Aqua Alert Act
Bill: H.R.8541 | Sponsor: Rep. Phillips, Dean (D-MN)
Policy area: Transportation and Public Works

Summary:
Aqua Alert Act
This bill directs the U.S. Coast Guard to establish a pilot program to improve the issuance of alerts to render aid to distressed individuals on and under the high seas and waters over which the United States has jurisdiction.
In developing the pilot program, the Coast Guard must consult with relevant federal agencies, states, territories, tribal governments, and political subdivisions.

To direct the Commandant of the Coast Guard to establish a pilot 
  program to improve the issuance of alerts to facilitate cooperation 
 with the public to render aid to distressed individuals under section 
      521 of title 14, United States Code, and for other purposes.

    Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the 
United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

    This Act may be cited as the ``Aqua Alert Act''.

SEC. 2. AQUA ALERT NOTIFICATION SYSTEM PILOT PROGRAM.

    (a) In General.--Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment 
of this Act, the Commandant of the Coast Guard shall, subject to the 
availability of appropriations, establish a pilot program to improve 
the issuance of alerts to facilitate cooperation with the public to 
render aid to distressed individuals under section 521 of title 14, 
United States Code.
    (b) Pilot Program Contents.--The pilot program established under 
subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent possible--
            (1) include a voluntary opt-in program under which members 
        of the public may receive notifications on cellular devices 
        regarding Coast Guard activities to render aid to distressed 
        individuals under section 521 of title 14, United States Code;
            (2) cover areas located within the area of responsibility 
        of 3 different Coast Guard sectors in diverse geographic 
        regions; and
            (3) provide that the dissemination of an alert be limited 
        to the geographic areas most likely to facilitate the rendering 
        of aide to distressed individuals.
    (c) Consultation With Other Agencies, States, Territories, and 
Political Subdivisions.--In developing the pilot program under 
subsection (a), the Commandant shall consult any relevant Federal 
agency, State, Territory, Tribal government, possession, or political 
subdivision.
    (d) Report to Congress.--Not later than 2 years after the date of 
enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter through 2026, the 
Commandant shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and 
Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on 
Commerce, Science, and Transportation of the Senate, and make available 
to the public, a report on the implementation of this Act.
    (e) Authorization of Appropriations.--
            (1) In general.--There is authorized to be appropriated to 
        carry out this Act $3,000,000 to the Commandant for each of 
        fiscal years 2023 through 2026.
            (2) Availability of funds.--Amounts appropriated pursuant 
        to paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.
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