H.R. 4669 — FEMA Act of 2025

This section establishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as a cabinet-level independent establishment in the executive branch. FEMA's primary mission is to reduce the loss of life and property from all hazards, including natural disasters and manmade disasters, by leading and supporting the nation in a comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, response, recovery, and mitigation. In support of this mission, the Administrator shall (1) lead national efforts to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against such disasters; (2) partner with state, local, Tribal governments, emergency providers, other federal agencies, private sector, and nongovernmental organizations to build a national emergency management system; (3) develop federal response capabilities to save lives and protect property and public health; (4) integrate agency responsibilities; (5) maintain robust regional offices; (6) provide funding, training, and assistance to build capabilities; (7) develop and coordinate an all-hazards preparedness strategy; and (8) integrate the needs of children, individuals with disabilities, and other vulnerable populations. The section defines terms including catastrophic incident, critical infrastructure (as defined in 42 U.S.C. 5195c(e)), local government, resources, State, Tribal government, and vulnerable populations with access and functional needs.

This section elevates the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator to Executive Level II (from Level III); revises the Deputy Administrator listing in Executive Level IV from plural to singular; designates the Administrator—who reports directly to the President and serves as principal advisor on emergency management—with specified qualifications (i.e., demonstrated ability and knowledge of emergency management plus at least five years of executive leadership and management experience); establishes a singular Deputy Administrator position, appointed by the President with Senate confirmation and extensive experience in emergency preparedness, response, recovery, and hazard mitigation, to perform duties prescribed by and act for the Administrator; and authorizes the Administrator to appoint one or more Assistant Administrators with expertise in emergency management or relevant fields.

This section delineates the responsibilities of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in providing federal leadership to prepare for, respond to, recover from, and mitigate against all disasters (natural and manmade), enumerating 21 specific duties such as ensuring the effectiveness of emergency response providers, managing and coordinating federal response resources (including the Domestic Emergency Support Team, Nuclear Incident Response Team, and Strategic National Stockpile), aiding recovery efforts, developing national incident management and response plans, supervising grant programs, and minimizing overlapping planning requirements for state, local, tribal, and private sector entities. The section requires implementation of an all-hazards strategy emphasizing common and incident-specific capabilities and defines relevant terms, including "local government" to mean (A) counties, municipalities, and similar entities or instrumentalities; (B) an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or in Alaska a Native village or Alaska Regional Native Corporation; and (C) a rural community, unincorporated town or village, or other public entity.

This section establishes an Office of the Inspector General within the Federal Emergency Management Agency, headed by an Inspector General appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate in accordance with the Inspector General Act of 1978 (chapter 4 of title 5, U.S. Code).

This section transfers all functions of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)—including continuity of operations and government plans and all functions under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) and other specified laws (e.g., National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974)—from the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to the Administrator of FEMA, along with related Inspector General functions. It excludes specified grant programs (e.g., under 6 U.S.C. 1135, 1163, 1182) that remain in DHS, requires a memorandum of understanding for their transition administration (including potential fees), and preserves appointments of the U.S. Fire Administrator (15 U.S.C. 2204(b)) and Federal Insurance Administrator (42 U.S.C. 4129). The section establishes a one-year transition period for the transfers, during which DHS must provide requested assistance (including personnel and assets), authorizes use of DHS personnel and funds as needed, and directs FEMA to establish a liaison office for coordination with DHS.

This section authorizes the FEMA Administrator to (1) appoint and compensate officers and employees, including investigators, attorneys, and administrative law judges, in accordance with civil service laws; (2) obtain experts and consultants at daily rates not exceeding level IV of the Executive Schedule ($190,300 in CY2024) with authorized travel expenses; (3) delegate transferred functions under section 15 with successive redelegations; (4) reorganize Agency components with 30 days' written notice to Congress; and (5) prescribe rules under the Administrative Procedure Act. The section further transfers to FEMA personnel, assets, liabilities, contracts, property, records, and unexpended balances of appropriations and other funds related to functions transferred under section 15—subject to 31 U.S.C. 1531 (i.e., transfers of appropriation balances necessary to finance or discharge transferred functions, as approved by agency heads or the President)—with transferred funds usable only for original purposes; authorizes OMB to make incidental transfers; and protects transferred full-time and permanent part-time personnel from separation or reduction in grade or compensation for one year, while preserving prior Executive Schedule pay levels for comparable positions.

This section provides standard saving provisions for functions transferred under section 15, preserving (1) the continuing effect of all prior orders, rules, regulations, permits, agreements, grants, contracts, licenses, and other administrative actions until modified or revoked; (2) pending proceedings, including notices of proposed rulemaking and applications for licenses, permits, or financial assistance; (3) suits commenced before the transfer date; (4) actions by or against the agency or its officers; and (5) ongoing administrative actions related to promulgating regulations.

This section deems references in any law, executive order, rule, regulation, or other official document— (1) to the Federal Emergency Management Agency to refer to the agency established by section 11; (2) to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to refer to the administrator established by section 12(a)(1); and (3) to the Inspector General of the Federal Emergency Management Agency or functions transferred from that agency to the Department of Homeland Security on or after January 1, 2003, to refer to the inspector general established by section 14 or related functions.

This section establishes in the Treasury the Federal Emergency Management Agency Working Capital Fund (FEMA WCF) as a revolving fund for operating FEMA headquarters multi-discipline facilities. (As background, working capital funds under 31 U.S.C. 501 enable federal agencies to provide goods and services to other entities on a reimbursable basis, promoting efficient resource management.) The section authorizes the FEMA Administrator to charge fees for services and equipment provided at such facilities to DHS, other federal agencies, and authorized entities; requires fees to cover full operating costs—including accrued leave, depreciation of plant and equipment, amortization of automated data processing software and systems, and a reasonable operating reserve—with payments generally made in advance if fund balances are insufficient or by agreement; and specifies that fund amounts are available for related operating expenses. The section transfers to the FEMA WCF all assets, liabilities, contracts, inventory, equipment, property, records, and unexpended balances from the DHS Working Capital Fund attributable to FEMA—merging such funds notwithstanding extensions of section 506 of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2004 (Public Law 108-90; 31 U.S.C. 501 note).

This section establishes in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) a Veterans Advocate, designated by the President, to advocate for the fair treatment of veterans receiving assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (i.e., the primary law authorizing federal disaster relief). The Veterans Advocate must (1) participate in disaster declaration processes under section 401 and emergency declaration processes under section 501 to ensure veterans' needs are addressed; (2) serve as the primary point of contact between veterans service organizations and FEMA; (3) identify opportunities for expanded veteran recruitment into FEMA employment, including reservist positions; and (4) conduct other activities as directed by the FEMA Administrator. This section specifies that the amendment does not authorize any major disaster or emergency assistance not already authorized under the Stafford Act.

This section amends multiple sections of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (HSA) to refocus emergency management authorities on the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) by (1) striking subparagraph (D) from HSA §103(a)(1) on other officers and redesignating subsequent subparagraphs; (2) repealing HSA §§503, 504, and 506; (3) revising HSA §507 on regional offices to remove references to homeland security; (4) restructuring the National Advisory Council under HSA §508 to eliminate protection activities; (5) assigning duties under the National Integration Center (HSA §509) directly to the FEMA Administrator; and (6) making conforming changes throughout HSA §§512, 514, 515, 517, 518, 519, and 523 to replace "Secretary" with "Administrator" or "Agency." This section further amends specified sections of the Public Health Service Act to replace "Secretary of Homeland Security" with "Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency" in provisions on (1) procurement of security countermeasures for the strategic national stockpile (42 U.S.C. 247d-6b); (2) state and local public health security (42 U.S.C. 247d-3a); (3) state and regional hospital preparedness for surge capacity (42 U.S.C. 247d-3b); (4) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention facilities and capacities (42 U.S.C. 247d-4); and (5) the Emergency System for Advance Registration of Volunteer Health Professionals (42 U.S.C. 247d-7b).

This section directs the President to amend Homeland Security Presidential Directive–5 (i.e., establishing the National Incident Management System), Homeland Security Presidential Directive–8 (i.e., on national preparedness), Presidential Policy Directive–8 (i.e., updating national preparedness), and any similar administrative documents not later than 120 days after enactment to reflect changes made by this division.

This section directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, after consulting Congress, to prepare recommended legislation containing additional technical and conforming amendments to reflect changes made by this division and to submit the recommendations to Congress in a report not later than 90 days after the last day of the transition period specified in section 15(e).

This section inserts a new section 409 into the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5170 et seq.) to establish an expedited grant program administered by the President for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of public facilities and eligible private nonprofit facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster. Grants are available to state or local governments for any public facility and to private nonprofit facility owners or operators that either (1) provide critical services (i.e., power, water, sewer, wastewater treatment, communications, education, food/emergency supply distribution, or emergency medical care) or (2) have applied for an SBA physical disaster loan under 15 U.S.C. 636(b) and been determined ineligible or received the maximum amount; religious facilities and others are explicitly eligible without regard to religious character or membership. Grant funds may be used to (1) repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace damaged facilities to current building codes (including mitigation measures), (2) repair, restore, mitigate, or expand other public facilities, (3) construct new facilities, (4) consolidate facilities, or (5) fund state- or locally determined hazard mitigation. (As background, Stafford Act public assistance previously provided comparable aid under section 406, typically with lengthier processes and preexisting condition deductions.) Cost estimates—developed by licensed professionals without regard to preexisting condition, including mitigation, labor, materials, and estimation costs—are presumed accurate absent criminal fraud; FEMA review, if any, must conclude within 90 days (or the estimate is deemed approved), with funds obligated within 30 days of approval; and applicants may submit one revised estimate within two years for changed costs. The President must notify specified congressional committees within 30 days of any grant exceeding $20 million.

This section establishes a declared disasters task force (Task Force) within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), chaired by the Administrator, to develop processes for eliminating FEMA's backlog of open declared disasters (i.e., major disasters, emergencies, or fire management assistance declarations where the period of performance has concluded but agency products and services remain to be delivered). The Task Force, comprising the Associate Administrator for Response and Recovery, Regional Administrators for Regions 4, 6, and 9, the Public Assistance Division Director, and other agency experts as needed, must (1) establish a temporary office; (2) identify barriers to closing the backlog; (3) examine challenges from the hazard mitigation revolving loan fund program (42 U.S.C. 5135); (4) recommend ways to expedite appeals of assistance denials; (5) identify closeout barriers; and (6) coordinate with existing processes, including the June 2024 Public Assistance Backlog Strategy. The Task Force must submit results to the Administrator within one year and then terminate. This section directs FEMA Regional Administrators to close out backlog disasters—dispersing remaining funds—once 90% of project costs are validated, including agreements for litigated projects and using cost estimates notwithstanding 31 U.S.C. 3716(e). (Thus, this enables closure of disasters regardless of minor unresolved claims.) The Administrator must brief appropriate congressional committees initially within 180 days of enactment, semiannually until 800 disasters are closed, and annually if any excessive backlog (i.e., open disasters declared within the past 10 years) remains. Within two years of enactment, the Government Accountability Office must review and report to Congress on Task Force effectiveness and FEMA's progress.

This section directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, when recommending to the President the eligibility of a state for a major disaster declaration under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), to consider whether impacted counties or subdivisions therein qualify as an economically distressed community under 13 C.F.R. § 301.3(a) (i.e., areas with per capita income not exceeding 80% of state or national average and unemployment at least 120% of state or national average) or a rural area under 7 U.S.C. § 1991(a) (i.e., cities, towns, or villages with population under 50,000). The section further requires the President to provide assistance under section 408 of such Act (i.e., individual and family housing assistance, including temporary housing for disaster survivors) whenever assistance under section 409 of such Act, as added by this Act, is authorized for any such qualifying county or subdivision. It also directs the Administrator to revise FEMA policies, guidance, and regulations as needed to implement these provisions and specifies that nothing in the section limits the President's authority to determine eligibility for section 409 assistance.

This section revises Section 316 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to establish federal permitting improvements for repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of facilities damaged by a declared emergency or major disaster under sections 401 or 501 of such Act. Such activities are exempt from classification as a major federal action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) if conducted to applicable building codes, including area-specific mitigation measures, and in the original facility location (preserving NEPA applicability to other federal actions). The section further provides exemptions and expedited procedures for such activities, including: (1) general stormwater discharge permits via notice of intent under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act; (2) emergency permit procedures under applicable regulations; (3) eligibility for waivers under the National Historic Preservation Act; (4) exemption from consultation requirements under section 7(a) of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (ESA), with presidential determinations under ESA section 7(p) deeming requirements under ESA sections 7(g) and (h) satisfied; (5) expedited ESA consultation; and (6) exemptions from the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, and Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act if exempt under (5). (Thus, these measures expedite post-disaster recovery while limiting environmental review for like-kind repairs.) The section additionally authorizes the FEMA Administrator, via written agreement with a state, to assign NEPA and National Historic Preservation Act responsibilities for one or more disaster recovery projects to the state, subject to identical procedural and substantive requirements (including subsection (b) exemptions), without preempting other agencies' authorities or restricting state project delivery methods; states may use funds for related attorney's fees.

This section strikes section 429 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and inserts a new section requiring the FEMA Administrator, not later than one year after enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025 and in consultation with the Council on Environmental Quality and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, to establish a unified interagency review process—with FEMA as lead agency—for environmental and historic reviews (including under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 and National Historic Preservation Act of 1966) of disaster recovery projects. The process requires FEMA to (1) implement mechanisms for timely, coordinated completion of such reviews; (2) carry out its obligations concurrently with those of other agencies; and (3) prepare a single environmental impact statement under NEPA section 107(b) (42 U.S.C. 4336a(b)) unless multiple documents are justified as more efficient. Among other considerations, the lead agency must engage cooperating agencies early on alternatives and methodologies; cooperating agencies must identify issues of concern; public comment periods on draft environmental impact statements must last 45-60 days (extendable for good cause); and records of decision must be issued, to the maximum extent practicable, within 90 days after a final environmental impact statement. The process applies to individual projects or categories of projects and does not affect Stafford Act section 316 (i.e., alternative arrangements for public assistance projects). (Thus, the provision centralizes FEMA leadership to expedite post-disaster recovery while complying with applicable law.)

This section establishes a block grant program under a new title VIII of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for states and Indian tribal governments to request, in lieu of Public Assistance Program (PA) grants—which repair or replace eligible public and nonprofit facilities damaged by disasters—a lump sum payment equal to 80% of the estimated federal share for a covered small disaster. (As background, the PA program reimburses 75%-100% of eligible costs, subject to cost-sharing and administrative reviews; this block grant provides faster, flexible funding but caps at an upfront estimate with no adjustment for actual costs except in unforeseen circumstances.) The section requires states or tribes to (1) annually designate interest to FEMA, (2) indicate the request with any major disaster declaration, (3) have an approved administrative plan, and (4) reach agreement on the amount within 90 days of the incident (or default to PA); FEMA must approve complete applications within 90 days and obligate funds within 30 days thereafter. Recipients may use funds flexibly for disaster recovery addressing eligible needs, provided to PA-eligible entities and in compliance with environmental, historic preservation, civil rights, and resiliency laws (with the recipient ensuring compliance); annual expense reports to FEMA are required, and the provision does not affect eligibility for other hazard mitigation or individual assistance programs. The section further directs the FEMA Inspector General to review the program two years after enactment and annually thereafter, reporting to specified congressional committees on participation, fund use, and fraud.

This section revises the federal debris removal program under the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5173)—which authorizes the President to clear debris from public and private lands after a major disaster or to grant funds to states, localities, or private nonprofits for that purpose (with a federal share of at least 75% of eligible costs)—by (1) eliminating the requirement for a presidential determination that such removal is in the public interest (thus making the authority nondiscretionary), and (2) prohibiting the President from imposing any additional requirements for debris removal authorization or grants beyond state or local unconditional authorization and indemnification against claims (per subsection (b)). The section further directs the FEMA Administrator to revise related guidance or regulations; expresses the sense of Congress that certain debris removal contract payment structures hinder oversight, speed, and cost control; and requires the Administrator, within one year of enactment, to review such contracting and develop best practices ensuring effective removal, speed, cost accountability, and performance oversight.

This section amends management cost provisions (42 U.S.C. 5165b) under the Stafford Act—administrative costs (direct and indirect) eligible for FEMA reimbursement in disaster grants—to authorize the President to make available to grantees and subgrantees any excess (unspent) management cost funds, defined as the difference between authorized amounts under fixed percentage rates and actual expenditures upon grant closeout. Such excess funds, from the unchanged rates of up to 15% of hazard mitigation grants (10% for grantees, 5% for subgrantees) and 12% of public assistance grants (7% for grantees, 5% for subgrantees), may be used for (1) capacity-building to prepare for, recover from, or mitigate major disasters or emergencies and (2) management costs related to major disasters, emergencies, disaster preparedness measures, or mitigation activities under specified Stafford Act sections (203, 204, 205, 404); the funds remain available for five years. The amendments apply to grants for major disasters or emergencies declared on or after enactment and funded with appropriations on or after enactment, with no additional funds authorized.

This section revises Section 1223 of the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-254) to direct the FEMA Administrator, not later than two years after enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, to (1) conduct a study and develop a plan to streamline, consolidate, and simplify information collection from disaster assistance applicants and grantees; (2) develop a plan for regular public reporting of federal disaster assistance awards via a dedicated website; and (3) convene an interagency working group, on a regular basis, to identify duplication or fragmentation in preliminary damage assessments (PDAs, i.e., initial post-disaster evaluations of damages to determine federal aid eligibility under the Stafford Act), assess the feasibility of a single-agency PDA process, and identify technologies such as unmanned aircraft systems to expedite PDAs. The Administrator must submit a comprehensive report compiling these plans and working group findings (which may include recommendations) to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, post it publicly on FEMA's website in accessible formats, brief the committees upon request not later than 180 days after submission, and implement recommendations not later than 180 days thereafter. This section also makes a conforming amendment to the table of contents for P.L. 115-254.

This section directs the FEMA Administrator, not later than 6 months after enactment, to convene an advisory panel to review processes and procedures for determining incident periods (i.e., time frames defining eligibility for federal disaster assistance) for all hazards under the Stafford Act. The panel must include at least 2 representatives from national emergency management organizations, 2 county officials, 1 from the National Weather Service, and at least 5 from each of FEMA's 10 regions (selected from state, local, territorial, or Tribal emergency management personnel), with representation from rural, urban, underrepresented, Tribal, and insular jurisdictions to the extent practicable. The panel must consider incident period effectiveness for (1) slow-onset disasters, (2) correlated noncontiguous disasters, (3) compound disasters, and (4) cascading disasters. Not later than 1 year after enactment, FEMA must submit an interim report to Congress (and publicly) on findings and recommendations, including needed legislation. Not later than 2 years after enactment, FEMA must submit a final report to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs summarizing findings, implementation actions, and further legislative recommendations. Immediately after a 30-day congressional review period following the final report, FEMA must initiate rulemaking to implement the panel's recommendations.

This section expands the Fire Management Assistance Program to authorize presidential assistance to state or local governments for assessments and emergency stabilization to protect public safety for declared fires, irrespective of the incident period (in addition to the program's prior purposes of mitigating, managing, and controlling wildfires on public or private forest land or grassland that threaten major disaster-level destruction). (As background, the program enables preemptive federal firefighting aid on nonfederal lands.)

This section amends the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) program under Section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187)—which authorizes the President, through the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to provide grants, equipment, supplies, and personnel to state and local governments to mitigate, manage, and control wildfires on forest or grassland threatening major disaster-level destruction—(1) to add Indian tribal governments as directly eligible recipients of assistance; (2) to authorize the governor of a state or chief executive of an Indian tribal government to directly request such assistance; and (3) to clarify that an Indian tribal government denied a direct request remains eligible via a state's request for the same incident. (Thus, tribes gain a direct pathway to FMAGs, previously available only through states.) The section further directs the President to issue regulations within one year of enactment to update 44 C.F.R. part 204, including authorizing FEMA to directly process tribal requests, clarifying fallback eligibility via states, considering tribes' unique conditions, and conducting government-to-government consultations with tribes.

This section expands the protections of 42 U.S.C. 5205—which limit federal administrative recovery actions to three years after a grantee's final expenditure report (absent fraud), presume adequate record maintenance after three years (rebuttable only by affirmative evidence), absolve grantees of liability for authorized and reasonable payments that accomplish grant purposes, and authorize closeout incentives—to include owners or operators of private nonprofit facilities (i.e., those eligible for FEMA public assistance to repair essential community services such as education, utilities, and medical care), in addition to state or local governments ((1) and (2)) and state, local, or Indian tribal governments ((3)).

This section establishes authority for the FEMA Administrator to reimburse states, Indian tribes, or local governments for costs of sheltering emergency response personnel—including members of their predisaster households—in exclusive-use congregate or noncongregate settings for major disasters where the President has authorized emergency protective measures and the governor or chief executive determines that damage disrupts provision of those measures. (As background, §403 of the Stafford Act authorizes federal essential assistance—such as debris removal, search and rescue, and emergency shelter—with a federal cost share of at least 75%.) Reimbursement covers a reasonable period based on disaster impacts (e.g., damage extent, housing and utility availability, transportation disruptions), not to exceed six months from the incident period's end; emergency response personnel includes law enforcement, fire suppression, rescue, emergency medical, emergency management, and emergency communications employees or contractors, plus elected officials (except Members of Congress) overseeing response or recovery.

This section requires reimbursement of owners or operators of stormwater pumping stations for flood fighting activities—defined as including dewatering behind a levee by breaching or pumping—conducted as emergency protective measures or emergency work under this section (i.e., Section 403 of the Stafford Act), at applicable equipment rates regardless of whether the station's equipment is temporary or permanently mounted. (Thus, such entities previously may not have qualified for reimbursement if using fixed equipment.)

This section requires the FEMA Administrator to reimburse applicants for attorney’s fees in cases where the Civilian Board of Contract Appeals decides in favor of the applicant or otherwise concludes there is an error by the Administrator in denying disaster assistance under the Stafford Act. (Thus, this applies to binding arbitrations of disputes over $500,000—or $100,000 in rural areas—for disasters after January 1, 2016.)

This section establishes expedited disbursement requirements for reimbursements under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (i.e., federal essential assistance for major disasters, including equipment loans, debris removal, search and rescue, and temporary facilities, with a federal share of at least 75% of eligible costs). Such reimbursements must be provided to applicants no later than 120 days after request submission if the President determines at least 90% of estimated costs are eligible.

This section directs that local governments be treated as state or tribal governments under the procurement standards of 2 CFR §200.317 when applying 2 CFR part 200 to assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (i.e., Stafford Act). (Thus, local governments receiving Stafford Act disaster assistance gain the procurement flexibilities—such as exemptions from certain federal procurement rules—otherwise available only to states and tribes.)

This section directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish and maintain a web-based interagency "unified disaster application system" to facilitate administration of a universal application for direct federal disaster assistance, enable swift and efficient program delivery consistent with applicable laws and privacy protections, and support detection, prevention, and investigation of waste, fraud, abuse, or discrimination in disaster assistance programs. The system authorizes FEMA to collect, maintain, and share applicant and program information with other disaster assistance agencies and block grant recipients; requires features for applicant status updates, information updates within established timeframes, distribution of recovery resources, access to application documents, and other agency-determined capabilities; and mandates data security compliance, including certification to federal standards, a published privacy impact assessment, and rules of behavior for users. Further, it permits notices authorizing additional data collection, maintenance, sharing, and use—deemed to satisfy Privacy Act notice requirements during Stafford Act-declared disasters—and allows waiver of information collection requirements under 44 U.S.C. chapter 35 subchapter I for voluntary collections during such disasters, with public justification postings; directs GAO to report on waiver benefits and risks within one year of enactment.

This section directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop and establish a universal application for direct federal disaster assistance to individuals in areas affected by emergencies or disasters. In doing so, FEMA must consult with the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Administrator of the Small Business Administration, and the Secretaries of Housing and Urban Development and Agriculture, who must provide prompt support. The application must include a voluntary survey to collect applicants' demographic data.

This section amends the duplication of benefits prohibition under the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5155), which prevents federal disaster aid recipients from receiving duplicative assistance from other federal programs or insurance. Specifically, the section (1) restores and revives the waiver authority in subsection (b)(4) as in effect the day after enactment of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018 (P.L. 115-254), amends it to prohibit income thresholds for waiver eligibility and to apply to major disasters or emergencies declared on or after January 1, 2016, and clarifies that such waivers do not apply to public assistance (sec. 406), individual housing assistance (sec. 408), or other needs assistance (sec. 409); and (2) revises subsection (a) to prohibit duplication only from other programs or insurance (from other programs, insurance, or any other source).

This section amends the crisis counseling assistance and training program under Section 416 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (i.e., short-term mental health services to disaster survivors) to explicitly include substance use and alcohol use services. It further requires (1) the FEMA Administrator, within 180 days of enactment and in consultation with specified mental health and substance use officials, to review, adjust, and report to Congress on changes to the Section 416 application and related guidance; and (2) the GAO to review and report to Congress on the program's assistance duration and FEMA's compliance with limits on use to disaster-related mental health, substance use, and alcohol use problems. This section establishes new management cost reimbursement rates under Section 324(b)(2)—previously limited to hazard mitigation grants (15%, with 10% to grantees and 5% to subgrantees) and public assistance grants (12%, with 7% to grantees and 5% to subgrantees)—of (C) 12% of total award amounts for individual and household assistance grants to states under Section 408(f); and (D) 15% of total grant awards, cumulatively for grantees and subgrantees, for crisis counseling, training, and case management under Sections 416 and 426. This section also revises Section 408(f)(1) administrative cost provisions by replacing detailed grant administration language with a simplified reference to subsection (g) limits and striking subparagraph (B).

This section revises eligibility under the Stafford Act's individual assistance program (42 USC 5174(b)(1)) to provide housing assistance to individuals and households displaced from, or whose predisaster primary residences are damaged by (rather than rendered uninhabitable), a major disaster—including, for individuals with disabilities, residences rendered inaccessible or damaged (rather than inaccessible or uninhabitable). The section further (1) establishes financial assistance for cost-effective hazard mitigation measures to reduce future threats to life, property, residences, utilities, or residential infrastructure damaged by a major disaster—without requiring recipients to show inability to meet needs through other means (except insurance proceeds); and (2) sets the maximum for such assistance equivalent to the amount available under subsection (h)(1) for temporary housing in a single major disaster (currently $42,500, adjusted annually for inflation). (Thus, eligible measures may include elevating homes or installing storm shutters.)

This section amends Section 403(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (essential assistance for major disasters) as follows: (1) adds to authorized emergency work and services minor repairs up to habitability of owner-occupied homes damaged by the disaster to enable survivors to safely shelter in place, subject to the availability of appropriations; (2) requires the federal coordinating officer, not later than 15 days after a major disaster declaration, to identify all sheltering and housing options available under this section or Section 408 (individual and family housing assistance) for the state governor or designated state coordinating officer; and (3) defines "minor repairs up to habitability" as the minimum standards for permanent housing in 24 C.F.R. 576.403(c) (or successor regulations). This section further directs the FEMA Administrator to issue final implementing regulations not later than two years after enactment. (Thus, these changes expand immediate federal protective measures on private property—previously limited to public health/safety threats such as debris removal and unsafe structure demolition—to include limited home repairs enabling shelter in place.)

This section revises the repairs provision under the Stafford Act's individual and household disaster housing assistance program (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(2)), which provides financial or direct assistance to address disaster-damaged owner-occupied private residences, utilities, and residential infrastructure (such as private access routes) or, for individuals with disabilities, those rendered inaccessible. Specifically, it (1) authorizes financial assistance for such repairs; (2) authorizes direct assistance for such repairs and eligible hazard mitigation measures (i.e., those reducing future damage) when individuals or households cannot utilize financial assistance due to a lack of available resources, with recipients ineligible for temporary housing assistance under paragraph (1) unless otherwise determined by the FEMA Administrator; and (3) exempts repair assistance recipients from requirements to demonstrate that needs cannot be met through other means, except insurance proceeds. (Thus, this expands federal options beyond financial aid to include direct repairs and mitigation for low-resource households.) The section also makes conforming amendments to state management provisions (42 U.S.C. 5174(f)) to reference the revised paragraph structure.

This section directs the FEMA Administrator to issue regulations ensuring that applicants for disaster housing assistance under section 408 of the Stafford Act (i.e., financial or direct aid for those displaced from or whose primary residences are uninhabitable due to a major disaster) who indicate ownership of an insurance policy for the damaged property do not receive a denial notice before a final determination on their insurance claim. (Thus, the change prevents premature denials that could mislead insured applicants.)

This section extends the maximum period of temporary housing assistance under the Stafford Act's Individuals and Households Program (IHP)—which provides financial assistance and direct services to disaster-affected individuals and households unable to meet their own needs—to 24 months (from 18 months) in specified circumstances. The section further directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator to revise appeals regulations (44 C.F.R. § 206.115) to require providing appellants with (1) documentation used in eligibility determinations, including inspection documents; (2) explanations of denial reasons and recommended remedies or additional documentation; and (3) inspection documents within 10 days of inspection completion. These changes apply to funds appropriated on or after enactment.

This section provides that insurance proceeds are not considered a duplication of benefits under section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act when determining eligibility for displacement assistance under the Individuals and Households Program (i.e., temporary financial assistance and direct services for disaster-related necessary expenses and serious needs, including housing). Displacement assistance includes aid for food, water, first aid, personal hygiene items, baby formula, breastfeeding supplies, fuel for transportation, emergency supplies, and stays in hotels, motels, with family or friends, or other available housing options.

This section revises the state-managed disaster housing pilot program under Section 408(f) of the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(f)), which allows qualified states and Indian tribal governments to administer federal temporary and permanent housing assistance to disaster survivors (i.e., under subsections (c)(1), (c)(2), and (c)(4)), as follows: (1) requires the President to publicly disclose criteria for evaluating state applications and determining eligibility; (2) requires state plans to outline approaches for helping survivors develop permanent housing plans and, as practicable, choose communities and properties; (3) strikes eligibility criterion (F) and redesignates subsequent subparagraphs; (4) requires a program report immediately (from not later than two years after enactment) and for a 10-year period (from two years); (5) applies the federal cost share under subsection (g)—not less than 75% in most cases—to assistance under subsections (c)(1)(B) [direct temporary housing], (c)(2)(B) [permanent housing repair], and (c)(4) [other housing); and (6) directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to assess the pilot's effectiveness, successes, challenges, and recommendations upon its expiration.

This section modifies the basis for calculating financial assistance amounts for temporary housing under the Stafford Act's Individual and Household Program (IHP)—which provides aid to disaster-displaced individuals and households unable to meet housing needs through other means—to explicitly include local postdisaster rent increases in the fair market rent for the accommodation provided (previously based solely on fair market rent for the accommodation provided).

This section adds postdisaster assistance as a new element ((8)) in the President's authorized disaster preparedness program, which utilizes services of other federal agencies to support state and local mitigation, planning, training, and recovery efforts. It further authorizes the FEMA Administrator to provide funding to state agencies designated under the program for establishing, updating, or operating state-managed websites suitable for residents that list federal, state, and local postdisaster recovery funding and assistance sources for communities and individuals, or provide technical guides on mitigation alternatives and sequential hazards (e.g., flooding after wildfire); requires cooperation with the Departments of the Interior, Agriculture, and Housing and Urban Development, the Small Business Administration, and FEMA; and mandates updates at least every six months.

This section clarifies eligibility for sheltering assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by adding new provisions to Section 403 (42 U.S.C. 5170b) and Section 408 (42 U.S.C. 5174) stating that the absence of a fixed physical address is not a disqualifying factor for (1) non-congregate sheltering assistance under Section 403, or (2) assistance under Section 408—including temporary housing—if the individual or household demonstrates residency in the disaster-affected area at the time of the disaster through alternative means determined by the FEMA Administrator (e.g., shelter records or affidavit). (Thus, individuals without fixed addresses, such as the homeless, may qualify for federal emergency shelter and housing aid.)

This section directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that individuals and households eligible for non-congregate sheltering assistance under Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (i.e., federal essential assistance including emergency shelter to address immediate threats to life and property from a major disaster) are not required to provide a credit card or security deposit to access such assistance.

This section authorizes the President to provide financial assistance for replacement of an owner-occupied residence that suffers a total loss due to a major disaster if the cost of direct assistance under subsection (c)(1)(B)—typically provision of temporary housing units—exceeds the replacement cost (subject to §312 of the Stafford Act notwithstanding subsection (h) thereof). If so authorized but such assistance is not offered, the President must report to Congress explaining the rationale.

This section establishes a new requirement under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for states and Indian tribal governments to submit to the President, within three years of enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025, a preapproved project mitigation plan developed in consultation with licensed professionals. (As background, such plans list eligible mitigation projects under sections 203, 205, or 404—i.e., emergency assistance, debris removal, or hazard mitigation grant program projects—and enable expedited implementation if approved; failure to submit disqualifies the submitter from increased federal cost share under section 409(c)(3).) The plan must include (1) a list of natural disaster mitigation projects with descriptions, benefits, and estimated costs; (2) for states, at least one project per county or county equivalent, or an explanation for any lacking one; and (3) projects eligible under sections 203, 205, or 404. The President must establish a nonpartisan peer review panel of at least 30 experts in emergency management, hazard mitigation, or insurance underwriting (with one-year terms, no consecutive service, and Federal Advisory Committee Act inapplicable) to assess submitted plans and resubmitted denied projects for cost-effectiveness and risk reduction within three months and recommend approval or denial. Within one month of panel recommendations, the President must approve or deny individual projects (considering peer findings, risk reduction, and entity need), approve plans containing only approved projects, provide denial notices and technical assistance, or face default approval of panel-recommended projects; denied projects may be resubmitted anytime. Approved projects are deemed approved under sections 203, 205, or 404 without further review, with the President required to accept revised cost estimates.

This section revises the predisaster hazard mitigation program (42 U.S.C. 5133), which provides technical and financial assistance from the National Public Infrastructure Predisaster Mitigation Fund to reduce injuries, loss of life, and property damage from future disasters, by (1) eliminating direct assistance to local governments under subsection (c) and requiring each state receiving assistance to suballocate at least 50% of its funds under subsection (f) to local governments for mitigation projects (with distribution or project details due to the President within 60 days); (2) replacing the competitive allocation process in subsection (f) with a formula distributing available funds to eligible states—40% equally, 20% on a sliding scale favoring states with the most vulnerability to natural hazards in critical infrastructure, 20% on a sliding scale favoring states with higher population and lower median income (using the latest decennial census), and 20% on a sliding scale favoring states with the highest amount of approved projects in economically distressed communities (per 13 C.F.R. § 301.3(a)) or rural areas (per 7 U.S.C. 1991(a))—and guaranteeing at least $75 million annually to Indian tribal governments; (3) adding as an eligible use of funds in subsection (e) the development of preapproved project mitigation plans under section 322(f); (4) simplifying eligibility criteria in subsection (g) by striking specified factors; (5) allowing in new subsection (n) funding for projects executed via multi-entity partnerships, private nonprofits, public-private partnerships, or in combination with other federal mitigation programs (e.g., section 404); and (6) including sections 408 and 409 funding sources in the predisaster mitigation fund under subsection (i). This section further directs the FEMA Administrator to issue implementing policy and guidance within 90 days of enactment and deems conflicting prior regulations rescinded.

This section amends the predisaster hazard mitigation program (i.e., competitive grants to states, locals, tribes, and territories for cost-effective measures to reduce disaster injuries, loss of life, and property damage) and related Stafford Act provisions as follows: (1) defines, for grant eligibility criteria and state recommendation criteria, "latest published editions" of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards as the two most recently published editions; (2) revises the hazard mitigation revolving loan fund program to require state implementation (previously establishment) using the two (previously latest one) most recently published editions of such codes, including any amendments made by state, local, tribal, or territorial governments, and updates the paragraph heading from "Establishing" to "Implementing"; and (3) directs the FEMA Administrator to establish, not later than one year after enactment, a residential resilience pilot program through the predisaster hazard mitigation program to provide assistance (using not more than 10% of annual allocations under that program) to states and locals for grants to financially needy individuals for residential resilient retrofits (i.e., projects increasing resilience of existing homes to local hazards using measures consistent with the two most recent editions of relevant codes, including examples such as home elevations, floodproofing, tornado-safe rooms, seismic retrofits, wildfire measures, and wind retrofits), with the pilot terminating on September 30, 2028, applicable only to post-enactment appropriations, and requiring a report to specified congressional committees four years after enactment detailing awards, results (e.g., homes retrofitted, costs, demographics, avoided disaster costs), challenges, and recommendations.

This section revises the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) under Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c)—which provides federal grants matching up to 75% of costs for cost-effective measures reducing future disaster risks in areas affected by major disasters—by (1) requiring the President to establish criteria for approving grant applications under subsection (c)(2) (eliminating prior pilot program restrictions); (2) authorizing consolidation of HMGP projects with predisaster hazard mitigation assistance under Section 203 and other federal aid under new subsection (h), with federal funds applied toward applicable shares and total federal share not to exceed program limits; and (3) authorizing advance payment of the full estimated federal share before costs are incurred under revised subsection (e), with the FEMA Administrator required to offer such advances for home retrofits (e.g., elevations) to improve resilience. The changes apply to major disasters or emergencies declared before enactment if the assistance processing period has not ended.

This section amends Section 403 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (i.e., federal essential assistance for emergency protective measures during major disasters) by adding subsection (e) on electric utilities, as follows: (1) authorizes electric utilities to carry out cost-effective hazard mitigation activities jointly or in combination with power restoration activities assisted under this section; and (2) specifies that emergency power restoration assistance under this section does not disqualify an electric utility facility from hazard mitigation assistance under Section 406 (i.e., grants to protect against future disasters) for which it is otherwise eligible. (Thus, utilities may integrate preventive measures into immediate recovery without losing separate mitigation funding.) The amendment applies only to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment.

This section amends the hazard mitigation revolving loan fund program by (1) requiring entity loan funds to be administered by entities with experience in hazard mitigation, resilience, and emergency management (previously, emergency management); and (2) revising subsection (f)(1)(C) to 4 (from 2).

This section directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, not later than 180 days after the date of enactment, to establish a consolidated grant application form for hazard mitigation funds under sections 203 (predisaster hazard mitigation), 205 (pilot program for small impoverished communities), and 404 (post-disaster hazard mitigation grants) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The form is to facilitate administration of those funds and related hazard mitigation programs under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 and sec. 322(f) of the Stafford Act (as added by this Act); ensure assistance complies with applicable laws; reduce administrative burdens on the application and review process; and expedite grant agreements and fund disbursements.

This section directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator to conduct a study evaluating the effectiveness, long-term cost savings, and strategic impact of FEMA-funded nationwide hazard mitigation activities (i.e., projects to reduce losses from natural disasters). The study must assess how these programs (1) reduce Federal and non-Federal disaster response and recovery expenditures; (2) enhance community preparedness; (3) improve hazard-related insurance availability and affordability; (4) support continuity of critical services and infrastructure; and (5) generate returns on investment, using quantitative and qualitative analysis of avoided losses, case studies, and evaluations of community risk ratings and insurance penetration. The Administrator must use data from Federal, State, local, Tribal agencies; third-party assessments; and internal records, with optional consultations including the Comptroller General, National Institute of Standards and Technology, governments, and academic institutions. Not later than 18 months after enactment and annually thereafter, the Administrator must submit reports detailing findings and recommendations for program and legislative improvements to specified House and Senate committees, with public posting on FEMA's website within 60 days; initial study results must be publicly available in a searchable format with visualizations and methodology explanations not later than two years after enactment, and the study must be updated annually.

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a review every 6 months, beginning not later than 6 months after enactment, of the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) transition to a cabinet-level independent establishment under title I of this Act and to brief the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs on the results. The reviews must assess (1) continued processing of public assistance grants for eligible facilities; (2) compliance of the transition with federal labor, procurement, information management, and related laws; (3) status of agency contractual obligations; (4) interdepartmental coordination, new memorandums of understanding, and assistance from the Department of Homeland Security; (5) transition costs for personnel, equipment, furnishings, and contents; (6) personnel retention; (7) physical and technological infrastructure needs and fulfillment; (8) programmatic operations; (9) communication with stakeholders such as state emergency managers and private nonprofits; (10) engineer personnel levels; (11) contracts with licensed engineering professionals in states with recent major disaster declarations under the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5170); and (12) best practices and lessons learned. This section sunsets 36 months after enactment or on an earlier date agreed to by the Comptroller General and the specified committees.

This section requires the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in consultation with the Secretary of the Treasury and heads of covered federal agencies, to establish a subpage on USAspending.gov (i.e., the website under the Federal Funding Accountability and Transparency Act of 2006) for public quarterly reporting on disaster assistance provided to eligible recipients (i.e., non-individual entities, including states). Covered agencies are those providing assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, the Small Business Administration (SBA), and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); disaster assistance includes SBA section 7(b) loans for businesses, homeowners, and renters affected by declared disasters (15 U.S.C. 636(b)), HUD community development block grants for disaster recovery and National Flood Insurance Program payments, and Stafford Act aid. Agencies must submit the following information within 30 days after each calendar quarter's end, in machine-readable format: (1) total disaster assistance provided that quarter; (2) amounts expended or obligated to projects or activities; and (3) a detailed list of such projects or activities, including name, description, completion status, award identification number, FEMA Catalog of Disaster Assistance number, ZIP code location, and agency-specific reporting details. Agencies must issue implementation guidance; OMB may contract with a private entity to develop the subpage.

This section adds political affiliation to the list of prohibited grounds for discrimination—previously limited to race, color, religion, nationality, sex, age, disability, English proficiency, or economic status—in regulations governing the equitable distribution of supplies, processing of applications, and other federal disaster relief activities under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, not later than two years after enactment, a report identifying regulations, policies, and procedures under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (i.e., the primary federal law authorizing FEMA disaster assistance) that (1) are obsolete, (2) conflict with other regulations, policies, or procedures or with current law, (3) set more stringent requirements than required by law, or (4) create unnecessary burdens and costs on disaster assistance, along with recommendations for which should be amended or rescinded.

This section directs the FEMA Administrator to submit to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (1) not later than 180 days after enactment, a report on individual and household assistance under section 408 of the Stafford Act (i.e., the Individual and Household Programs providing financial and direct services to disaster-affected individuals and households) for FY2016 through the most recent fiscal year, and (2) annual reports for fiscal years thereafter. The reports must include, for all individuals and households and by specified income categories relative to national median household income (under 75%, 75-125%, and over 125%), the average assistance amounts, denial rates, numbers of homeowners and renters (for the three income categories), and any explanation for increases in denial rates.

This section establishes an individual assistance dashboard requiring the FEMA Administrator, not later than 90 days after a major disaster declaration under section 401 of the Stafford Act, to publish an interactive web tool on a FEMA website displaying (1) the number of assistance applications under section 408 (i.e., Individual and Family Housing Assistance), including breakdowns for housing and other needs under section 408(e); (2) the number approved; (3) the number denied; (4) a ranked list of denial reasons with counts for each; (5) dollar amounts of assistance provided to property owners and renters with household incomes above or below the national median; (6) the estimated percentage of residential property destroyed, if available; and (7) any other relevant information determined by the Administrator. The dashboard must exclude personally identifiable information.

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the practices, including their accuracy, used by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) when conducting preliminary damage assessments for purposes of providing assistance under the Individual Assistance program (42 U.S.C. 5174) (i.e., financial assistance and direct services to disaster-affected individuals and households unable to meet necessary expenses or serious needs through other means). The study must include (1) a comparison of FEMA's preliminary damage assessment processes and procedures to those used by private insurance companies following a major disaster, (2) a review of training provided to individuals conducting such assessments, and (3) a comparison of damage estimates for homes owned by individuals above the national median income to homes owned by individuals at or below the national median income.

This section directs the FEMA Administrator, not later than one year after enactment, to conduct a study on unique challenges faced by renters seeking federal disaster assistance and disparities between assistance provided to renters and homeowners under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174)—which authorizes financial and direct services for disaster-related housing needs of individuals and households—and to develop a plan addressing those challenges and disparities, including legislative recommendations. The section further requires the Administrator to submit a report on the study and plan to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs, after consulting with relevant federal entities and stakeholders involved in disaster housing.

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct, not later than one year after enactment, an assessment of improper and potentially fraudulent Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) disaster assistance provided to individuals for major disasters declared in 2020 and 2021, including through identity theft. The Comptroller General must submit a report to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs describing (1) the prevalence of such assistance provided to registrants using invalid information; (2) the number of survivors whose claims were denied due to fraudulent applications using their personal information; (3) the adequacy of FEMA's online application fraud prevention protocols; and (4) recommendations for improving identity verification protocols.

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to complete, not later than one year after the date of enactment, a study on insurance utilization by facilities eligible for public assistance under sections 403, 406, 409, or 428 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (i.e., FEMA aid for debris removal, emergency protective measures, repair or replacement of damaged public facilities and systems, hazard mitigation, and alternative procedures for efficient recovery). In the study, the Comptroller General must examine (1) the effect of a state's insurance coverage on presidential major disaster declarations under section 401 of that Act (42 U.S.C. 5170); (2) trends in insurance coverage for such facilities before and after receiving public assistance; (3) enforcement of insurance purchase requirements under 44 C.F.R. 206.253; (4) rates of noncompliance with or lapses in required insurance coverage by public assistance recipients; (5) rates of insurance coverage among critical facilities eligible for public assistance, including hospitals, emergency operations centers, and public safety buildings; and (6) changes in insurance coverage by such facilities after revisions to flood hazard maps or other hazard designations. Upon completion, the Comptroller General must submit to Congress a report on the study's results, including findings and recommendations for legislative or administrative action.

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on state wildfire management plans for non-Federal lands and submit a report to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure not later than one year after enactment. The report must include (1) a list and description of states with a completed forest management plan, wildland management plan, or similar plan to mitigate wildfire risk; (2) a description of states with high wildfire risk; (3) for high-risk states, a list of those with such a plan and an assessment of its effectiveness; (4) an analysis of whether states with such plans follow them and allocate adequate resources; (5) an analysis of whether federal hazard mitigation funding to high-risk states supports wildfire risk mitigation; (6) for wildfires in the prior five years in states without such plans, an analysis of whether a plan could have reduced damage; (7) a comparison of such plans, including best practices and areas for improvement; and (8) recommendations on federal funding incentives for states to develop and follow such plans.

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on the effectiveness of local, state, territorial, and federal emergency alerting systems in disseminating timely and relevant information during weather-related emergencies. The study must (1) evaluate the efficacy of various alert mediums, including social media, in disseminating alerts such as travel bans and mass power outages during extreme weather events; (2) assess the extent of guidance and training for developing clear, relevant, and actionable alert content; and (3) determine potential improvements to public alerting, including outdoor siren systems, based on input from emergency managers, local officials, and community groups. The Comptroller General must submit a report on the study to the House Committees on Transportation and Infrastructure and Homeland Security and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act.

This section requires the Comptroller General of the United States to submit to the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, not later than 180 days after enactment, a report on actual management costs (i.e., reimbursable direct and indirect administrative expenses for grantees and subgrantees) under section 324 of the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b) during major disaster declarations. The report must (1) assess whether amounts set aside for such costs after enactment are appropriate and (2) for each major disaster declared under Stafford Act section 401 (42 U.S.C. 5170) in the prior five years, detail the management costs incurred, amounts set aside, use of those funds, disaster length, and reasons for that length.

This section directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), in coordination with other relevant federal agencies, to submit to the congressional committees of jurisdiction (1) not later than one year after enactment, a report on actions and legislative proposals to improve delivery of disaster assistance to individuals following a major disaster or emergency declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act)—including efforts to improve interagency coordination, clarify the sequence of assistance delivery, provide a common interpretation of duplicative benefits rules under Stafford Act §312 (42 U.S.C. 5155) (i.e., prohibition on federal assistance duplicating other benefits such as insurance), and enhance applicant communications on available programs; and (2) not later than four years after enactment, an update to that report.

This section directs the Comptroller General of the United States to complete a study, not later than three years after enactment, on repair and rebuilding reforms to FEMA assistance under sections 403 (essential assistance) and 408 (individual and family housing assistance) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act made by this Act. The study must include (1) a review of costs for direct housing assistance options (i.e., temporary housing units, transportable units, hoteling, and rental assistance); (2) an assessment of the relative costs, timeliness, recovery outcomes (e.g., reestablishment time, housing stability, health, safety, self-sufficiency), community retention effects, expansion challenges, long-term liabilities (e.g., cost avoidance, displacement, repeat aid), and fund safeguards of permanent repairs or reconstruction of owner-occupied residences compared to temporary options; and (3) a review of FEMA's use of permanent repairs and housing construction, including best practices. Upon completion, the Comptroller General must submit a report to Congress with findings and recommendations for legislative or administrative action.

This section establishes transparency requirements for presidential approvals or denials of major disaster declarations requested by a state governor or Indian tribal government chief executive under the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5170). Upon issuing such a decision, the President must provide the requester with a detailed written justification that includes (1) an explanation of whether disaster damage exceeded the state or tribal government's capacity; (2) consideration of loss of life and ongoing public safety threats; (3) the total estimated damage value, as determined in consultation with FEMA's Administrator and the affected state or tribal government; and (4) the determination of impacts on rural or economically distressed communities, severe local effects, or recent multiple disasters in the area. (This requirement does not apply to declarations processed through expedited procedures under 44 C.F.R. 206.36(d).)

This section directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to convene, not later than 90 days after enactment, a working group to review and develop best practices for preparing for, mitigating against, public alerting for, and responding to fast-moving disasters (defined as rapidly developing or spreading events causing significant damage and necessitating immediate response, including flash flooding, wildfires, mudslides, and tornadoes). The working group is to include representatives from FEMA, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Defense, the National Weather Service, state/Tribal/local governments, and subject matter experts; and, not later than one year after convening, the Administrator must issue and publicly release a report on (1) best practices for federal, state, Tribal, and local governments; (2) proposed changes to relevant federal agency plans and policies; and (3) needed legislative proposals.

This section establishes a public assistance dashboard requirement under the Stafford Act for major disasters declared by the President under section 401 on or after 180 days after enactment of the FEMA Act of 2025. Not later than 90 days after each such declaration, the FEMA Administrator must publish on the agency's website an interactive, publicly accessible dashboard tracking (1) details on each section 409 cost estimate, including applicant, submission date, project descriptions, and costs with Federal and non-Federal cost-share breakdowns; (2) status of agency review and approval of each section 409 cost estimate, including project approval and grant issuance dates; (3) explanations for any unapproved cost estimate or delayed grant under section 409 timelines, plus corrective actions; (4) project-level progress updates per section 409 reporting requirements; (5) details on section 801 funding requests, including dates, amounts, submission timelines, approvals, and disbursements; and (6) any other information the Administrator deems appropriate for transparency and accountability.

This section addresses FEMA workforce retention, disaster response, and preliminary damage assessments in noncontiguous communities (i.e., U.S. territories, Alaska, and Hawaii) by (1) directing the FEMA Administrator to study hiring, recruitment, and retention practices—including evaluation of recruitment strategies, prioritization of severe shortage areas, and identification of improvement steps—solicit staff feedback, brief congressional committees within 6 months of enactment, and revise relevant policies; (2) requiring the GAO to study the effectiveness of disaster response and recovery practices in such communities (with a focus on Super Typhoon Yutu recovery), including analyses of ongoing recovery efforts, federal coordination, state office engagement, Area offices and Regional Advisory Councils, and recommendations for improvements, and submit a report to congressional committees within 18 months of enactment; and (3) establishing a pilot program, to be implemented within 1 year of enactment, to deploy new technology for preliminary damage assessments in noncontiguous communities following a major disaster declaration under the Stafford Act (42 U.S.C. 5170)—prioritizing the most remote areas—with a briefing to congressional committees within 3 years of enactment and termination on September 30, 2030.