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Bill107th CongressFiled Mar 20, 2002Science, Technology, Communications
S. 2037

Science and Technology Emergency Mobilization Act

Bill journey · stage 2 of 5

Under committee review

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What it doesSummary passed senate amended (Jul 18, 2002)

Science and Technology Emergency Mobilization Act - Directs the President to designate an appropriate department, agency, or office to: (1) compile and maintain a repository database of nongovernmental technology and science experts who have offered, and who can be mobilized, to help Federal agencies counter terrorism; and (2) develop a procedure to encourage groups of volunteers with technological or scientific expertise to team with individuals from State and local governments, local emergency response agencies, and nongovernmental emergency aid, assistance, and relief organizations. Provides for the certification of such groups as NET (national emergency technology) Guard disaster response teams.

(Sec. 4) Requires the President to: (1) establish a Center for Civilian Homeland Security Technology Evaluation to evaluate innovative technologies relating to security and emergency preparedness and response and to serve as a national clearinghouse for such technologies; and (2) create an online portal to provide a single point of access to the Center and a single point of contact at each Federal agency participating in the Center for individuals and companies with innovative technologies.

(Sec. 5) Directs the President to establish a pilot program of grants for planning or implementation of interoperable communications systems for appropriate emergency response agencies. Requires grants of $5 million each to seven States under such program.

(Sec. 6) Requires the President to designate an appropriate department, agency, or office to submit to specified congressional committees policy options for ensuring that emergency officials and first responders have access to effective and reliable wireless communications capabilities. Requires a report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the barriers to acceptance by Federal agencies of in-kind donations of technology and services during emergency situations.

(Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations.

What just happenedSep 9, 2002

Referred to the Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Chairman.

Who’s behind it

Sen. Wyden, Ron [D-OR](D-OR)Sponsor
1 cosponsor
Read on Congress.gov
4committees
Passed Senate amendedJul 18, 200235
Science and Technology Emergency Mobilization Act - Directs the President to designate an appropriate department, agency, or office to: (1) compile and maintain a repository database of nongovernmental technology and science experts who have offered, and who can be mobilized, to help Federal agencies counter terrorism; and (2) develop a procedure to encourage groups of volunteers with technological or scientific expertise to team with individuals from State and local governments, local emergency response agencies, and nongovernmental emergency aid, assistance, and relief organizations. Provides for the certification of such groups as NET (national emergency technology) Guard disaster response teams.

(Sec. 4) Requires the President to: (1) establish a Center for Civilian Homeland Security Technology Evaluation to evaluate innovative technologies relating to security and emergency preparedness and response and to serve as a national clearinghouse for such technologies; and (2) create an online portal to provide a single point of access to the Center and a single point of contact at each Federal agency participating in the Center for individuals and companies with innovative technologies.

(Sec. 5) Directs the President to establish a pilot program of grants for planning or implementation of interoperable communications systems for appropriate emergency response agencies. Requires grants of $5 million each to seven States under such program.

(Sec. 6) Requires the President to designate an appropriate department, agency, or office to submit to specified congressional committees policy options for ensuring that emergency officials and first responders have access to effective and reliable wireless communications capabilities. Requires a report from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the barriers to acceptance by Federal agencies of in-kind donations of technology and services during emergency situations.

(Sec. 7) Authorizes appropriations.

Introduced in SenateMar 20, 200200
Science and Technology Emergency Mobilization Act - Directs the President to establish an office to mobilize technology and science experts to form a national emergency technology guard to provide technology-based assistance to Federal, State, and local emergency response agencies, nongovernmental emergency aid, assistance, and relief organizations. Requires the Director of the office to develop a procedure by which a group of individuals with technological expertise may form teams and apply for certification.

Requires the Director to: (1) activate teams in an emergency; (2) provide for their access to emergency sites; (3) develop and maintain a virtual technology reserve consisting of a database of technology or scientific expertise and equipment that nongovernmental entities have volunteered to make available in an emergency; and (4) appoint a Technology Reliability Advisory Board.

Requires the Director of the National Institute of Standards and Technology to establish a Center for Civilian Homeland Security Technology Evaluation.

Directs the Administrator of the U.S. Fire Administration to establish an interoperable communications pilot program and to make grants to seven different States for projects under such program.

Science and Technology Emergency Mobilization Act — Informed