S.290 - Making National Parks Safer Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.290, the "Making National Parks Safer Act," directs the Secretary of the Interior to upgrade emergency communications centers within the National Park System to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) systems. This involves assessing current systems, identifying costs, and developing a plan for implementation. The goal is to improve emergency response capabilities in national parks.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to enhance public safety within national parks by modernizing emergency communication infrastructure. This will lead to faster and more efficient responses to emergencies. It also mandates interoperability with state and local emergency services.
Potential Benefits
- Improved emergency response times within National Parks.
- Enhanced communication interoperability between federal, state, and local emergency services.
- Increased safety for visitors and staff in National Parks.
- Modernization of critical infrastructure in National Parks.
- Better data collection and analysis for emergency management.
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential costs associated with the implementation and maintenance of NG9-1-1 systems.
- Possible delays or challenges in achieving full interoperability with existing systems.
- Risk of technological issues during the transition to new systems.
- Potential for increased data collection and privacy concerns (though not explicitly mentioned, a possibility with enhanced systems).
- The bill does not address funding mechanisms, which could lead to uncertainty.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to improve public safety within federal lands. Specifically, the Constitution grants Congress the power to "exercise exclusive Legislation in all Cases whatsoever, over such District (not exceeding ten Miles square) as may, by Cession of particular States, and the Acceptance of Congress, become the Seat of the Government of the United States, and to exercise like Authority over all Places purchased by the Consent of the Legislature of the State in which the Same shall be, for the Erection of Forts, Magazines, Arsenals, dock-Yards, and other needful Buildings" (Article I, Section 8, Clause 17). National Parks fall under this purview.
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).