[Congressional Bills 115th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[S. 2061 Introduced in Senate (IS)]
<DOC>
115th CONGRESS
1st Session
S. 2061
To further deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 services to enhance and
upgrade the Nation's 9-1-1 systems, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
November 2, 2017
Mr. Nelson (for himself and Ms. Klobuchar) introduced the following
bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation
_______________________________________________________________________
A BILL
To further deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 services to enhance and
upgrade the Nation's 9-1-1 systems, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Next Generation 9-1-1 Act of 2017''.
SEC. 2. FINDINGS.
Congress makes the following findings:
(1) The Nation's 9-1-1 systems, while a model for the
entire world, lack the advanced functionality,
interoperability, and capabilities that come with the adoption
of new, digital communications technologies.
(2) Communications technologies currently available to the
public, including first responders and other public safety
personnel, have substantially outpaced the legacy
communications technologies still used by most public safety
answering points in the Nation's 9-1-1 systems.
(3) This lack of modern technology, when coupled with other
challenges, is impacting the ability of the Nation's 9-1-1
systems to efficiently and effectively provide responses to
emergencies.
(4) Modernizing the Nation's 9-1-1 systems to incorporate
the new and evolving capabilities of broadband voice and data
communications is essential for the safety and security of the
public, including first responders and other public safety
personnel.
(5) Efforts to modernize the Nation's 9-1-1 systems to
date, while laudable and important, have been limited due to a
lack of funding and inconsistent or unclear policies related to
the governance, deployment, and operations of Next Generation
9-1-1 services.
(6) A nationwide strategy for Next Generation 9-1-1
services has become essential to help guide the transition and
create a common framework for implementation of Next Generation
9-1-1 services while preserving State, regional, and local
control over the governance and technology choices of the
Nation's 9-1-1 systems.
(7) Accelerated implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1
services will--
(A) increase compatibility with emerging
communications trends;
(B) enhance the flexibility, reliability, and
survivability of the Nation's 9-1-1 systems during
major incidents;
(C) improve emergency response for the public,
including first responders and other public safety
personnel;
(D) promote the functional interconnection of the
Nation's 9-1-1 systems with the wireless nationwide
public safety broadband network being deployed by the
First Responder Network Authority; and
(E) increase the cost effectiveness of operating
the Nation's 9-1-1 systems.
SEC. 3. SENSE OF CONGRESS.
It is the sense of Congress that--
(1) the Nation's 9-1-1 professionals perform important and
lifesaving work every day, and need the tools and
communications technologies to perform the work effectively in
a world with new, digital communications technologies;
(2) the transition from the legacy communications
technologies used in the Nation's 9-1-1 systems to Next
Generation 9-1-1 services is a national priority and a national
imperative;
(3) the Nation should complete the transition described in
paragraph (2) as soon as practicable, with the goal of having
full implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 services not later
than 10 years after the date of enactment of this Act;
(4) the Nation should develop a framework that facilitates
cooperation among Federal, State, and local officials on
deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 services in order to meet
that goal; and
(5) 9-1-1 authorities and the public safety answering
points should have sufficient resources to implement Next
Generation 9-1-1 services, including resources to support
associated geographic information systems (commonly known as
``GIS''), cybersecurity measures, and the necessary training
and workforce to manage these advanced communications
capabilities.
SEC. 4. STATEMENT OF POLICY.
It is the policy of the United States that--
(1) Next Generation 9-1-1 services should be
technologically and competitively neutral;
(2) Next Generation 9-1-1 services should have seamless
interoperability, including with respect to the transferability
of information among public safety answering points;
(3) the design and implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1
services should conform to accredited, non-proprietary,
consensus-based standards;
(4) the governance and control of the Nation's 9-1-1
systems, including Next Generation 9-1-1 services, should
remain at the State, regional, and local level; and
(5) the American public should receive information on how
to best utilize Next Generation 9-1-1 services and on the
capabilities and usefulness of those services.
SEC. 5. DEFINITIONS.
In this Act:
(1) Assistant secretary.--The term ``Assistant Secretary''
means the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications
and Information.
(2) Board.--The term ``Board'' means the Advisory Board for
Next Generation 9-1-1 Interoperability established under
section 7 of this Act.
(3) First responder network authority.--The term ``First
Responder Network Authority'' has the meaning given the term in
section 6001 of the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation
Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C. 1401).
(4) Nationwide public safety broadband network.--The term
``nationwide public safety broadband network'' has the meaning
given the term in section 6001 of the Middle Class Tax Relief
and Job Creation Act of 2012 (47 U.S.C. 1401).
(5) Next generation 9-1-1 services.--The term ``Next
Generation 9-1-1 services'' has the meaning given the term in
section 158 of the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 942), as amended
pursuant to this Act.
(6) Office.--The term ``Office'' means the 9-1-1
Implementation Coordination Office established under section
158 of the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 942).
(7) Public safety answering point.--The term ``public
safety answering point'' has the meaning given the term in
section 222 of the Communications Act of 1934 (47 U.S.C. 222).
(8) Seamless interoperability.--The term ``seamless
interoperability'' means that all networks, services, and
equipment are interoperable and capable of seamlessly
exchanging and processing data, including interoperability
among and between--
(A) public service answering points;
(B) emergency services internet protocol networks;
(C) State, regions, localities, and other
jurisdictions;
(D) originating communications networks, including
wireline telecommunications networks, wireless
telecommunications networks, internet service
providers, and voice over internet protocol service
networks; and
(E) the nationwide public safety broadband network.
SEC. 6. 9-1-1 IMPLEMENTATION COORDINATION OFFICE.
(a) Additional Responsibilities.--In addition to the
responsibilities assigned to the Office under section 158 of the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization
Act (47 U.S.C. 942), the Office shall--
(1) create a clearinghouse of information that contains
resources and references for both technical and nontechnical
aspects of development and deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1
services for Federal, State, regional, and local entities to
assist with the development and deployment of such services;
(2) provide guidance to Federal, State, regional, and local
entities with the development and deployment of Next Generation
9-1-1 services, including with respect to--
(A) model governance structures for Next Generation
9-1-1 services;
(B) network deployment models for seamless
interoperability of Next Generation 9-1-1 services; and
(C) sustainable funding models for Next Generation
9-1-1 services;
(3) help Federal, State, regional, and local 9-1-1 entities
coordinate acquisitions and procurements related to the
deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 services, including the
development of model requests for proposals and related
documents;
(4) work with the General Services Administration to
determine the feasibility of allowing State, regional, and
local entities to take advantage of any relevant General
Services Administration blanket purchase agreements for
acquisition of equipment related to Next Generation 9-1-1
services; and
(5) work with all relevant Federal departments and agencies
that operate public safety answering points to promote
implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 services and effective
seamless interoperability with other 9-1-1 systems, including
Next Generation 9-1-1 services operated by Federal, State,
regional, and local entities.
(b) Coordination.--The Office shall work with all relevant Federal
departments and agencies, including the Federal Communications
Commission, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the First Responder
Network Authority, and the Department of Homeland Security, to
coordinate Federal Government activities related to the development and
deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 services at the Federal, State,
regional, and local level.
(c) Annual Reports.--
(1) In general.--Beginning not later than 2 years after the
date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, the
Office shall prepare a comprehensive report on the status of
the implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 services by
Federal, State, regional, and local entities.
(2) Publication.--Each report under paragraph (1) shall be
published online and submitted to the Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee on
Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives.
(3) Combination of existing reports.--To the extent that
the Office is required by law to issue other reports, such
reports may be combined with a report under paragraph (1).
(4) Submission of information.--The Office may require, as
part of a grant issued by the Office under this Act or any
other Act, that a grant recipient provide such information as
the Office considers necessary to prepare a report under
paragraph (1).
(d) Authorization of Appropriations.--There are authorized to be
appropriated to carry out this section such sums as may be necessary.
(e) Repeal of Sunset.--Section 158(d) of the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47
U.S.C. 942(d)) is amended--
(1) by striking ``(1) In general.--'' and indenting
appropriately; and
(2) by striking paragraph (2).
SEC. 7. ADVISORY BOARD FOR NEXT GENERATION 9-1-1 INTEROPERABILITY.
(a) Establishment.--There is established within the Office the
``Advisory Board for Next Generation 9-1-1 Interoperability'' to
recommend updates to the definition of Next Generation 9-1-1 services
under section 8.
(b) Membership.--
(1) Voting members.--
(A) In general.--Subject to subparagraphs (B) and
(C), not later than 30 days after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Secretary of Commerce, in coordination
with the Secretary of Transportation, shall appoint 17
voting members to the Board.
(B) Appointments.--In making appointments under
subparagraph (A), the Secretary shall appoint--
(i) 5 members who represent 9-1-1
professionals;
(ii) 4 members who represent companies
offering services that originate communications
to 9-1-1 systems, including wireline
telecommunications providers, wireless
telecommunications providers, internet service
providers, and voice over internet protocol
service providers;
(iii) 2 members who represent manufacturers
and vendors;
(iv) 2 members who represent companies with
expertise in information technology,
networking, and application development,
including consumer-focused technologies and
services; and
(v) 4 members who represent State,
regional, or local 9-1-1 entities and who
reflect geographic and population density
differences across the United States.
(C) Required qualifications.--All voting members
shall have--
(i) specific expertise and experience
related to Next Generation 9-1-1 systems; and
(ii) such other specific expertise as the
Secretary considers necessary, such as
technical expertise, public safety
communications expertise, or commercial network
experience.
(2) Non-voting members.--The Assistant Secretary and the
Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration shall each have the authority to appoint 1 non-
voting member to the Board.
(3) Period of appointment.--
(A) In general.--Except as provided in subparagraph
(B), each member of the Board shall be appointed for
the life of the Board.
(B) Removal for cause.--A member of the Board may
be removed for cause upon the determination of the
Office.
(4) Vacancies.--A vacancy in the membership of the Board--
(A) shall not affect the powers of the Board; and
(B) shall be filled in the same manner as the
original appointment.
(5) Chairperson and vice chairperson.--The Board shall
select a chairperson and vice chairperson from among the
members of the Board.
(6) Quorum.--A majority of the members of the Board shall
constitute a quorum.
(7) Travel expenses.--The members of the Board shall be
allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of
subsistence, at rates authorized for employees of agencies
under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States
Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business
in the performance of services for the Board.
(c) Office Participation.--The Office may name 1 employee of the
Office to serve as its liaison to the Board and to assist the Board as
needed in carrying out its responsibilities under this section.
(d) Nonapplication of Certain Laws.--The following law, including
regulations, shall not apply to the operations of the Board:
(1) Federal Advisory Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.).
(2) Chapter 5 and chapter 7 of title 5, United States Code
(commonly known as the ``Administrative Procedure Act'').
(3) Chapter 35 of title 44, United States Code (commonly
known as the ``Paperwork Reduction Act'').
(4) Federal Acquisition Regulations (48 C.F.R. ch. 1).
(e) Termination.--The Board shall terminate on the date that is 15
days after the date the Office approves the recommendations under
section 8.
SEC. 8. REVISED DEFINITION OF NEXT GENERATION 9-1-1 SERVICES.
(a) Recommended Updates to Definition of Next Generation 9-1-1
Services.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Board shall--
(A) review the definition of the term ``Next
Generation 9-1-1 services'' in section 158 of the
National Telecommunications and Information
Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 942);
(B) subject to paragraph (2), recommend such
updates to that definition as the Board considers
necessary; and
(C) submit to the Office the recommendations under
subparagraph (B).
(2) Considerations.--In recommending updates to the
definition described in paragraph (1), the Board shall
consider--
(A) the need for the definition to--
(i) cover systems based on various internet
protocols, including Transmission Control
Protocol/Internet Protocol (or any
corresponding similar communication language or
protocol of the internet);
(ii) include support for all forms of
emergency communications technologies;
(iii) ensure seamless interoperability;
(iv) incorporate the need to provide a
secure environment for emergency
communications, including relevant
cybersecurity measures; and
(v) incorporate the need to include support
for geographic information systems; and
(B) such other issues as the Board considers
relevant to the definition.
(b) Approval of Recommendations.--
(1) In general.--Subject to paragraph (2), not later than
45 days after the date the Board submits the recommendations
under subsection (a)(1), the Office shall approve the
recommendations, with any revisions it considers necessary, and
transmit the recommendations to the Assistant Secretary and the
Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration.
(2) Public comment.--
(A) In general.--The Office shall provide the
public with notice and an opportunity to comment on the
recommendations developed by the Board under this
section prior to their approval.
(B) Further board consideration.--After such public
comment period has closed, the Office may refer
questions raised by those comments to the Board for
further consideration, including amendment of the
recommendations submitted by the Board.
(c) Revision of Definition.--The Assistant Secretary and the
Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
shall revise the definition of the term ``Next Generation 9-1-1
services'' in section 158 of the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 942), based on
the approved recommendations under subsection (b) of this section, as
part of the rulemaking under section 9(e) of this Act.
(d) Conforming Amendment.--
(1) In general.--Section 158(e)(5) of the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization
Act (47 U.S.C. 942(e)(5)) is amended to read as follows:
``(5) Next generation 9-1-1 services.--The term `Next
Generation 9-1-1 services' has the meaning given the term by
the Assistant Secretary and the Administrator of the National
Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the final rule
published under section 8(c) of the Next Generation 9-1-1 Act
of 2017.''.
(2) Effective date.--The amendment under paragraph (1) of
this subsection shall take effect on the date that a final rule
is published under subsection (c).
SEC. 9. NEXT GENERATION 9-1-1 GRANT PROGRAM.
(a) Grant Requirements.--
(1) Single point of contact.--Section 158(b)(3)(A) of the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 942(b)(3)(A)) is amended by
amending clause (ii) to read as follows:
``(ii) has designated a single officer or
governance body to serve as the State point of
contact to coordinate the implementation of
Next Generation 9-1-1 services for that
State;''.
(2) Additional requirements.--Section 158(b)(3)(A) of the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 942(b)(3)(A)) is amended--
(A) in clause (iii), by striking ``; and'' and
inserting a semicolon;
(B) in clause (iv), by striking ``or'' at the end;
and
(C) adding at the end the following:
``(v) has developed and submitted a State
plan for deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1
services that--
``(I) uses an accredited, non-
proprietary, consensus-based,
standards-based approach in the design,
deployment, and implementation of all
aspects of such services;
``(II) incorporates the use of
effective cybersecurity resources;
``(III) uses open and competitive
request for proposal processes, or the
applicable State equivalent, for
deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1
services;
``(IV) includes input from relevant
public safety answering points,
regional authorities, local
authorities, and tribal authorities;
``(V) includes a governance body or
bodies for the development and
deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1
services that--
``(aa) includes relevant
stakeholders; and
``(bb) consults and
coordinates with the State
point of contact required by
clause (ii); and
``(VI) ensures sufficient staffing
and training of staff at all levels to
ensure the effectiveness of all aspects
of Next Generation 9-1-1 services;
or''.
(b) Grant Commitments.--Section 158(b) of the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47
U.S.C. 942(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:
``(5) Additional grant certifications.--In addition to the
certification required under subsection (c)(2), each applicant
for a matching grant under this section, at the time of
application, and each applicant that receives a grant shall
certify that--
``(A) any funds received by the applicant will be
utilized to support deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1
services that comply with accredited, non-proprietary,
consensus-based standards and feature seamless
interoperability (as defined in section 5 of the Next
Generation 9-1-1 Act of 2017);
``(B) the applicant has taken all necessary steps
to ensure that there is a sustainable funding mechanism
for the Next Generation 9-1-1 services to be deployed
pursuant to the grant to support continued operations,
maintenance, and upgrades;
``(C) the applicant will coordinate with the First
Responder Network Authority to ensure that the
implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 services will
be fully interoperable with the nationwide public
safety broadband network (as defined in section 6001 of
the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of
2012 (47 U.S.C. 1401));
``(D) the applicant has or will take steps to
coordinate with adjoining States to establish and
maintain interoperable and interconnected Next
Generation 9-1-1 services; and
``(E) the applicant has developed a plan for public
outreach and education on how to best utilize Next
Generation 9-1-1 services and on the capabilities and
usefulness of those services.
``(6) Prohibition.--No grant funds under this subsection
may be used--
``(A) for any component of the nationwide public
safety broadband network (as defined in section 6001 of
the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of
2012 (47 U.S.C. 1401)); or
``(B) to make any payments to a person who has
been, for reasons of national security, prohibited by
any department or agency of the Federal Government from
bidding on a contract, participating in an auction, or
receiving a grant.''.
(c) Conforming Amendments.--Section 158 of the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47
U.S.C. 942) is amended--
(1) in subsection (b)--
(A) in paragraph (1)--
(i) in subparagraph (B), by striking ``;
and'' and inserting a semicolon;
(ii) in subparagraph (C), by striking the
period at the end and inserting ``; and''; and
(iii) by adding at the end the following:
``(D) administrative costs associated with planning
and implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 services,
including related to planning for and preparing an
application and related materials as required by this
section, if--
``(i) such costs are fully documented in
materials submitted to the Office; and
``(ii) such costs are reasonable and
necessary and do not exceed 5 percent of the
total grant award.''; and
(B) in paragraph (3)(B), by striking ``the entity
has complied with clauses (i), (iii), and (iv) of
subparagraph (A), and the State in which it is located
has complied with clause (ii) of such subparagraph''
and inserting ``the entity has complied with clauses
(i), (iii), and (iv), and the State in which it is
located has complied with clauses (ii) and (v) of such
subparagraph''; and
(2) by amending subsection (e)(3)(C) to read as follows:
``(C) Exception.--The term `eligible entity' does
not include any entity that has failed to submit--
``(i) the certifications required under
subsection (b)(5); and
``(ii) the most recently required
certification under subsection (c) within 30
days after the date on which such certification
is due.''.
(d) Adjustment of Matching Requirement.--Section 158(b)(2) of the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization
Act (47 U.S.C. 942(b)(2)) is amended by striking ``60'' and inserting
``80''.
(e) Criteria.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 15 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Assistant Secretary and the
Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration shall issue regulations, after providing the
public with notice and an opportunity to comment, prescribing
the criteria for selection for grants under section 158 of the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 942), as amended by this Act.
(2) Requirements.--The criteria shall--
(A) include performance requirements and a schedule
for completion of any project to be financed by a grant
under that section; and
(B) specifically permit joint, regional, or multi-
State applications for funds.
(3) Updates.--The Assistant Secretary and the Administrator
shall update such regulations as necessary.
(4) Prior regulations.--Any regulations issued under
section 158(b)(4) of the National Telecommunications and
Information Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C.
942(b)(4)) before the effective date of this Act may be
incorporated into the regulations promulgated under this
subsection.
(5) Conforming amendment.--Section 158(b) of the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization
Act (47 U.S.C. 942(b)) is amended by striking paragraph (4).
(f) Issuance of Guidance.--Not later than 18 months after the date
of enactment of this Act, the Office shall issue guidance, consistent
with the regulations promulgated under subsection (e) of this section,
regarding the grant program under section 158 of the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization Act (47
U.S.C. 942), as amended by this Act.
(g) Authorization of Appropriations.--
(1) In general.--In addition to any funds already made
available for grants under section 158 of the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization
Act (47 U.S.C. 942), there is authorized to be appropriated to
carry out such grants such sums as may be necessary for fiscal
years 2018 through 2022.
(2) Use of funds.--Any funds appropriated under this
subsection shall remain available until expended.
(3) Administrative costs.--The Office may utilize up to 5
percent of the funds appropriated under this subsection for
reasonable and necessary administrative costs associated with
the grant program required by section 158 of the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration Organization
Act (47 U.S.C. 942), as amended by this Act.
(h) Savings Provision.--Nothing in this Act or an amendment made by
this Act shall affect any application pending or grant awarded under
section 158 of the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration Organization Act (47 U.S.C. 942) prior to date of
enactment of this Act.
SEC. 10. ENCOURAGING DEPLOYMENT OF NEXT GENERATION 9-1-1 SERVICES.
(a) Consistent Implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 Services.--
(1) In general.--The Office shall implement, to the maximum
extent possible, its responsibilities under this Act in a
technologically and competitively neutral manner.
(2) Federal, state, and local action.--The Office shall
encourage and support efforts by the Federal Government,
States, and localities--
(A) to implement Next Generation 9-1-1 services in
a technologically and competitively neutral manner; and
(B) to take such other steps as are necessary to
harmonize and expedite the deployment of Next
Generation 9-1-1 services.
(b) Deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 Services.--Not later than 1
year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Office, after seeking
public comment, shall--
(1) identify and recommend such changes to State and local
law, including regulations and policies, that the Office
considers necessary to better support deployment of Next
Generation 9-1-1 services;
(2) recommend model language a State or locality can adopt
to support deployment of Next Generation 9-1-1 services; and
(3) report the findings and recommendations.
(c) Request for Information.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Office shall issue a request for
information seeking public comment on what additional actions
the Federal Government could take to enhance and support Next
Generation 9-1-1 services.
(2) Requirements.--At a minimum, the request for
information required by this subsection shall seek public
comment on--
(A) whether there is a need for a national public
safety answering points certification or credentialing
process with respect to Next Generation 9-1-1 services;
(B) whether Federal or State law, including
regulations, should be amended to include--
(i) specific liability and indemnification
protections for Next Generation 9-1-1 services;
and
(ii) privacy and data security protections
for information conveyed through Next
Generation 9-1-1 services or retained by Next
Generation 9-1-1 services;
(C) additional protections to ensure accessibility
to Next Generation 9-1-1 services for individuals with
disabilities; and
(D) recommended legislative and regulatory action
related to subparagraphs (A) through (C).
(3) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Office shall publish a report--
(A) summarizing the comments received in the
request for information required by this section; and
(B) including recommendations for such actions the
Office considers necessary to promote the effective and
timely implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1
services.
SEC. 11. SUPPORT FOR CYBERSECURITY IN NEXT GENERATION 9-1-1 SERVICES.
(a) Federal Assistance.--
(1) In general.--The Office, in consultation with the
Department of Homeland Security and the National Institute for
Science and Technology, shall provide support to States,
localities, vendors, and other entities in addressing
cybersecurity issues related to Next Generation 9-1-1 services.
(2) Specific assistance.--After publishing the report under
subsection (b), the Office shall provide information, training,
and other assistance to help implement the recommendations in
the report.
(b) NIST Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the National Institute of Standards and
Technology shall--
(1) identify any cybersecurity vulnerabilities that are
unique to the implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 services;
(2) identify and recommend best practices, consistent with
the most recent Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure
Cybersecurity, for affected entities to protect Next Generation
9-1-1 services from the vulnerabilities identified under
paragraph (1);
(3) identify and recommend specific assistance that can be
provided by the Federal Government related to the adoption of
any best practices identified under paragraph (2); and
(4) publish a report on its findings and recommendations.
(c) FCC Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 18 months after the date of
enactment of this Act, the Federal Communications Commission
shall publish a report on the adoption of and adherence--
(A) by telecommunications carriers to the network
reliability best practices established by the
Commission as part of its rulemaking related to
Improving 911 Reliability; Reliability and Continuity
of Communications Networks, Including Broadband
Technologies (28 FCC Record 17476); and
(B) by public safety answering points to the public
safety answering point best practices for cybersecurity
recommended by the Task Force on Optimal Public Safety
Answering Point Architecture in its final report issued
on February 19, 2016 (DA 16-179).
(2) Data collection.--The Federal Communications Commission
may request from relevant telecommunications carriers and
public safety answering points such data as may be necessary to
prepare the report required by this subsection.
(3) Public comment.--The Federal Communications Commission
shall seek public comment on the report required by this
subsection prior to its publication.
SEC. 12. GAO STUDY ON THE RESILIENCY OF PUBLIC SAFETY ANSWERING POINTS.
(a) In General.--The Comptroller General of the United States shall
conduct a study regarding the resiliency, reliability, and
survivability of public safety answering points during natural
disasters and other catastrophes.
(b) Contents.--In conducting the study under subsection (a), the
Comptroller General shall--
(1) examine the affect recent natural disasters or other
catastrophes have had on the operability of public safety
answering points;
(2) identify the common issues that impaired the operations
of public safety answering points during or after the natural
disaster or catastrophe, as applicable;
(3) identify the current best practices for public safety
answering points and telecommunication carriers to ensure the
resiliency of public safety answering points during a natural
disaster or other catastrophe; and
(4) determine how Next Generation 9-1-1 services can
improve public safety answering point resiliency and the
overall resiliency of the Nation's 9-1-1 systems.
(c) Report.--Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment
of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate and the Committee
on Energy and Commerce of the House of Representatives a report on the
findings of the study under subsection (a), including any
recommendations for additional actions the Federal Communications
Commission or Congress could take to enhance public safety answering
point resiliency, reliability, and survivability.
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