Bice NOAA Weather Radio Bill Passes the House

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Stephanie Bice’s bill, H.R. 5324, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio Modernization Act, passed the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation directs NOAA to address the outdated technology currently in use throughout its weather radio system. In addition, it provides funding for stations that serve areas that have little or no reliable quality cell phone service, ensuring that these areas receive adequate support to maintain existing systems relating to weather alerts, such as earthquakes, avalanches, chemical releases, or tornadoes. Lastly, this legislation establishes a modernization initiative for broadcasts to transition to IP-based communications and develop options for backup capabilities and enhanced signal transmission. This bill paves the way for future development and provides failsafe options, so the National Weather Radio (NWR) is never down for an extended period and outages will be less frequent.

“The NOAA weather radio system is essential in keeping Oklahomans, and Americans across the country, safe from severe weather threats,” Rep. Bice said. “As the world becomes more digitalized, we must ensure that older systems which safeguard life and property don’t get left behind. I am grateful that the House passed this critical legislation, which seeks to provide every citizen with reliable and effective access to this lifesaving service. I hope my colleagues in the Senate will swiftly adopt this measure.”

Read the full legislation here.