Mystic Alerts Act
Sponsored By: Senator Cornyn, John [R-TX]
Introduced
Summary
Satellite transmission of emergency alerts by commercial mobile providers would be allowed under a new framework that lets carriers opt in while preserving subscriber opt-outs and banning extra charges.
Show full summary
- Households and subscribers: People with devices that can receive satellite alerts would get those messages if their carrier elects to transmit. Subscribers could opt out of specific alerts and carriers may not charge extra for satellite delivery.
- Covered service providers: Mobile providers would file an election with the Federal Communications Commission within 60 days after the final FCC rule takes effect and must meet FCC technical standards to transmit alerts. Providers that comply would get a limitation of liability for actions tied to sending alerts by satellite.
- Federal agencies and emergency systems: The FCC must start a notice of proposed rulemaking within 6 months and issue a final rule within 18 months in consultation with the Department of Homeland Security and FEMA. The rule's effective date depends on DHS and FEMA implementing supporting standards and procedures.
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.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
FCC rules for satellite alerts
If enacted, the FCC would publish a proposed rule within 6 months and a final rule within 18 months to set technical standards for satellite emergency alerts. The rules would require consulting with DHS and FEMA and must minimize impacts on 9-1-1 and other voice and data services. The final rule would take effect either 36 months after publication or 12 months after DHS and FEMA implement needed standards, whichever is later.
Mobile carriers' election to send alerts
If enacted, the bill would define which mobile companies count as covered service providers and require those providers to file an election with the FCC. Each covered provider would have 60 days after the FCC final rule takes effect to say whether it will send emergency alerts by satellite to devices that can receive them. A provider that elects to send alerts would have to follow the FCC's technical standards, protocols, and procedures.
Subscriber protections for satellite alerts
If enacted, a provider that chooses to send alerts by satellite could not charge subscribers extra for that capability. Providers that choose not to send satellite alerts would have to notify new and existing subscribers. Providers that send alerts would have to block satellite alerts for any subscriber who validly opted out. The bill would also limit legal claims against providers for transmission mistakes and for sharing subscriber information to deliver alerts.
Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Cornyn, John [R-TX]
TX • R
Cosponsors
Sen. Ossoff, Jon [D-GA]
GA • D
Sponsored 7/14/2026
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
View on Congress.gov