U.S. Congressman Brian Mast (FL-21) has introduced legislation to improve school emergency response capabilities by standardizing critical mapping information available to first responders.
The bill, titled the “Uniform School Mapping Act,” seeks to eliminate dangerous inconsistencies in school maps currently used during emergencies.
“In an emergency, every second counts,” said Rep. Brian Mast. “If our children are in danger, first responders shouldn’t be forced to rely on outdated or confusing information. This bill is a straightforward, common-sense solution that ensures every taxpayer-funded school map is clear, accurate, and up to date.”
The Uniform School Mapping Act would require that federal funds allocated for school mapping adhere to a set of national standards. This would address prevalent issues with existing maps, such as incorrect floor plans, outdated facility layouts, inaccessible formats, and inconsistent orientations.
House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Mark Green voiced his strong support for the bill and is serving as an original cosponsor.
“Public safety and effective emergency response rely on up-to-date maps,” Chairman Green stated. “Often, maps produced with federal funds are outdated and lack key details first responders need in an emergency. As a veteran, I know how crucial the full picture is in a crisis situation. That’s why I’m proud to serve as an original cosponsor of Rep. Mast’s Uniform Public Safety Emergency Response Mapping Act. This legislation meets the needs of first responders nationwide while ensuring compatibility with existing platforms used by local, state, and federal public safety agencies. It’s a win for our first responders.”
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The proposed standards outlined in the bill include requirements for maps to be stored in accessible digital formats, maintain consistent north orientation, include grid references for surroundings, and undergo annual verification.
The legislation aims to achieve this standardization without necessitating additional taxpayer spending, by setting requirements for how existing federal mapping funds can be used starting in fiscal year 2026.
Key requirements for maps procured with federal funds under the Act include being in a digital file format accessible on common mobile platforms, not stored in data centers outside the U.S., integrated with public safety agency software, printable and shareable electronically, oriented true north with a coordinate grid, displaying floors with overlaid aerial imagery, and clearly labeling critical features such as access points, utility controls, hallways, rooms, stairwells, hazards, and trauma kits.
Maps would also need to be verified by a walkthrough inspection and be updateable. Crucially, verified maps would be made available to the procurer and relevant public safety agencies without subscription fees or restrictions.
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Furthermore, the bill directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to develop a strategy within one year to procure and distribute compliant emergency response maps for critical sites owned or leased by the federal government.
Fifteen states have already enacted their own legislation regarding emergency response map production for schools.
The Uniform School Mapping Act seeks to build upon these efforts by establishing clear, consistent guidelines at the federal level, ensuring that all school maps developed with federal dollars are standardized, coordinated, and compatible with the systems used by first responders nationwide.
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