H.R. 7848: National Weather Safety Board Act

This bill, known as the National Weather Safety Board Act, proposes the establishment of an independent entity called the National Weather Safety Board (Safety Board) within 180 days of its enactment. The primary role of the Safety Board will be to investigate major disasters caused by severe weather events. The board will consist of a minimum of seven members appointed by the President, with the requirement that no more than four members belong to the same political party. The members are expected to have expertise in fields such as atmospheric sciences, emergency management, social sciences, and more.

Key Provisions

• Membership and Appointment: Members will be selected from a candidate list provided by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the Department of Homeland Security. Their terms will be five years, with specific provisions for filling vacancies and removal by the President for malfeasance.
• Major Disaster Investigation: Within 120 days after its establishment, the Safety Board must develop a system to gather information regarding major disasters. A vote will be held within 14 days of a severe weather event being declared a major disaster to determine if an investigation should take place, based on factors such as the number of people impacted and the severity of the disaster.
• Entities Subject to Investigation: If the Safety Board decides to proceed with an investigation, it can assess the preparedness and response of various entities, which may include the Army Corps of Engineers, FEMA, and the National Weather Service. These entities are required to provide any necessary data requested by the Board during an investigation.
• Reporting: The Safety Board must submit a preliminary report within 90 days after the conclusion of a disaster investigation and a final report within 20 months. These reports will include findings and recommendations for improving disaster preparedness and response.
• Public Availability of Information: The Safety Board will maintain a publicly accessible website where it will post recommendations and track whether entities have implemented these recommendations.
• Termination of the Board: The Safety Board will be disbanded five years after all members have been confirmed by the Senate.

Definitions

The term "covered major disaster" is defined to include severe weather events that meet certain criteria, such as being declared a major disaster under existing laws or events that result in significant casualties or injuries. Severe weather events covered under this bill include hurricanes, floods, tornadoes, and more.

Relevant Companies

• NWSA: As a media company that provides meteorological services, it may be affected by the increased regulation and oversight of weather-related reporting and preparedness.
• VMW: A technology company whose products might be utilized by entities to comply with new reporting requirements established by the Safety Board.