Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act

The Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act directs the Federal Communications Commission to improve how it shares information with emergency managers during disasters. Within 180 days of passing, the FCC must review and update its procedures for notifying states, local governments, and public safety officials when its reporting system is activated. The bill also requires the FCC to create plain-language educational materials within a year to help these officials understand how to access communication status reports and coordinate with service providers. Additionally, the FCC is tasked with evaluating how to better serve as a central contact point for officials seeking communication updates during emergencies. Throughout these efforts, the law explicitly states that no new mandatory reporting rules will be imposed on communications service providers.