Us Congress House Bill HB6137

Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 11/1/23
• Refer: 11/1/23
• Refer: 11/14/23

Caption

GIS Emergency Response Technology Sustainment Act of 2023

Impact

The implementation of HB 6137 is expected to significantly enhance the effectiveness of emergency responses across various jurisdictions. By channeling resources toward GIS technologies, the bill aims to improve coordination among emergency responders and NGOs, ensuring better preparedness and response mechanisms during disasters. Moreover, this funding could potentially lead to the development of new technologies and systems that aid in faster and more efficient emergency management. Regular reporting by the Secretary of Homeland Security will promote transparency in the utilization of funds and overall program effectiveness.

Summary

House Bill 6137, known as the GIS Emergency Response Technology Sustainment Act of 2023, seeks to authorize annual appropriations for the Geospatial Management Office of the Department of Homeland Security. The primary goal of the bill is to sustain and enhance innovative Geographic Information System (GIS) technologies that improve emergency response capabilities, specifically focusing on urban search and rescue operations. With a proposed funding allocation of $3 million each fiscal year from 2024 to 2030, the bill aims to establish programs that support training, planning, and immediate response in disaster situations through advanced geospatial support technologies.

Contention

While the bill is largely seen as a positive step towards improving public safety through technological innovation, there may be discussions regarding the allocation of appropriations and the effectiveness of such investments in practical scenarios. Stakeholders may debate whether the proposed funding is sufficient to cover all necessary aspects of emergency response technology or if the focus on GIS may come at the expense of other important areas in emergency management. Questions about the operational efficiency of public and nonprofit collaboration in the context of the program may also arise as it unfolds.