AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Jun 11, 2025. Analysis updated: Sep 18, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- FEMA may use either the current or previous edition of building codes for predisaster mitigation assistance, rather than only the latest edition.
- FEMA must consider a government entity's adoption of building codes when awarding predisaster hazard mitigation assistance.
- States and Indian tribal governments may no longer provide Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (STRLF) loans to local governments for building code activities.
- A pilot program authorizes FEMA to award grants to government entities for distributing funds to individuals for residential resilience retrofits that reduce natural hazard risk.
- Individuals receiving retrofit funding must demonstrate financial need; the pilot program uses up to 10% of FEMA's annual predisaster hazard mitigation assistance funding and terminates at the end of FY2030.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The bill increases flexibility in building code standards that FEMA will recognize for mitigation assistance.
- Removing STRLF authority for building codes eliminates one funding mechanism previously available to local governments for such activities.
- The pilot program creates a new direct-to-homeowner funding pathway for residential resilience improvements, contingent on demonstrated financial need.
- The 10% funding cap limits the pilot program's scope relative to overall predisaster mitigation assistance spending.
- No documented effects on specific beneficiary groups, cost estimates, or outcomes are provided in the official summary.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- The bill was introduced in the Senate on February 4, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- The committee ordered the bill to be reported favorably with an amendment on August 6, 2026.
- The committee reported the bill with an amendment in the nature of a substitute on September 15, 2026.
- The bill was placed on the Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders (Calendar No. 616) on September 15, 2026.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Sep 15, 2026 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 616.
- Sep 15, 2026 — Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Paul with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Without written report.
- Aug 6, 2026 — Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.
- Feb 4, 2025 — Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
- Feb 4, 2025 — Introduced in Senate