H.R. 1519: Public Safety Communications Act

This bill, known as the Public Safety Communications Act, aims to enhance public safety communications within the United States by establishing a new office under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA). Here’s a breakdown of what the bill proposes:

Establishment of the Office of Public Safety Communications

The bill creates the Office of Public Safety Communications within the NTIA. This office is responsible for overseeing and improving communications systems used for public safety, such as emergency services like fire and police departments.

Head of the Office

The office will be led by an Associate Administrator for Public Safety Communications, who will be a career appointee within the Senior Executive Service. This person will report to the Assistant Secretary of NTIA.

Duties of the Associate Administrator

The duties of the Associate Administrator will include several key responsibilities:

• Administering government grant programs related to advanced emergency communication systems, specifically Next Generation 9-1-1.
• Analyzing issues related to public safety communications
• Advising the Assistant Secretary on communications policies and their impacts
• Overseeing federal studies to enhance public safety communication
• Managing the First Responder Network Authority, which coordinates emergency communications
• Communicating public safety communications policies to relevant public and private entities
• Carrying out additional responsibilities related to public safety communications as designated by the Assistant Secretary

Audit Requirements

The Associate Administrator will also be responsible for conducting annual audits of the First Responder Network Authority's activities to ensure compliance with accounting principles and can hire contractors for this purpose if needed.

Purpose of the Bill

The overall purpose of the bill is to strengthen the existing systems for public safety communications by improving coordination, oversight, and technological development through a dedicated office and administrator. This aims to enhance emergency response capabilities and ensure that emergency services have the resources they need to communicate effectively during incidents.

Relevant Companies

• NTGR (Netgear, Inc.) - Could be impacted through changes in telecommunications policy regarding public networks.
• CSCO (Cisco Systems, Inc.) - As a major player in networking technologies, they may be involved in providing technologies for the enhanced public safety communications initiatives.
• COMM (CommScope Holding Company, Inc.) - Their products and services may be utilized in upgrading public safety communication infrastructures.