ASSEMBLY SCIENCE, INNOVATION AND TECHNOLOGY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

ASSEMBLY, No. 3080

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  JUNE 1, 2026

      The Assembly Science, Innovation and Technology Committee reports favorably Assembly Bill No. 3080.

      As reported, this bill requires the State Office of Emergency Management to develop and implement a State-coordinated text alert system using hyperlocal flood and severe weather data to provide real-time warnings to community members.  The program is to be a cooperative effort between State and local law enforcement agencies and the media, and is to be a voluntary service provided to State residents who register their mobile electronic communications device with the State Office of Emergency Management.

      Under the provisions of the bill, the flood and severe weather alert system is required to integrate real-time reports from counties, municipalities, and local governments.

      Under the bill, the alerts to State residents are to include the following information:  current rainfall and precipitation levels; local river levels; total water level rise; storm surge; drainage complaints; reported flood damage; the location and severity of flood incidents in exceedance of one foot of total water or sea level rise; forecasted threat details, storm arrival and end times, peak impact timing, intensity, and storm hazards; National Weather Service watches and warnings; and Federal Emergency Management Agency Integrated Public Alert and Warning System notifications.

      Finally, the bill requires that the text alert system includes sufficient information and environmental characteristics to guide a safe community response to a flood or severe weather incident, including, when necessary, nearby evacuation routes and instructions. 

      This bill was pre-filed for introduction in the 2026-2027 session pending technical review.  As reported, the bill includes the changes required by technical review, which has been performed.