The Federal Communications Commission has announced the deadlines for public comment on its proposed changes to the Emergency Alert System and the Wireless Emergency Alerts system.
As we reported earlier, the commission, prompted by Congress, has issued a notice of proposed rulemaking and a related notice of inquiry.
The NPRM’s new rules would ensure that mobile devices cannot opt out of receiving WEA alerts from the Federal Emergency Management Agency; adopt additional requirements for State Emergency Communications Committees and state EAS plans; establish a false alert reporting system for certain government entities; and require the repeating of certain EAS messages.
Comments in PS docket numbers 15-91 and 15-94 are due April 20 and replies are due May 4. They can be filed in the FCC’s online comment system.
The separate notice of inquiry seeks comment on the feasibility of updating EAS to enable or improve alerts through the Internet, including from streaming services. Comments on that are due May 14, and replies are due June 14.
