Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act
The source supplies the latest action, but no lifecycle stage.
Latest action (9 Nov 2026): Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 692.
What this bill does
The Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act directs the Federal Communications Commission to take several steps aimed at improving how information about communications networks is shared during disasters and emergencies. Within 180 days of enactment, the FCC must review and, if appropriate, update how it issues notices when it activates or deactivates its Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), consulting with communications providers and state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency officials. Within 18 months, the FCC must evaluate the feasibility of strengthening its public safety liaison functions, potentially through its 24-hour operations center, to give local officials a clearer point of contact during emergencies. Within one year, the FCC must also create plain-language public materials explaining DIRS, the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative, and other federal coordination tools available during disasters.
The bill primarily affects the FCC's internal procedures and its interactions with emergency management officials and communications providers; it does not create new reporting requirements for companies or mandate that the FCC adopt new regulations or act on its findings. It effectively directs studies, outreach materials, and process reviews rather than substantive regulatory changes.
The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 4, 2026, referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and on July 22, 2026, was ordered to be reported favorably without amendment. It would next need to be considered by the full Senate, and if passed, by the House of Representatives, before it could become law.
Plain-English summary generated by Bill100 AI from the official record. Always verify against the source below.
Official summary
Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act
This bill directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to assess its procedures for disasters and emergencies affecting communications service and consider measures to improve coordination with officials and service providers during such events.
Specifically, the FCC must review and update, as appropriate, its procedures for notifying communications service providers about activations and deactivations of the Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS). (DIRS is activated during severe weather and other events to enable providers to report outages and other service issues.)
Further, the FCC must provide plain-language resources for state, local, tribal, and territorial officials on federal communications and emergency coordination mechanisms available during disasters and emergencies. To the extent practicable, these materials must include information on DIRS, the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative (MDRI), and services that may be available to support public safety communications during such events, among other topics. (MDRI requires cell service providers to coordinate and share resources during emergencies.)
Finally, the FCC must consider enhancing its functions related to (1) informing state, local, tribal, and territorial officials of the status of communications services during disasters and emergencies; and (2) facilitating coordination between these officials and communications providers before, during, and after such events.
Timeline
9 Nov 2026
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 692.
Common questions
- What does S. 4691 do?
- The Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act directs the Federal Communications Commission to take several steps aimed at improving how information about communications networks is shared during disasters and emergencies. Within 180 days of enactment, the FCC must review and, if appropriate, update how it issues notices when it activates or deactivates its Disaster Information Reporting System (DIRS), consulting with communications providers and state, local, tribal, and territorial emergency officials. Within 18 months, the FCC must evaluate the feasibility of strengthening its public safety liaison functions, potentially through its 24-hour operations center, to give local officials a clearer point of contact during emergencies. Within one year, the FCC must also create plain-language public materials explaining DIRS, the Mandatory Disaster Response Initiative, and other federal coordination tools available during disasters. The bill primarily affects the FCC's internal procedures and its interactions with emergency management officials and communications providers; it does not create new reporting requirements for companies or mandate that the FCC adopt new regulations or act on its findings. It effectively directs studies, outreach materials, and process reviews rather than substantive regulatory changes. The bill was introduced in the Senate on June 4, 2026, referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, and on July 22, 2026, was ordered to be reported favorably without amendment. It would next need to be considered by the full Senate, and if passed, by the House of Representatives, before it could become law.
- Has S. 4691 become law?
- The source does not supply a confirmed lifecycle stage for S. 4691. Check the latest action and official source below.
- Who sponsored S. 4691?
- S. 4691 was sponsored by Sen. Sheehy, Tim [R-MT] (R-MT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 4691?
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 692. (9 Nov 2026).
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