Section 1 Short title
This Act may be cited as the “Aqua Alert Act”.
Aqua Alert Act
A BILL
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.
Sec. 2 Aqua alert notification system pilot program
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.
Pilot program contents— The pilot program established under subsection (a) shall, to the maximum extent possible—
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;
cover areas located within the area of responsibility of 3 different Coast Guard sectors in diverse geographic regions; and
provide that the dissemination of an alert be limited to the geographic areas most likely to facilitate the rendering of aide to distressed individuals.
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.
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.
Authorization of appropriations—
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.
Availability of funds— Amounts appropriated pursuant to paragraph (1) shall remain available until expended.