HR 5456119th CongressIn Committee

NWR Modernization Act of 2025

Introduced: Sep 18, 2025

Sponsor: Rep. Bice, Stephanie I. [R-OK-5] (R-Oklahoma)

Environment & ClimateInfrastructureTechnology & Innovation

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The NOAA Weather Radio Modernization Act of 2025 directs federal agency leadership to guide and invest in upgrading, expanding, and modernizing the NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards (NWR) network. The goal is to improve coverage, reliability, and accessibility of life-saving weather and hazard alerts for all Americans, including underserved rural areas, national parks, recreation areas, and tribal lands. The bill emphasizes maintaining existing transmitters in areas with weak cellular service, expanding network reach, and advancing modernization through IP-based broadcasting, upgraded software, and additional backup and continuity options (such as satellite and private partnerships). It also requires an assessment within 12 months to evaluate access, compatibility with third-party platforms, data aggregation, interagency coordination, and resilience to electromagnetic events.

Key Points

1Expand and maintain the existing NWR network to improve coverage and reliability, including support for areas with poor cellular service and ensuring ongoing maintenance and quick repairs of transmitter equipment.
2Modernization initiative to move toward internet protocol-based broadcasting, upgrade AWIPS software for enhanced alerts (including partial county notifications), consult with private sector and other stakeholders, and explore continuity options (satellite backup, commercial partnerships) and alternative transmission methods (e.g., microwave) as needed.
3Prioritize access enhancements for remote and underserved areas, ensuring that the system remains valuable to the public and compatible with third-party platforms (websites and mobile apps) that distribute NOAA data.
4Require a comprehensive assessment within 12 months of enactment covering real-time broadcasts, platform compatibility, centralized data aggregation, interagency coordination, and resilience to electromagnetic pulses or geomagnetic disturbances.
5Transition key applications to the Integrated Dissemination Program (or successor programs) as part of the modernization effort and identify critical options for continuity during Weather Forecast Office outages.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected- The general public nationwide, with a focus on rural, remote, tribal lands, national parks, and recreation areas that rely on NOAA Weather Radio for real-time warnings and alerts.- NOAA/NWS and other federal emergency management entities responsible for weather and hazard communications.Secondary group/area affected- Private sector stakeholders such as telecoms, satellite providers, broadcasters, and manufacturers involved in weather radio data feeds, apps, and hardware.- Local and state governments, emergency management offices, parks and recreation agencies.Additional impacts- Potential costs and procurement needs for new transmitters, IP-based infrastructure, and software upgrades.- Increased resilience of warning systems, with emphasis on redundancy (satellite backups, non-copper media, and alternative transmission methods) and continuity during outages.- Cyber and infrastructure considerations due to greater reliance on internet-based dissemination and coordination with third-party platforms.

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