Legislation to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) was introduced in the House of Representatives on February 5 and advanced out of the Communications and Technology Subcommittee to the full Energy and Commerce Committee on February 10. The First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act (H.R. 7386) would reauthorize FirstNet for 10 years, place it directly under the control of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration, and expand the FirstNet Authority Board by adding two additional seats for public safety representatives. This action in the House follows January testimony before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Telecommunications and Media, where APCO CEO and Executive Director Mel Maier urged swift reauthorization of FirstNet with strong governance and public safety oversight. APCO will continue to monitor the legislation and advocate for reauthorization legislation that strengthens public safety representation and preserves FirstNet’s ability to serve the nation’s first responders.
