National Response Framework Improvement Act of 2020

To require the Federal Emergency Management Agency to evaluate the National Response Framework based on lessons learned from the COVID–19 pandemic, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the National Response Framework Improvement Act of 2020 2. Evaluation of National Response Framework (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (referred to in this Act as the Administrator (b) Requirements After conducting the evaluation required under subsection (a), the Administrator shall— (1) in accordance with section 509(b)(2) of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 ( 6 U.S.C. 319(b)(2) (2) provide recommendations on actions relevant agencies can take to address gaps identified through the evaluation; and (3) conduct an additional evaluation as part of the after-action review process of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. 3. Interagency information sharing (a) In general The Administrator shall— (1) evaluate the processes for collecting and sharing information across the primary and support agencies of the emergency support functions during an incident for which the emergency support functions are activated under the National Response Framework; (2) provide recommendations to the heads of the primary and support agencies of emergency support functions for how to improve processes under paragraph (1); and (3) update the National Response Framework to account for new information collection and sharing processes that result from the evaluation and recommendations under paragraphs (1) and (2). (b) Coordination In evaluating the processes required under subsection (a)(1), the Administrator shall coordinate with the head of each emergency support function coordinator and the heads of primary and support agencies of the emergency support functions. (c) Modifications The Administrator may make modifications to the processes incorporated into the National Response Framework under subsection (a)(3) during an incident in which the emergency support functions are activated under the National Response Framework if the Administrator determines such modifications are necessary to ensure efficient communication and information sharing. 4. Training (a) Evaluation of training program Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall— (1) conduct an assessment of the training programs for primary and support agencies of the emergency support functions under the National Response Network that are in effect on the date of enactment of this Act; and (2) provide recommendations to the heads of the primary and support agencies of emergency support functions for how to improve the training programs described in paragraph (1). (b) Annual training The Administrator shall, on an annual basis and in coordination with the heads of primary and support agencies of the emergency support functions under the National Response Framework, provide training on enhancements or updates made to the National Response Framework. 5. Required briefing (a) In general Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives on— (1) the evaluation conducted under section 2, including the updates made to the National Response Framework and the recommendations required under section 2(b); (2) the evaluation and recommendations developed under paragraphs (1) and (2) of section 3(a); and (3) the training program required to be established under section 4, including information relating to how frequently training is offered and the attendance of the training by employees of relevant agencies. (b) Notification The Administrator shall provide notice to Congress on any technology system updates that develop after the briefing required under subsection (a) that may impact information sharing efforts across the emergency support functions.

Summary: National Response Framework Improvement Act of 2020 This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) (1) to provide summaries of any gaps or inefficiencies in the National Response Framework of the Department of Homeland Security based on lessons learned from the COVID-19 (i.e., coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic; and (2) after the end of the pandemic, as part of its after-action review process, to conduct an evaluation of the framework. Such evaluation shall include (1) any updates to the framework determined necessary by FEMA, in coordination with the primary and support agencies of the emergency support functions, based on the gaps or inefficiencies identified; and (2) recommendations on actions relevant agencies can take to address gaps identified. FEMA must brief the congressional homeland security committees on the summaries and conduct biennial evaluations and updates of the framework.