Congress Begins FirstNet Reauthorization Process

Key Takeaways

On January 28, the House Energy and Commerce Committee released a discussion draft for the reauthorization of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet Authority). The FirstNet Authority oversees FirstNet, the nation’s public safety broadband network established in the aftermath of the 9/11 tragedy to provide a dependable communications network exclusively for first responders and public safety departments. The FirstNet Authority is currently set to expire in February of 2027, and Congress must reauthorize the Authority in order for FirstNet to remain operational.

The introduction of discussion legislation comes as both chambers are holding hearings on how to improve the administration and functionality of the network. On January 28, the U.S. Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation held a hearing regarding the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority. On February 4, the House Energy and Commerce Committee plans to hold a similar hearing on evaluating the progress of FirstNet. 

On January 23, NACo, along with fourteen other local government organizations, submitted recommendations for policy principles to include in the reauthorization of the FirstNet Authority. Since its creation in 2001, the FirstNet Authority has assisted counties in responding to a wide variety of emergencies, and counties want to ensure FirstNet can continue to improve and be highly dependable for all public safety end users.  

[View the letter here]

What is the status of reauthorization?

Legislation for the reauthorization of FirstNet has been introduced in the House as a discussion draft. An overview of the legislation can be found below.

• The legislation reauthorizes the FirstNet Authority for a period of 10 years, to September 30, 2037
• The bill removes the FirstNet Authority’s status as an independent authority, placing it under the authority of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA).
• The bill clarifies the mission of the National Public Safety Broadband Network (NPSBN) to consist of such technologies, spectrum bands, and services as necessary to enable secure, interoperable, resilient, and prioritized broadband communications for public safety entities.
• Requires the submission of the FirstNet contract to the Chair and Ranking Member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee as well as the Senate Commerce Committee within 7 days of receiving a request.

What happens next?

The House will first need to take up the reauthorization bill for consideration and passage. The Senate would then need to consider and pass the legislation. Both chambers will need to agree on the reauthorization language and pass the bill before February 2027 to ensure the FirstNet Authority does not lapse in its authorization. NACo will continue to monitor updates to the FirstNet Authority and keep members up to date of any changes.