First Responder Network Reauthorization

Full Title:
First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026

Summary#

This bill reauthorizes the First Responder Network Authority (FRNA) through September 30, 2037, and makes several changes to how the nationwide public safety broadband network (FirstNet) is run and overseen. It gives the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) formal approval authority over actions by the FRNA, and requires NTIA to list which actions do not need prior approval. The bill creates an Associate Administrator position (a senior executive) to run day-to-day operations, and allows the current Executive Director to become that Associate Administrator. It requires the FRNA Board to include at least five people who have served as public safety professionals within three years. The network definition is broadened to cover necessary technologies, spectrum bands, and services. The bill adjusts how the FRNA may set fee periods. It adds new reporting and oversight steps: audits must evaluate the FirstNet contractor's performance; NTIA must give annual unclassified reports on cyberattacks/outages (with a possible classified annex) and on adoption rates by profession and area; NTIA must brief two congressional committees annually. The FirstNet contractor must submit a business continuity and disaster recovery plan within 180 days and every five years after, and NTIA must approve or request resubmission within 180 days. The contractor must notify the FRNA of confirmed outages as soon as practicable, and no later than 30 minutes; provide a network status tool to agencies; and the FRNA must report outages to relevant FCC systems. The FRNA must submit its contract with the FirstNet contractor to congressional committee leaders within 7 days of a written request. The bill also adds definitions for the FirstNet contractor and for interoperability.

What it means for you#

  • First responders and agencies using the public safety broadband network can expect clearer rules for oversight, outage reporting, and disaster recovery plans.
  • The NTIA will have stronger oversight over decisions by the FRNA and will publish which FRNA actions do not need prior approval.
  • The FRNA Board will include more members with public safety experience, and a senior Associate Administrator will manage day-to-day operations.
  • Agencies that rely on FirstNet will get a network status tool during outages and can expect a formal process for contractor performance reviews and continuity planning.
  • Congress can request and receive the FirstNet contract quickly for review.

Expenses#

No publicly available information on the bill's net cost to the public or on federal budget effects. The bill allows the FRNA more flexibility in setting fee periods (for example, other than a fiscal year), but it does not specify fee amounts or overall costs.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.