HB383 Summary: Emergency Response Broadcasters Act

• Authorizes radio stations, cable operators, and television stations to develop emergency preparedness and response plans in cooperation with the Department of Homeland Security and the Alabama Broadcasters Association.

• Allows statewide broadcaster organizations to establish training and certification programs for broadcast engineers and technical personnel as emergency response broadcasters, consistent with federal law and guidelines.

• Requires training programs to cover restoration and repair of broadcaster facilities and equipment in emergency areas, as well as personal safety procedures for emergency response broadcasters.

• Mandates that state and local governmental agencies allow certified emergency response broadcasters access to disaster-affected areas to restore broadcasting capability and transmit essential emergency public information, including repairing transmitters and generators.

• Becomes effective immediately upon passage and gubernatorial approval.