by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
The Reauthorizing of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) – H.R. 7386
On February 10th, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology voted to reauthorize FirstNet.
From NATOA:
The House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology today approved with a bipartisan voice vote the Markup of H.R. 7386 – To reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet.)
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) was created through the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 as an independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop a dedicated, reliable, secure, and interoperable nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN) to support the communications needs of first responders and other public safety officials. Congress allocated $7B of spectrum auction revenue to its startup and, 9 years ago, FirstNet awarded AT&T a 25-year, $6.5 billion contract and 20 megahertz (20 MHz) of spectrum to build, operate, and maintain the nationwide public safety network.
FirstNet’s authority is set to expire on February 22, 2027. This bill will renew FirstNet’s mandate through Sept. 30, 2037.
Both the House and the Senate have held hearings recently to improve the administration and functionality of the FirstNet.
The House bill approved by the subcommittee by unanimous voice vote will move to the full Committee. H.R. 7386 will:
- Remove language in current law which has FirstNet as an “independent authority” within NTIA/Commerce
- Give NTIA approval of FirstNet’s actions other than those on a specified list developed by NTIA
- Create an associate administrator position within the Commerce Department to oversee the FirstNet Authority
- Require NTIA to report annually to Congress on cybersecurity and outages, and on both the adoption & the deployment of FirstNet by public safety services and by geographic area.
- Raise the number of Board seats for public safety representatives from three to five and stagger terms.
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of a bill to reauthorize FirstNet.
Good morning, and welcome to today’s subcommittee markup on the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act. I’m excited about our progress and taking this next step towards reauthorizing this important program.
Last week we heard from a great panel of witnesses who shared their expertise and experience with FirstNet and provided input on how this legislation would improve the network and ensure it operates in the best interest of public safety.
We heard directly from NTIA that not only is the FirstNet Board protected in statute, but they have no intention of dismantling or casting aside the FirstNet Board. It’s actually quite the opposite. NTIA relies on the Board to provide crucial expertise and direction on the needs of public safety. This legislation not only keeps the Board, but strengthens public safety’s voice by requiring two additional seats on the Board be dedicated to public safety.
I want to note this vote today does not signify we’re done working on this legislation. We are continuing to gather feedback from public safety groups and stakeholders about certain provisions in this legislation, and we have a lot of work in the coming weeks to ensure that this bill is the best possible version it can be before it reaches the House floor.
Reliable communications are absolutely essential for our first responders in emergencies. While a lot has been done to stand up this first-of-its-kind public safety communications network, there is more work to do to ensure the promise of FirstNet is fulfilled. In my home state of North Carolina, first responders have shared their frustrations about FirstNet not working during Hurricane Helene. The reforms included in the legislation before us today are intended to ensure that FirstNet delivers a reliable, interoperable communications network to our first responders, and the FirstNet Authority acts in the best interests of the public safety community it serves.
I want to thank my colleagues for their continued commitment to this issue and for their work developing this proposal. I look forward to reauthorizing the First Responder Network Authority.
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee markup of H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026.
Today the Subcommittee is considering bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives McClellan and Dunn to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority. We must reauthorize this Authority to ensure we are providing first responders with reliable, interoperable communications during emergencies when it matters most. It is critical that we resolve the looming sunset of FirstNet and I commit to doing all I can to support that effort.
At the Subcommittee hearing last week on this legislation, witnesses stressed how the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network is an essential component of our emergency communications infrastructure. It provides an invaluable service keeping first responders connected not just when crises occur but also supports increased connectivity during major events like the Super Bowl this past Sunday in San Francisco, or the World Cup Finals at the Meadowlands in New Jersey later this year.
Much of FirstNet’s popularity with public safety users is the fact that the network has been deployed with direct input from public safety leaders who serve on the FirstNet Board. Since the early days of planning and standing up the network, to expanding coverage and upgrading services more recently, the FirstNet Board has ensured public safety has multiple seats at the table and a central role in the Authority’s activities.
It’s critically important that we ensure the voices of public safety leaders remain at the table. That’s why I am pleased the legislation before us today actually improves public safety representation on the Board by raising the number of Board seats reserved for public safety representatives from three to five. The bill also makes a technical correction to fix the stacking of Board terms so that only a portion of seats become vacant at one time. This should address the issue of brain drain from the Board while alleviating the burden of re-filling many vacancies at one time.
It is also clear, however, that the original classification in law of the First Responder Network Authority as both an independent authority and an authority under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has been a source of unnecessary confusion over the years. This unique situation has created structural problems with the FirstNet Authority that have, at times, opened the door to poor decision making and waste without any consequence for those responsible.
The Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General has identified a handful of troubling circumstances and actions that make clear there is not enough oversight of the Executive Director position under the current structure, which prevents accountability when it is called for.
The bill proposes to eliminate the ambiguity in current law by bringing the FirstNet Authority more formally under the purview of NTIA with the full intention of preserving the autonomy of FirstNet Authority leadership and employees over day-to-day operations, emergency response, strategic planning, and other activities they currently carry out. I appreciated feedback from witnesses and public safety stakeholders who have recommended that the Committee more explicitly contemplate the division of roles and responsibilities in the legislation. Those kinds of recommendations and others are highly useful as we move ahead with this process.
I look forward to continuing to work with Chairs Guthrie and Hudson, Ranking Member Matsui, and Representatives McClellan and Dunn to continue to strengthen the bill in order to build broad support in advance of a full Committee markup.
I am confident that with continued bipartisan cooperation and good-faith participation by Members and stakeholders alike, we will reauthorize FirstNet and guarantee first responders do not lose access to this critical service.
In the early years of FirstNet, JAG helped to spread the word of this important venture. All of us were invested in our Office of Emergency Managements in our own municipalities and the affiliation seemed destined and very relevant between our two groups.
And since we are still heavily entwined with our OEM’s, and they are interlinked through FirstNet during those emergencies when it truly matters the most. The importance of the passage of H.R. 7386 could not be made any clearer!
David Garb, Legislative Chair
Jersey Access Group
davegarb@paps.net
News & Events
Posted: April 28, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Celebrating Excellence: The 2026 JAG Awards
By Connor Cheung, Chair, JAG Awards Committee
As we approach the JAG Awards, it’s a privilege to look back at the incredible range of talent within our community. This year’s submissions have been outstanding, with 26 different organizations participating and bringing forward some of the most creative work we’ve seen.
On a personal note, my journey with media and community broadcasting has always been driven by the belief that local stories deserve a professional stage. In my work as chair of the JAG Awards Committee and through my involvement in various regional media projects, I’ve focused on bridging the gap between technical execution and meaningful storytelling. Whether it’s overseeing the logistics of our annual audit or working on-site to ensure our stations have the tools they need to succeed, I’m passionate about elevating the standard of what we produce. Seeing the growth in quality across our member stations over the last few years has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this role.
Of course, the culmination of all this hard work is the JAG Awards Banquet. It’s more than just a ceremony; it’s the one night of the year where we get to step out from behind the cameras and control boards to celebrate together. There is a unique energy in the room when colleagues from across the state finally get to connect, share ideas, and recognize the long hours that go into every 30-second promo and hours-long town hall. It’s a night of genuine fun, high spirits, and a shared pride in the impact local broadcasting has on our communities.
To give you a preview of the scale of this year’s competition, we have entries spanning a wide variety of categories, including:
We can’t wait to see you all there to celebrate another year of excellence! May 13 at the Crowne Plaza in Edison, New Jersey.
Posted: April 28, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update March 2026: News from Trenton & Washington and FCC Legislation Changes – Copy
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
Dangers of the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025 (H.R. 2289)
Last November, a dangerous bill passed out of the Congressional House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee, titled the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025 (H.R. 2289). H.R. 2289 gives telecommunication companies de facto power over local zoning laws:
Not only will local authorities have no control of the rights-of-way, but the franchise fees generated by them will also be impacted:
In an effort to make our leadership aware of the implications of this act, the Jersey Access Group created the following two videos about it:
3 Minute Video on H.R. 2289 Via Dropbox
3 Minute Video on HR 2289 Via Youtube
HR 2289 PSA (on the TelVue Server)
1 Minute Video on HR 2289 via Dropbox
1 Minute Video on HR 2289 via Youtube
HR 2289 PSA 1 min (on the TelVue Server)
Please forward both these videos to your local, state and federal lawmakers to make everyone aware and informed of the dangers of H.R. 2289 to your local municipalities. Also, please consider airing them on your television channels and other means of communication, to make the members of your community informed as well.
Amazing News!
ADA Title II Web and Mobility Access Compliance to the WCAG 2.1 Level AA Rules
A One Year Extension!
From Mike Lynch, Leg/Reg Affairs, NATOA-National Association of Telecommunications Officers and Advisors:
A hearty congratulations and ‘job well done’ to our good friends at the National League of Cities (NLC) and National Association of Counties (NACo) for achieving a one-year extension on both deadlines for the DOJ’s web accessibility rules for state and local government.
Angelina Panettieri of NLC and Seamus Dowdall of NACo each led a team of folks through meetings with the Office of Management and Budget and the Department of Justice to plead and argue on fiscal and technical grounds for this extension.
See the NLC and NACo ex parte filings here:
https://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/viewEO12866Meeting?viewRule=true&rin=1190-AA82&meetingId=1326573&acronym=1190-DOJ/CRT
The Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG 2.1) compliance deadlines are now:
April 26, 2027, for localities >50,000 in population &
April 26, 2028, for localities <50,000 in population.
What this means for all of us now is that beginning on April 26, 2027, any video that is on government websites (or anywhere on the web) serving more than 50K residents, has to be ADA compliant by providing online communications that meet a minimum WCAG standard. These rules will also apply to all government’s websites with less then 50,000 residents beginning April 26, 2028.
A link to the notice of this extension can be found in the Federal Register at: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/20/2026-07663/extension-of-compliance-dates-for-nondiscrimination-on-the-basis-of-disability-accessibility-of-web. The DOJ is also seeking comments about the interim rule extending the deadlines.
From Mike Wassenaar, President, ACM-Alliance for Community Media:
This ruling still includes closed captioning for all VOD and live streaming that is online, and a descriptive audio track for pre-recorded video that will also be aired online.
A reminder for everyone: you should determine the costs for compliance with the new rule and plan either to meet the standards for your online presence or to make the case that compliance with one or more elements presents an undue burden. In either case, decision makers with local government need to be involved. Regardless of the Federal Government’s enforcement of the ADA, these rules can be enforced through private legal action, so local governments and non-profits would be subject to legal liability if they fail to act appropriately.
You are not exempt from ADA requirements. They require all non-profits and local governments to assess the costs of providing effective communication for residents. Solutions must be based on what residents need. You may not be required to provide that service if it fundamentally changes what you do, or it presents an undue economic burden. Guidelines are at https://www.ada.gov/resources/effective-communication/
If you provide captions, but they are not transmitted by a cable operator on your channels, tell the FCC as this is against the law. Email dro@fcc.org or use the link https://www.fcc.gov/consumers/guides/closed-captioning-television.
Mike Wassenaar and the ACM have shared a slideshow with us Accessibility Rules Every PEG Channel Should Understand that highlights everything you need to know about these rules, as well as the following list of key takeaways to remember about disability access with your channels and services.
Posted: April 28, 2026 by Doug Seidel
JAG Annual Conference 2026
By Bob Duthaler, Conference Committee, Chair
The Jersey Access Group’s (JAG) Annual Conference continues to stand as one of the most important gatherings for community media professionals, volunteers, and municipal communication leaders across New Jersey. More than just an event, the conference represents a unique opportunity for JAG members to strengthen their skills, expand their networks, and stay ahead in an ever-evolving media landscape.
Why JAG Members Should Attend
For JAG members, attending the Annual Conference is both a professional investment and a strategic advantage. The conference brings together industry experts, municipal leaders, station managers, and content creators in a collaborative environment designed to inspire growth and innovation. Members gain access to the latest tools, emerging technologies, and regulatory updates that directly impact local government access channels.
Beyond the educational value, the conference fosters meaningful connections. Whether you’re a seasoned station manager or a volunteer just getting started, the ability to exchange ideas, troubleshoot challenges, and build relationships with peers is invaluable. Attendees consistently leave with actionable insights that improve their station operations, content quality, and community engagement efforts.
Day One – Wednesday, May 13, 2026: Technology, Innovation, and Celebration
JAG Technology Forum
The conference kicks off on May 13 with JAG’s highly anticipated Technology Forum. This portion of the event is dedicated to showcasing the latest advancements in broadcast, streaming, and production technology. Vendors from across the industry will demonstrate cutting-edge products designed specifically for community media operations. Attendees can expect to explore solutions in areas such as:
What sets the Technology Forum apart is its hands-on approach. Participants aren’t just observing—they’re actively engaging with the equipment, testing workflows, and speaking directly with vendors about real-world applications. This interactive experience allows attendees to better evaluate what tools will work best for their own stations and communities.
JAG Video Awards – Evening Celebration
As the day transitions from innovation to celebration, the evening of May 13th features the JAG Video Awards. This signature event recognizes excellence in community media programming across the state.
The awards ceremony highlights the creativity, dedication, and storytelling power of JAG members. From municipal meeting coverage to original productions, the Video Awards showcase the impact of local access television in informing and connecting communities. It’s also a moment of pride and inspiration, as attendees celebrate their peers and gain ideas for future projects.
Day Two – Thursday, May 14, 2026: Production/Management Symposium
The second day of the conference shifts focus to professional development through the Production and Management Symposium. This full day of sessions is designed to address both the creative and operational sides of running a successful access station.
Attendees can participate in a variety of sessions covering topics such as:
Each session is led by experienced professionals who provide practical insights and real-world strategies that attendees can immediately apply.
Keynote Lunch Panel: WCAG 2.1 AA Compliance
A major highlight of the day is the keynote lunch panel discussion focused on WCAG 2.1 AA compliance. As accessibility continues to be a critical priority, this session will address what local government access stations need to do to meet compliance standards. Panelists will discuss:
This session is especially important for municipal stations, as accessibility compliance is not only a best practice, but an increasing regulatory expectation. Attendees will leave with a clearer understanding of how to move forward confidently and responsibly.
Join the JAG Annual Conference
The JAG Annual Conference is more than an event—it’s a catalyst for growth, innovation, and community impact. From hands-on technology exploration to insightful educational sessions and inspiring celebrations, the conference offers something for every member.
All JAG members are strongly encouraged to attend and take full advantage of this opportunity. To maximize your savings, be sure to obtain your JAG Membership discount code by contacting JAG Treasurer Linda Besinkat lbesink@gmail.com.
For more information and to register, visit:www.jagconference.com Don’t miss your chance to be part of New Jersey’s premier community media event—register today and invest in the future of your station and your community.
Posted: April 10, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update April 2026: News from Trenton & Washington and FCC Legislation Changes
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
Dangers of the American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025 (H.R. 2289)
Last November, a dangerous bill passed from the Congressional House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee: The American Broadband Deployment Act of 2025 (H.R. 2289). H.R. 2289 gives telecommunication companies de-facto power over local zoning laws. It provides no public safety protections for construction of “deemed granted” facilities.
Sites will be constructed without any action by or notice to the local government. H.R. 2289 denies local governments the ability to ensure public safety, manage traffic, protect existing utilities and workers, and maintain fair competition—no reciprocal obligations on providers. It lets these service providers install facilities where they choose regardless of local zoning. This eliminates the ability of local government to balance providers’ and neighbors’ interests.
Not only will local authorities have no control of the rights-of-way, but they can no longer depend on the revenue generated by franchise fees. Eliminating cable franchise renewals would end state or local governments’ ability to enforce franchise obligations—including buildouts, customer service, and PEG channels. Municipalities will lose hundreds of thousands of dollars annually and local programming that provides transparency to the local residents.
In an effort to make our leaders aware of the implications of this act, the Jersey Access Group created these two videos:
1. A three-minute video which details the harmful points of H.R. 2289
3 Minute Video on H.R. 2289 Via DropBox
3 Minute Video on HR 2289 Via YouTube
2. A one-minute overview of H.R. 2289
1 Minute Video on HR 2289 via DropBox
1 Minute Video on HR 2289 via YouTube
Act now! Forward both these videos to your local, state and federal lawmakers to keep everyone aware and informed of how dangerous H.R. 2289 can be to local municipalities. To keep your community informed, air these videos on your television stations and other communications channels.
Posted: March 24, 2026 by Doug Seidel
AI Integration Strategy for PEG Channel Operations Facilities, Ethics, and Risk Mitigation
by Mark Albala, Cable Advisory Committee, Oakland TV
Building an integrated AI strategy that makes AI a useful co-pilot
The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into public, educational, and government (PEG) channel operations represents a fundamental shift from traditional “capture” media to a “construction of thought” paradigm.
Research indicates that while AI can enhance individual creativity by up to 26.6%, particularly for less skilled creators. But it presents a critical paradox. The PEG manager when utilizing AI risks losing some of the creative diversity demonstrated in their final product, with those allowing AI to take over the creative spirit creating superb output that is difficult to distinguish from the works of others that allowed AI to take over their efforts.
For PEG operators, the objective is to leverage AI as a “co-pilot” to improve operational efficiency and public accessibility without compromising the authentic, community-driven spirit that defines the sector. The most immediate benefits for PEG channels lie in automated facilities for closed captioning, real-time meeting documentation, and cost-effective post-production. These efficiencies, however, carry significant reputational risks, including “hallucinations” (AI-generated inaccuracies), data privacy concerns, and the “uncanny valley” effect that can erode public trust.
The following outlines a “Human in the Loop” strategy, prioritizing cryptographic authentication (C2PA) and human oversight to ensure that AI-assisted content remains transparent, legally compliant, and environmentally responsible:
AI enhancement suites like the ones imbedded directly within the suites, add ins like Adobe Podcast and standalone products like Lalai.AI and Suno.ai isolate vocals, clean the broadcast quality of audio and enhance the entertainment quality of videos.
Color grading and Visual special effects (VFX) are accommodated through advanced integration which accommodates “match moving”, thereby aligning digital elements with live action footage. Again, all of this is accommodated by utilizing AI utilized in every facet of the digital editing studio to ensure that LUTS and other color correction as well as frame to frame alignment are handled brilliantly.
There is a growing debate on whether AI-generated content should be watermarked. PEG channels should lead in transparency, disclosing AI involvement in architectural designs or dialogue cleanup. While there is a push for identifying Ai generated content, the legislation will always be significantly behind the technology enabling the integration of AI into any final output, and the question will always be the degree of introduced AI into the final creation, especially all tools utilized for creating videos (phone cameras utilizing computational photography, studio cameras imbedding Ai into their capture mechanisms, microphones utilizing Ai to clean up the sound tracks, editing studios utilizing AI into their overall workflows, etc.)
Best Practices for the PEG Channel “Human in the Loop”
To preserve the spirit and law of PEG broadcasting, operators should adopt the following management strategies:
Operators should prioritize “closed” AI systems for sensitive data to prevent local governmental information from being ingested into public training models.
Posted: March 24, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Why Local Media and National Media Serve Different Roles
by John C. Morley, Independent Producer
Local coverage offers a window into the places where people actually live.
When people talk about “the media,” they often imagine large national networks, major newspapers, or digital outlets covering stories that affect the entire country.
Those organizations play an important role in helping people understand national events and global developments. At the same time, there is another layer of media that operates on a much smaller scale: local media. While both serve the public, they operate in very different ways and focus on different kinds of stories.
National media tend to cover issues with broad impact. Elections, economic trends, international events, and major policy decisions often become national stories because they affect millions of people at once. These outlets must reach audiences across many regions, so their reporting naturally focuses on topics with broad relevance. The goal is to provide a shared understanding of major events and developments.
Local media works from a different starting point. Instead of looking at issues through a national lens, local reporting focuses on the everyday life of a particular community. Town meetings, school events, neighborhood initiatives, local organizations, and cultural traditions often become the stories that matter most at this level. These topics may not appear in national headlines, but they shape daily life for the people who live there.
Another difference is proximity. National reporters often cover stories from a distance, sometimes traveling to locations only when major events occur. Local media, on the other hand, is rooted in the same community it covers. The people producing the stories usually live in the area, understand the local context, and often know the people involved. This closeness gives local reporting a different perspective. It reflects not just what happens, but how events fit into the broader fabric of community life.
The scale of storytelling also differs. National outlets often need to condense complex topics into formats that reach a wide audience quickly. Local media can sometimes take a slower and more detailed approach. Stories may explore community traditions, long-standing relationships, or small but meaningful changes that develop over time. These kinds of stories help document how a town grows and changes.
Local media also plays a role in visibility. Many activities that bring communities together, such as festivals, volunteer efforts, school programs, or local arts, rarely receive national attention. Local coverage ensures these moments are recognized and remembered. In doing so, it creates a record of community life that might otherwise go unnoticed outside the town itself.
Another important difference is audience connection. People who follow national news may never meet the individuals involved in the stories they see. Local media, however, often features familiar faces and recognizable places. A viewer or reader might recognize a local park, a neighborhood organization, or a community leader mentioned in a story. This familiarity creates a sense of shared experience that is unique to local coverage.
None of this means national and local media compete with each other. In many ways, they complement each other. National reporting helps people understand the larger forces shaping the country and the world. Local reporting shows how those forces appear in everyday life within individual communities. Together, they provide a more complete picture of the world people live in.
In recent years, conversations about media have become more complicated as digital platforms expand how information travels. Stories can move quickly from one place to another, and local events sometimes gain wider attention through online sharing. Even in this environment, the distinction between national and local coverage remains important. Each level of media serves a different purpose and reaches audiences in different ways.
Understanding that difference helps people appreciate the role each plays. National outlets provide a broad view of major events, while local media capture the details of community life that might otherwise be overlooked. Both contribute to how people stay informed, but from different vantage points. Looking closely at local media reveals something easy to miss in larger conversations about news and information. Communities are not only shaped by national events. Everyday moments, local conversations, and shared experiences also shape them. Thus, Local coverage helps preserve those stories, offering a window into the places where people actually live their lives.
Posted: March 24, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Legislative Update March 2026: News from Trenton & Washington and FCC Legislation Changes
by Dave Garb, Legislative Committee Chair
The Reauthorizing of the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) – H.R. 7386
On February 10th, the House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology voted to reauthorize FirstNet.
From NATOA:
The House Energy & Commerce Subcommittee on Communications and Technology today approved with a bipartisan voice vote the Markup of H.R. 7386 – To reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet.)
The First Responder Network Authority (FirstNet) was created through the Middle Class Tax Relief and Job Creation Act of 2012 as an independent authority within the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) to develop a dedicated, reliable, secure, and interoperable nationwide public safety broadband network (NPSBN) to support the communications needs of first responders and other public safety officials. Congress allocated $7B of spectrum auction revenue to its startup and, 9 years ago, FirstNet awarded AT&T a 25-year, $6.5 billion contract and 20 megahertz (20 MHz) of spectrum to build, operate, and maintain the nationwide public safety network.
FirstNet’s authority is set to expire on February 22, 2027. This bill will renew FirstNet’s mandate through Sept. 30, 2037.
Both the House and the Senate have held hearings recently to improve the administration and functionality of the FirstNet.
The House bill approved by the subcommittee by unanimous voice vote will move to the full Committee. H.R. 7386 will:
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Richard Hudson (NC-09), Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, delivered the following opening statement at today’s markup of a bill to reauthorize FirstNet.
Good morning, and welcome to today’s subcommittee markup on the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act. I’m excited about our progress and taking this next step towards reauthorizing this important program.
Last week we heard from a great panel of witnesses who shared their expertise and experience with FirstNet and provided input on how this legislation would improve the network and ensure it operates in the best interest of public safety.
We heard directly from NTIA that not only is the FirstNet Board protected in statute, but they have no intention of dismantling or casting aside the FirstNet Board. It’s actually quite the opposite. NTIA relies on the Board to provide crucial expertise and direction on the needs of public safety. This legislation not only keeps the Board, but strengthens public safety’s voice by requiring two additional seats on the Board be dedicated to public safety.
I want to note this vote today does not signify we’re done working on this legislation. We are continuing to gather feedback from public safety groups and stakeholders about certain provisions in this legislation, and we have a lot of work in the coming weeks to ensure that this bill is the best possible version it can be before it reaches the House floor.
Reliable communications are absolutely essential for our first responders in emergencies. While a lot has been done to stand up this first-of-its-kind public safety communications network, there is more work to do to ensure the promise of FirstNet is fulfilled. In my home state of North Carolina, first responders have shared their frustrations about FirstNet not working during Hurricane Helene. The reforms included in the legislation before us today are intended to ensure that FirstNet delivers a reliable, interoperable communications network to our first responders, and the FirstNet Authority acts in the best interests of the public safety community it serves.
I want to thank my colleagues for their continued commitment to this issue and for their work developing this proposal. I look forward to reauthorizing the First Responder Network Authority.
Press Release
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Energy and Commerce Committee Ranking Member Frank Pallone, Jr. (D-NJ) delivered the following opening remarks at today’s Communications and Technology Subcommittee markup of H.R. 7386, the First Responder Network Authority Reauthorization Act of 2026.
Today the Subcommittee is considering bipartisan legislation introduced by Representatives McClellan and Dunn to reauthorize the First Responder Network Authority. We must reauthorize this Authority to ensure we are providing first responders with reliable, interoperable communications during emergencies when it matters most. It is critical that we resolve the looming sunset of FirstNet and I commit to doing all I can to support that effort.
At the Subcommittee hearing last week on this legislation, witnesses stressed how the Nationwide Public Safety Broadband Network is an essential component of our emergency communications infrastructure. It provides an invaluable service keeping first responders connected not just when crises occur but also supports increased connectivity during major events like the Super Bowl this past Sunday in San Francisco, or the World Cup Finals at the Meadowlands in New Jersey later this year.
Much of FirstNet’s popularity with public safety users is the fact that the network has been deployed with direct input from public safety leaders who serve on the FirstNet Board. Since the early days of planning and standing up the network, to expanding coverage and upgrading services more recently, the FirstNet Board has ensured public safety has multiple seats at the table and a central role in the Authority’s activities.
It’s critically important that we ensure the voices of public safety leaders remain at the table. That’s why I am pleased the legislation before us today actually improves public safety representation on the Board by raising the number of Board seats reserved for public safety representatives from three to five. The bill also makes a technical correction to fix the stacking of Board terms so that only a portion of seats become vacant at one time. This should address the issue of brain drain from the Board while alleviating the burden of re-filling many vacancies at one time.
It is also clear, however, that the original classification in law of the First Responder Network Authority as both an independent authority and an authority under the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) has been a source of unnecessary confusion over the years. This unique situation has created structural problems with the FirstNet Authority that have, at times, opened the door to poor decision making and waste without any consequence for those responsible.
The Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General has identified a handful of troubling circumstances and actions that make clear there is not enough oversight of the Executive Director position under the current structure, which prevents accountability when it is called for.
The bill proposes to eliminate the ambiguity in current law by bringing the FirstNet Authority more formally under the purview of NTIA with the full intention of preserving the autonomy of FirstNet Authority leadership and employees over day-to-day operations, emergency response, strategic planning, and other activities they currently carry out. I appreciated feedback from witnesses and public safety stakeholders who have recommended that the Committee more explicitly contemplate the division of roles and responsibilities in the legislation. Those kinds of recommendations and others are highly useful as we move ahead with this process.
I look forward to continuing to work with Chairs Guthrie and Hudson, Ranking Member Matsui, and Representatives McClellan and Dunn to continue to strengthen the bill in order to build broad support in advance of a full Committee markup.
I am confident that with continued bipartisan cooperation and good-faith participation by Members and stakeholders alike, we will reauthorize FirstNet and guarantee first responders do not lose access to this critical service.
In the early years of FirstNet, JAG helped to spread the word of this important venture. All of us were invested in our Office of Emergency Managements in our own municipalities and the affiliation seemed destined and very relevant between our two groups.
And since we are still heavily entwined with our OEM’s, and they are interlinked through FirstNet during those emergencies when it truly matters the most. The importance of the passage of H.R. 7386 could not be made any clearer!
David Garb, Legislative Chair
Jersey Access Group
davegarb@paps.net
Posted: February 28, 2026 by Doug Seidel
Spotlight: Cranford TV-35 – It’s there, but not always easy to find to find
By Don Smith, Manager, Cranford TV-35
How to get the most out of your Verizon FIOS statewide contract
The statewide contract from Verizon Fios provides for any municipal buildings (schools, police departments, fire departments, etc.) that the township or city owns, to be eligible for one free internet drop and one free cable TV drop.
Now, with that, the internet drop is a basic 50 megabits over 50 megabits fiber connection, and TV is a Basic TV package. We have used this in Cranford in a variety of ways. For example, at the library Wi-Fi from the new service is being used for public Wi-Fi on the first floor.
Several of our locations (such as our historical society) did not even have internet service. Some of our other buildings such as the police department and fire department are using these as backup services. The statewide contract with the details can be found on our website jagonline.org under the members section (Another Great Reason to Become a Member!)
I would encourage you to have a conversation with your mayor or administrator to discuss this great free resource.
What is needed from FIOS is the following:
They will then, in turn, send it to engineering and a scheduler will contact you to schedule the drops. One note is that these drops are considered residential. There is no bill, and it is free. The hardware is free too. This is a fantastic resource for your community! Trust me your mayor and council will be very pleased!