NIDIS Reauthorization Act of 2026
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (25 Feb 2026): Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
What this bill does
S. 3912, the NIDIS Reauthorization Act of 2026, would reauthorize and update the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006, which coordinates federal drought monitoring and forecasting activities within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill expands the list of program activities to include flash-drought research, deployment of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud-based forecasting tools, use of observational networks such as the National Weather Service's cooperative observer program, and efforts to close data gaps in areas like snowpack, soil moisture, and groundwater monitoring. It also directs NOAA to partner with the National Mesonet Program through formal agreements to share data, and requires a plan, within one year of enactment, to incorporate existing drought products and improved forecast modeling into probabilistic forecasts. Funding is reauthorized at $15 million for fiscal year 2026, rising incrementally to $17 million by fiscal year 2030.
The bill primarily affects NOAA and the National Weather Service, which administer the drought information system, as well as state, regional, and federal partners involved in hydrological and climate monitoring. Indirectly, it affects farmers, water managers, and communities that rely on drought forecasts and data for planning.
The bill was introduced on February 25, 2026, by Senator Tim Sheehy and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It would need committee consideration, passage by both the Senate and House, and the President's signature before becoming law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Timeline
25 Feb 2026
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
Common questions
- What does S. 3912 do?
- S. 3912, the NIDIS Reauthorization Act of 2026, would reauthorize and update the National Integrated Drought Information System Act of 2006, which coordinates federal drought monitoring and forecasting activities within the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The bill expands the list of program activities to include flash-drought research, deployment of artificial intelligence, machine learning, and cloud-based forecasting tools, use of observational networks such as the National Weather Service's cooperative observer program, and efforts to close data gaps in areas like snowpack, soil moisture, and groundwater monitoring. It also directs NOAA to partner with the National Mesonet Program through formal agreements to share data, and requires a plan, within one year of enactment, to incorporate existing drought products and improved forecast modeling into probabilistic forecasts. Funding is reauthorized at $15 million for fiscal year 2026, rising incrementally to $17 million by fiscal year 2030. The bill primarily affects NOAA and the National Weather Service, which administer the drought information system, as well as state, regional, and federal partners involved in hydrological and climate monitoring. Indirectly, it affects farmers, water managers, and communities that rely on drought forecasts and data for planning. The bill was introduced on February 25, 2026, by Senator Tim Sheehy and referred to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. It would need committee consideration, passage by both the Senate and House, and the President's signature before becoming law.
- Has S. 3912 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 3912. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 3912?
- S. 3912 was sponsored by Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT] (R-MT), with 0 cosponsors.
- What's the latest action on S. 3912?
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. (25 Feb 2026).
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