February 6, 2025
Mr. Langworthy (for himself, Ms. Davids of Kansas, Mr. Meuser, Mr. Moylan, Mr. Rogers of Alabama, Mr. Weber of Texas, Mr. Carter of Louisiana, Ms. Norton, Ms. Tlaib, Mr. Moskowitz, Mrs. Dingell, Mr. Lawler, Mr. Neguse, Mr. Harder of California, Mr. Mullin, Ms. King-Hinds, Mrs. Luna, Mr. Thompson of Mississippi, Mr. Pappas, Ms. Barragán, and Mr. Carbajal) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the effectiveness of emergency alerting systems, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Weather Alert Response and Notification Act
or the WARN Act
.
Sec. 2. Effectiveness of local, State, territory, and Federal alerting systems
(a) In general
The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of local, State, territory, and Federal emergency alerting systems in disseminating timely and relevant information during weather-related emergencies to help communities develop better policies and procedures for emergency response and enhance public safety in the event of a weather-related emergency.
(b) Contents
In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Comptroller General shall—
(1)
evaluate the efficacy of various alert mediums, including platforms such as social media, to disseminate emergency alerts, including travel bans and mass power outages, during extreme weather events;
(2)
assess the extent that guidance and training exists for developing alert content, such as ensuring alerts are clear, relevant, and provide the public with actionable information; and
(3)
determine whether improvements could be made to public alerting, including outdoor siren systems, based on input from a selected sample of emergency managers, local officials, and community groups.
(c) Report
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the study conducted under subsection (a).