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A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to the implementation of building codes, and for other purposes.
2/5/2025, 11:56 AM
Summary of Bill S 388
Specifically, the bill proposes to establish a grant program to assist states and localities in adopting and enforcing building codes that are designed to mitigate the risks associated with natural disasters. This program would provide funding to support the training of building code officials, the development of model building codes, and the implementation of building code enforcement mechanisms.
In addition, the bill includes provisions to encourage the use of resilient building materials and construction techniques, as well as to promote the incorporation of disaster-resistant design principles into building codes. These measures are intended to reduce the vulnerability of buildings and infrastructure to damage and destruction during disasters, ultimately saving lives and reducing the economic impact of such events. Overall, Bill 119 s 388 aims to improve disaster preparedness and response efforts by strengthening building codes and promoting the construction of more resilient structures in disaster-prone areas. By investing in proactive measures to mitigate the impact of natural disasters, the bill seeks to enhance the safety and well-being of communities across the United States.
Congressional Summary of S 388
Promoting Resilient Buildings Act
This bill increases flexibility for predisaster mitigation assistance for building code activities, prohibits using certain loan funds for building code activities, and establishes a pilot program to fund residential resilience retrofits.
Under current law, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide predisaster hazard mitigation assistance to government entities for implementing the latest published editions of relevant building codes and standards. Also, FEMA must consider a government entity’s adoption of such building codes when determining whether to award it predisaster hazard mitigation assistance. The bill specifies that the building codes applicable in such instances are the two most recently published editions (i.e., either the current edition or the previous one).
Also, currently, under FEMA's Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (STRLF) program, states and Indian tribal governments may provide loans to local governments for establishing and carrying out building codes and standards. The bill removes this authority, so STRLF loans may not be used for such building code-related activities.
Additionally, the bill establishes a pilot program for FEMA to provide grants to government entities that then provide the funding to individuals for residential resilience retrofits. The retrofit projects must reduce risk to homes from local natural hazards and individuals must demonstrate financial need. To implement the pilot program, FEMA may use up to 10% of the funds FEMA provides annually for predisaster hazard mitigation assistance. The pilot program terminates at the end of FY2030.
