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ITS Codification Act

8/9/2025, 5:41 PM

Summary of Bill HR 1455

Bill 119 HR 1455, also known as the "Emergency Communication and Tracking Technologies Initiative Act," aims to establish the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences as a permanent entity within the Department of Commerce. This bill also directs the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to create an initiative that will support the development of emergency communication and tracking technologies.

The purpose of this initiative is to enhance the capabilities of emergency responders and public safety officials in times of crisis. By investing in the development of new technologies, such as GPS tracking devices and communication systems, the government hopes to improve response times and overall effectiveness in emergency situations.

The bill does not specify a budget for this initiative, but it does require the Assistant Secretary to report to Congress on the progress and impact of the program annually. Additionally, the bill includes provisions for the protection of privacy and civil liberties, ensuring that any data collected through these technologies is used responsibly and in accordance with the law. Overall, Bill 119 HR 1455 seeks to improve the nation's emergency response capabilities by investing in cutting-edge technologies and establishing a permanent institute dedicated to telecommunications research.

Congressional Summary of HR 1455

Institute for Telecommunication Sciences Codification Act or the ITS Codification Act

This bill provides statutory authority for the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences (ITS), which serves as the telecommunications research and engineering arm of the National Telecommunications and Information Administration.

The bill also directs ITS to establish an initiative to support the development of emergency communication and tracking technologies for use in locating trapped individuals in confined spaces (e.g., underground mines) where conventional radio communication is limited.

Current Status of Bill HR 1455

Bill HR 1455 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since July 15, 2025. Bill HR 1455 was introduced during Congress 119 and was introduced to the House on February 21, 2025.  Bill HR 1455's most recent activity was Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. as of July 15, 2025

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 1455

Total Number of Sponsors
12
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
12
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
1
Democrat Cosponsors
1
Republican Cosponsors
0
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 1455

Primary Policy Focus

Science, Technology, Communications

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 1455

To codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences and to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish an initiative to support the development of emergency communication and tracking technologies, and for other purposes.
To codify the Institute for Telecommunication Sciences and to direct the Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Communications and Information to establish an initiative to support the development of emergency communication and tracking technologies, and for other purposes.

Comments

Evan Weaver profile image

Evan Weaver

423

4 months ago

This bill is gonna change things for the better, can't wait to see what happens with it. #excited #changeisgood

Bear Blackwell profile image

Bear Blackwell

469

4 months ago

I just read about this new bill and I have to say, I'm not too thrilled about it. It seems like it could have some negative impacts on me and others in my community. I hope there's more discussion and consideration before it becomes law.

Saint Parker profile image

Saint Parker

404

9 months ago

This bill is just another example of government overreach and wasteful spending. Why do we need to establish a whole new initiative for emergency communication and tracking technologies? Can't we just use existing resources and agencies to handle this? #ridiculous

Wynter Guthrie profile image

Wynter Guthrie

437

9 months ago

I think this bill is good for us. It will help with stuff. I like it.