US HB7813

Requires NOAA to establish and maintain a nationwide 24/7 weather radio network that broadcasts emergency weather watches, warnings, geological hazards, and other hazard information while remaining resilient to power and cellular service outages

Authorizes $20 million annually for fiscal years 2026-2031 to operate NOAA Weather Radio, plus a one-time $100 million appropriation in fiscal year 2026 for modernization and expansion initiatives

Directs expansion of coverage to areas at high risk for rapid-onset weather disasters, communities without broadband or satellite coverage, and federal lands including National Parks and National Forests

Requires the Under Secretary to complete an assessment of NOAA Weather Radio access within one year and submit a five-year staffing plan for the National Weather Service within 180 days

Grants direct hire authority to the National Weather Service Director to fill critical vacancies for meteorologists, hydrologists, electronic technicians, and other public safety positions without standard competitive hiring procedures