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National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023

4/10/2024, 12:26 PM

Summary of Bill S 2142

Bill 118 s 2142, also known as the National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The bill aims to reauthorize and reform the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), which provides flood insurance to property owners in flood-prone areas.

One of the key provisions of the bill is the reauthorization of the NFIP, which is set to expire if not renewed by Congress. The bill seeks to extend the program for a certain period of time, ensuring that property owners continue to have access to affordable flood insurance coverage.

In addition to reauthorization, the bill also includes several reforms to the NFIP. These reforms are designed to improve the financial stability of the program, increase participation among property owners, and enhance the accuracy of flood risk assessments. Some of the specific reforms outlined in the bill include updating flood maps, increasing premiums for high-risk properties, and promoting mitigation efforts to reduce flood damage. Overall, the National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023 aims to ensure that the NFIP remains a viable and effective tool for property owners in flood-prone areas. By reauthorizing the program and implementing key reforms, the bill seeks to protect property owners from the financial devastation of flooding while also promoting responsible development in flood-prone areas.

Congressional Summary of S 2142

National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023

This bill generally revises the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and reauthorizes the program through FY2026.

The bill addresses NFIP coverage, cost, and availability, including by

  • generally prohibiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from raising certain premiums, surcharges, and fees more than 9% a year for five years;
  • revising flood insurance coverage limits;
  • establishing a means-tested program to provide financial assistance to low-income households through policy discounts; and
  • revising standards and certification requirements for flood insurance rate maps.

The bill also revises administrative provisions of the NFIP, including by

  • allowing for the continuous operation of the NFIP during a lapse in appropriations, and
  • prohibiting the Department of the Treasury from charging FEMA interest for NFIP debt for five years.

The bill sets forth requirements for Write Your Own companies related to reimbursements, agent commissions, and penalties for underpayment of claims. (A Write Your Own company writes and services federal standard flood insurance policies in its own name.)

The bill establishes state or tribal government revolving funds for flood mitigation activities and also provides for loans, grants, and other incentives regarding mitigation.

The bill also requires the creation of an appeals process for disputing NFIP premium rates.

Current Status of Bill S 2142

Bill S 2142 is currently in the status of Bill Introduced since June 22, 2023. Bill S 2142 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the Senate on June 22, 2023.  Bill S 2142's most recent activity was Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. Hearings held. as of March 12, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill S 2142

Total Number of Sponsors
1
Democrat Sponsors
1
Republican Sponsors
0
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
18
Democrat Cosponsors
6
Republican Cosponsors
12
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill S 2142

Primary Policy Focus

Finance and Financial Sector

Potential Impact Areas

- Accounting and auditing
- Administrative law and regulatory procedures
- Administrative remedies
- Advisory bodies
- Alternative dispute resolution, mediation, arbitration
- Building construction
- Business records
- Congressional oversight
- Digital media
- Disaster relief and insurance
- Emergency planning and evacuation
- Executive agency funding and structure
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- Federal-Indian relations
- Floods and storm protection
- Geography and mapping
- Government employee pay, benefits, personnel management
- Government ethics and transparency, public corruption
- Government information and archives
- Government lending and loan guarantees
- Government studies and investigations
- Government trust funds
- Housing and community development funding
- Housing finance and home ownership
- Inflation and prices
- Insurance industry and regulation
- Intergovernmental relations
- Judicial review and appeals
- Legal fees and court costs
- Licensing and registrations
- Life, casualty, property insurance
- Low- and moderate-income housing
- Performance measurement
- Poverty and welfare assistance
- Public contracts and procurement
- Public-private cooperation
- Residential rehabilitation and home repair
- Securities
- State and local finance
- State and local government operations
- Urban and suburban affairs and development
- User charges and fees

Alternate Title(s) of Bill S 2142

National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023
National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023
A bill to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, and for other purposes.
A bill to reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, and for other purposes.

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