S. 3663 Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act

Summary

On October 1, 2008, Sen John D. Rockefeller IV introduced the Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act (S 3663),a bill to require the Federal Communications Commission to provide for a short-term extension of the analog television broadcasting authority so that essential public safety announcements and digital television transition information may be provided for a short time during the transition to digital television broadcasting.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

This Act may be cited as the `Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act'.

SEC. 2. COMMISSION ACTION REQUIRED.

(a) PROGRAM REQUIRED- Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Federal Communications Commission shall, not later than January 15, 2009, develop and implement a program to encourage and permit, to the extent technically feasible, the continued broadcasting in the analog television service of the public safety information and digital transition information specified in subsection (b) during the 30-day period beginning February 18, 2009, subject to such limitations as the Commission finds to be consistent with the public interest and the requirements of this Act.

(b) INFORMATION REQUIRED- The program required by subsection (a) shall provide for the broadcast of--

(1) emergency information, including critical details regarding the emergency, as carried or required to be carried by full-power stations in the digital television service;

(2) information, in both English and Spanish, and accessible to persons with disabilities, concerning--

(A) the digital television transition, including the fact that a transition has taken place and that additional action is required to continue receiving television service, including emergency notifications; and

(B) the steps required to enable viewers to receive such emergency information via the digital television service and to convert to receiving digital television service, including a phone number and Internet address by which help with such transition may be obtained in both English and Spanish; and

(3) such other information as the Commission may find to be consistent with the public interest.

Updates

• * 12/24/08 FCC moves quickly to implement the SAFER Act

  * 12/23/08 President Bush signs the bill into law.

  * 12/11/08 The bill passed the House by unanimous consent

  * 11/20/08 Senate passed the bill by unanimous consent

  * 10/01/08 Introduced and referred to the Senate Commerce Committee

Resources

See the Short-term Analog Flash and Emergency Readiness Act (SAFER) (H.R. 7013)

Supporters

Sponsor:
Sen John D. Rockefeller IV (D-WV)

National Association of Broadcasters

Date