Bill > S290

This bill aims to improve emergency communications in national parks by directing the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a comprehensive assessment and develop a plan for upgrading emergency communications centers to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911) systems. NG911 is an advanced emergency communication technology that allows digital information like text, images, and location data to be shared more effectively during emergency calls. Within one year of the bill's enactment, the Secretary must complete an assessment of current emergency communication centers in national parks, identifying their NG911 implementation status, estimating costs for purchasing and maintaining these systems, and understanding potential implementation challenges. Following this assessment, the Secretary must develop a plan to install NG911 systems in national park emergency communication centers, consulting with state and local emergency operations officials, stakeholders, and relevant federal agencies. The bill includes a flexibility clause allowing park superintendents to opt out of the plan if they determine their current emergency communication systems are already sufficient or being upgraded. The assessment and subsequent plan will be reported to congressional committees and made publicly available on the Department of the Interior's website, promoting transparency and accountability in improving emergency response capabilities in national parks.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/290/all-info