Disaster Communications Coordination and Preparedness Act
Latest action (22 Jul 2026): Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
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
The committees assigned to this bill sent it to the House or Senate as a whole for consideration on July 22, 2026.
Timeline
22 Jul 2026
Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
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?
- Not yet. As of 22 Jul 2026, S. 4691 is ordered reported.
- Who sponsored S. 4691?
- S. 4691 was sponsored by Sen. Tim Sheehy [R-MT] (Republican-MT), with 1 cosponsor.
- What's the latest action on S. 4691?
- Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably. (22 Jul 2026).
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