Federal Building Threat Notification Act | ChamberLight
Bills · HR 6481
PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS
House BillHR 6481Emergency communications systemsGovernment buildings, facilities, and property
Federal Building Threat Notification Act
INTRO DEC 4· LAST ACTION MAR 25
READING
2MIN
COSPONSORS
1
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because clear and timely communication during emergencies can save lives and reduce injuries. Currently, emergency communication protocols might vary between federal buildings, leading to potential confusion or delays when disaster strikes. By requiring standardized guidance, this bill aims to ensure a consistent, effective response across many federal facilities.
If this bill becomes law, anyone inside a federal building during a 'life safety event'—from an active shooter situation to a natural disaster—can expect to receive consistent and reliable information and instructions. If it doesn't pass, emergency communication practices may remain fragmented, potentially leading to less effective responses and greater risk to federal workers and the public during critical incidents.
KEY PROVISIONS
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PROVISION 01
Requires the General Services Administration (GSA) and Federal Protective Service (FPS) to develop and share emergency communication guidance.
This ensures a unified and expert-backed approach to notifying building occupants during emergencies.
PROVISION 02
Specifies that the guidance must include standard operating procedures for informing tenants of threats and instructions for safety practices.
This guarantees that the guidance covers both immediate threat notification and practical safety responses for occupants.
PROVISION 03
Mandates that building facility security committees implement this new guidance in federal buildings.
This ensures the developed protocols are put into practical use at the building level, directly impacting occupant safety.
PROVISION 04
Requires the GSA Administrator to submit a report to Congress within 18 months on the implemented best practices.
This provides accountability and allows Congress to review the effectiveness and implementation of the new safety measures.
This bill matters because clear and timely communication during emergencies can save lives and reduce injuries. Currently, emergency communication protocols might vary between federal buildings, leading to potential confusion or delays when disaster strikes. By requiring standardized guidance, this bill aims to ensure a consistent, effective response across many federal facilities.
If this bill becomes law, anyone inside a federal building during a 'life safety event'—from an active shooter situation to a natural disaster—can expect to receive consistent and reliable information and instructions. If it doesn't pass, emergency communication practices may remain fragmented, potentially leading to less effective responses and greater risk to federal workers and the public during critical incidents.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Requires the General Services Administration (GSA) and Federal Protective Service (FPS) to develop and share emergency communication guidance.
This ensures a unified and expert-backed approach to notifying building occupants during emergencies.
high
Specifies that the guidance must include standard operating procedures for informing tenants of threats and instructions for safety practices.
This guarantees that the guidance covers both immediate threat notification and practical safety responses for occupants.
med
Mandates that building facility security committees implement this new guidance in federal buildings.
This ensures the developed protocols are put into practical use at the building level, directly impacting occupant safety.
med
Requires the GSA Administrator to submit a report to Congress within 18 months on the implemented best practices.
This provides accountability and allows Congress to review the effectiveness and implementation of the new safety measures.
Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act
GSA and FPS must develop and disseminate emergency communication guidance.
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act
GSA Administrator must submit an electronic report to Congress on implemented best practices and protocols.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Administrator of General Services (GSA)
The head of the federal agency that manages and supports the basic functioning of federal agencies, including constructing and managing federal buildings.
Director of the Federal Protective Service (FPS)
The head of the federal law enforcement agency that protects federal facilities, their occupants, and visitors by providing law enforcement and security services.
Life safety events
Emergencies or incidents that require immediate response from first responders, such as law enforcement, fire, emergency rescue teams, or natural disaster experts.
Building facility security committees
Groups responsible for overseeing security measures and emergency preparedness for specific federal buildings.
Standard operating procedures
A set of step-by-step instructions compiled by an organization to help workers carry out routine operations.
Guidance
Recommendations, advice, or instructions provided by an authority to help direct actions or decisions.
ACTION TIMELINE
15 EVENTS
MAR 25
Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
INTROREFERRAL
MAR 24
Mr. Taylor moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
FLOOR
MAR 24
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H2649-2650)
FLOOR
MAR 24
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6481.