's 24-hour operations center to serve as a clear point of entry for state, local, tribal, and territorial officials seeking communications status information during disasters and to facilitate coordination with communication service providers. The bill clarifies that this evaluation does not create new reporting requirements or operational mandates.
Section 5
Development of Disaster and Emergency Communications Awareness Materials
This section mandates the FCC to develop and make publicly available, within one year, plain-language materials. These materials are intended to support awareness and understanding among state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency management and public safety authorities regarding federal communications and emergency coordination mechanisms during disasters. The materials will cover the purpose and operation of DIRS, the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative, existing FCC resources, and general public safety communications capabilities. The FCC may draw upon existing resources and must consult with providers and emergency authorities.