New bill would create a board to investigate weather disasters akin to the NTSB [View all]

Source: NBC News

March 5, 2026, 10:00 AM EST


When Americans are killed in plane crashes or train accidents, an independent board steps in to investigate what went wrong and how to avoid the same mistakes again. No such process exists after deadly floods or hurricanes. A bill introduced Thursday by Rep. Eric Sorensen, D-Ill., aims to create such a review board to examine weather disasters and prevent their worst consequences in the future.

The bill, called the National Weather Safety Board Act, calls for an independent board of at least seven members appointed by the president and confirmed by the Senate, with backgrounds in meteorology, social sciences and emergency management, among other disciplines. The board would be styled after the National Transportation Safety Board, which investigates all civilian aviation accidents, along with other disasters.

The proposed board would investigate severe weather disasters, have subpoena power to obtain testimony and evidence, and issue reports of findings and recommendations to agencies like the National Weather Service, Federal Emergency Management Agency and Army Corps of Engineers.

The concept has been a topic of conversation among meteorologists and emergency managers for years. But it gained new traction in the wake of the Texas flooding disaster in July, when more than 130 people died, including 27 campers and counselors at a sleepaway camp along the Guadalupe River.

Read more: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/science-news/weather-safety-review-board-bill-disasters-rcna261605