This bill creates a new independent National Weather Safety Board to investigate major weather disasters and evaluate how federal agencies prepare for and respond to severe weather events. The board will consist of at least seven members appointed by the President with Senate approval, drawing from experts in atmospheric sciences, meteorology, emergency management, and academia, with no more than four from the same political party. Within 120 days of establishment, the board must develop a system to track disaster information and will have 14 days after a qualifying severe weather event to vote on whether to investigate it. The board can investigate preparedness and response efforts by agencies including FEMA, the National Weather Service, and the Army Corps of Engineers, issue subpoenas for evidence, and publish preliminary reports within 90 days and final reports within 20 months. The board will also publicly track whether agencies implement its recommendations. The legislation does not specify funding amounts and establishes the board for a five-year period, after which it will terminate.
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