Bill · H.R. 8846· House(119-HR-8846)
Tornado Preparedness Act
- Introduced
- 5/15/2026
- Last activity
- 5/15/2026 — Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- Wesley Bell
- Cosponsors
- None
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Tornado Preparedness Act aims to improve tornado detection, forecasting, warning dissemination, and community resilience. It directs the Administrator of NOAA and the Administrator of FEMA to establish a program to improve forecasting and warning capabilities through investments in new technologies and models. Additionally, the bill establishes a grant program through FEMA to help state and local agencies support tornado preparedness. These grants can fund things like storm shelters, modernized warning systems, and public education. The act also mandates interagency coordination and requires a report to Congress on implementation progress.
Yes· 3 of 8
Does this improve help for people hit by a disaster?+7
The act directs FEMA to establish a grant program specifically for enhancing community tornado resilience and preparedness.
Would households on low incomes be better off under this?+5
The bill prioritizes underserved and low-income communities for resilience grants and storm shelter access.
Does this put more money into scientific research?+5
The bill mandates investment in next-generation radar, satellite, and sensor technologies for weather detection.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
-
Improved Detection and Forecasting: The bill calls for investment in next-generation radar, satellite, and sensor technologies, as well as advanced forecasting models using artificial intelligence and machine learning (Section 3). This could provide better and more timely information to those in the path of a storm.
-
Better Warning Systems: The act includes the expansion of localized, impact-based warning systems and general improvements to warning systems (Section 3). This is intended to address gaps in providing actionable alerts to the public.
-
Increased Community Safety through Shelters: Through the grant program, funds can be used for the construction or retrofitting of community storm shelters in locations such as schools and mobile home communities (Section 4).
-
Support for Vulnerable Populations: The bill prioritizes awarding grants to underserved and low-income communities, as well as those with limited access to existing warning systems or shelters (Section 4).
-
Enhanced Local Preparedness: Grants may be used for the development of local emergency preparedness plans and public education initiatives (Section 4).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
- No specific negative impacts or burdens are explicitly mentioned in the provided text.
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Low Income Households+5Good For Children+3Good For Rural Residents+2Good For Urban Residents+2
- Environment Energy And Infrastructure
- Improves Disaster Relief And F E M A+7Improves Public Transit+1
- Education And Technology
- Increases Scientific Research Funding+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Poverty Reduction+2
- 5/15/2026
- Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Introduced in House