PRIA Logo™
118-hr-3254118th Congress

First Responder Access to Innovative Technologies Act

Sponsored By: Representative Payne, Donald M., Jr. [D-NJ-10]

Became Law

Summary

Creates a uniform Department of Homeland Security (DHS) review to let first responders use federal preparedness grants to buy equipment that does not meet national voluntary consensus standards. The process sets clear evaluation factors and requires an Inspector General report within three years on requests, approvals, and processing times.

Show full summary
  • First responders and grant applicants: Can request grant funds to buy innovative or non-standard equipment when they show it fills a capability gap. Applications can target items not on the Administrator's Authorized Equipment List.
  • DHS Administrator: Must apply a clear evaluation framework and weigh factors such as past federal or military use, absence of a national standard, international standards, and how the equipment addresses the capability gap.
  • Oversight and reporting: The Department of Homeland Security Inspector General must report within 3 years on the number of requests reviewed, the capability gaps cited, numbers approved or denied, and review processing times.

Personalized for You

How does this bill affect your finances?

Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.

Free to download

Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Faster Homeland Security reviews for first responder gear

The law creates one clear review for DHS grants to buy first responder gear. It applies when gear is not on the Authorized Equipment List or does not meet national consensus standards. DHS must weigh federal or military use, any international standard, the applicant’s capability gap, and whether the gear fits better than approved options. An Inspector General report is due within three years on requests, decisions, and review time. This process is in effect now.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Payne, Donald M., Jr. [D-NJ-10]

NJ • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Strong, Dale W. [R-AL-5]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 5/11/2023

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

View on Congress.gov
Back to Legislation