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Congress·In Committee·about 2 months ago

Public Safety: New Office for Emergency Communications

Also known as: Public Safety Communications Act

Legislative Progress

✓ Filed
Review
House
Senate
President

Key Points

  • Congresswoman Cammack introduced a bill to create a permanent Office of Public Safety Communications. This office would be part of the agency that handles the nation's phone and internet policies. Its main job would be to make sure emergency services have the best technology available to help people in danger.
  • The office would manage federal grants for "Next Generation 9-1-1." This is a major upgrade that allows emergency dispatchers to receive texts, photos, and videos from the public. Currently, many 9-1-1 centers are still using older systems that were mostly built for landline voice calls.
  • This new office would also oversee FirstNet, the special high-speed wireless network used by police, firefighters, and paramedics. By having a dedicated office perform yearly audits and checks, the government aims to ensure this network remains reliable and secure for first responders during disasters.
  • A permanent, professional expert would lead the office instead of a political appointee. This is intended to keep the focus on long-term safety goals and technical expertise. The office would also research new tools, like simulations and models, to test how well new communication gadgets work before they are used in the field.

Milestones

3 milestones5 actions
Jan 15, 2026House

Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

Jan 15, 2026House

Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held

Feb 24, 2025House

Referred to the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology.

Feb 24, 2025House

Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.

Feb 24, 2025

Introduced in House

Related News

4 articles
Urgent Communications·about 1 month ago

FirstNet Authority reauthorization letters offer differing views

Reports growing debate over FirstNet Authority reauthorization and references H.R. 1519, including concerns about added oversight and NTIA involvement.

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House Energy and Commerce Committee (news release)·about 2 months ago

C&T Subcommittee Forwards Public Safety Communications Bills to Full Committee

C&T Subcommittee advanced multiple public-safety communications bills; includes H.R. 1519 being forwarded to the full committee by voice vote.

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House Energy and Commerce Committee (news release)·about 2 months ago

Chairmen Guthrie and Hudson Announce C&T Subcommittee Markup of Six Bills to Improve Public Safety Communications

Preview of the Jan. 15, 2026 markup agenda listing H.R. 1519 (Public Safety Communications Act) among bills to be considered.

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Source Information

Document Type

Congressional Bill

Official Title

Public Safety Communications Act

Bill NumberHR 1519
Congress119th Congress
ChamberHouse of Representatives
Latest ActionForwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

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Analysis generated by AI. While we strive for accuracy, this should not be considered legal or professional advice. Always verify information with official government sources.