47 U.S.C. § 1424 Establishment of the First Responder Network Authority

• Library: United States Statutes
• Edition: prefLabel,label,title,shortLabel
• Currency: Current through P.L. 118-19 (published on www.congress.gov on 10/06/2023)
• Citation: 47 U.S.C. § 1424

(a) Establishment

There is established as an independent authority within the NTIA the "First Responder Network Authority" or "FirstNet".

(b) Board

(1) In general

The First Responder Network Authority shall be headed by a Board, which shall consist of-

(A) the Secretary of Homeland Security;

(B) the Attorney General of the United States;

(C) the Director of the Office of Management and Budget; and

(D) 12 individuals appointed by the Secretary of Commerce in accordance with paragraph (2).

(2) Appointments

(A) In general

In making appointments under paragraph (1)(D), the Secretary of Commerce shall-

(i) appoint not fewer than 3 individuals to represent the collective interests of the States, localities, tribes, and territories;

(ii) seek to ensure geographic and regional representation of the United States in such appointments;

(iii) seek to ensure rural and urban representation in such appointments; and

(iv) appoint not fewer than 3 individuals who have served as public safety professionals.

(B) Required qualifications

(i) In general

Each member appointed under paragraph (1)(D) should meet not less than 1 of the following criteria:

(I) Public safety experience

Knowledge and experience in the use of Federal, State, local, or tribal public safety or emergency response.

(II) Technical expertise

Technical expertise and fluency regarding broadband communications, including public safety communications.

(III) Network expertise

Expertise in building, deploying, and operating commercial telecommunications networks.

(IV) Financial expertise

Expertise in financing and funding telecommunications networks.

(ii) Expertise to be represented

In making appointments under paragraph (1)(D), the Secretary of Commerce shall appoint-

(I) not fewer than 1 individual who satisfies the requirement under subclause (II) of clause (i);

(II) not fewer than 1 individual who satisfies the requirement under subclause (III) of clause (i); and

(III) not fewer than 1 individual who satisfies the requirement under subclause (IV) of clause (i).

(C) Citizenship

No individual other than a citizen of the United States may serve as a member of the Board.

(c) Terms of appointment

(1) Initial appointment deadline

Members of the Board shall be appointed not later than 180 days after February 22, 2012.

(2) Terms

(A) Length

(i) In general

Each member of the Board described in subparagraphs (A) through (C) of subsection (b)(1) shall serve as a member of the Board for the life of the First Responder Network Authority.