H.R.1076 - Weather Alert Response and Notification Act; WARN Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 1076, the Weather Alert Response and Notification Act (WARN Act), directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the effectiveness of emergency alerting systems. The study will focus on local, state, territory, and federal systems during weather-related emergencies. The goal is to improve policies and procedures for emergency response and enhance public safety.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to improve the dissemination of timely and relevant information during weather-related emergencies. This includes evaluating alert mediums like social media and assessing the clarity and actionability of alert content. The Comptroller General will submit a report to relevant committees in the House and Senate with findings and recommendations.
Potential Benefits
- Enhanced public safety through improved emergency alerting systems.
- Better policies and procedures for emergency response during weather events.
- More effective use of various alert mediums, including social media.
- Clearer and more actionable alert content for the public.
- Improved coordination among local, state, territory, and federal alerting systems.
Potential Disadvantages
- The study itself may require allocation of resources and time.
- There might be a delay of 18 months before the report is submitted, postponing potential improvements.
- The effectiveness of the improvements will depend on the implementation of the report's recommendations.
- The study's findings may reveal shortcomings in existing systems, potentially causing concern among the public.
- The bill does not guarantee funding for implementing any recommended improvements.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's broad goals of promoting the general welfare and ensuring domestic tranquility, as stated in the Preamble. Congress's power to legislate on matters related to interstate commerce and to provide for the common defense could be interpreted to support this type of legislation. The study mandated by the bill does not appear to infringe upon any specific constitutional rights or limitations.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).