Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025 | ChamberLight

PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS

House BillHR 900Geography and mappingGovernment studies and investigations

Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025

INTRO JAN 31· LAST ACTION JUL 15

READING

2MIN

COSPONSORS

8BIPARTISAN

READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL

NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST

One chamber only

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 4 / 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed House

Passed Senate

Conference

To President

Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

Sinkholes can appear suddenly, causing severe damage to homes, roads, and other infrastructure, and sometimes even leading to injuries or deaths. Currently, it can be difficult for people and local governments to access comprehensive information about sinkhole risks in their areas. This bill aims to solve that problem by creating a centralized, reliable source of information.

If this bill becomes law, it means communities will have better tools to plan for development, ensure public safety, and respond to emergencies, potentially saving lives and reducing costly property damage. Without it, individuals and local officials would continue to rely on less complete or harder-to-find data, making it tougher to prepare for these unpredictable natural hazards.

KEY PROVISIONS

4AI-extracted

PROVISION 01

Directs the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to establish a program to study the causes of sinkholes and create maps showing high-risk areas.

This initiates a dedicated federal effort to understand and visualize specific natural hazards across the country.

PROVISION 02

Requires the USGS to use existing 3D elevation data when developing the sinkhole risk maps.

Ensures the maps are based on high-quality, detailed geographical information, increasing their accuracy and reliability.

PROVISION 03

Mandates that the USGS review and update the sinkhole risk maps at least once every five years.

Ensures the maps remain current and incorporate new scientific understanding or changes in geological conditions.

PROVISION 04

Requires the USGS to establish and maintain a public website displaying the sinkhole risk maps and related information.

Makes critical hazard information easily accessible to the public, local planners, and emergency services for informed decision-making.

SPONSORSHIP

1 + 8

COSPONSOR BREAKDOWNBIPARTISAN · 50%

DEM 6 REP 2 IND 0

ACTION TIMELINE

13 EVENTS

JUL 15

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

SENATE · INTROREFERRAL

JUL 14

Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

HOUSE · FLOOR

JUL 14

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3223-3224)

FLOOR

JUL 14

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 900.

FLOOR

BILL INFO

TypeHouse Bill

NumberHR 900

Congress119th

StatusPassed House

IntroducedJan 31, 2025

Last actionJul 15, 2025

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PASSED HOUSE· 119TH CONGRESS · NATURAL RESOURCES COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED JAN 31, 2025

House BillHR 900Geography and mappingGovernment studies and investigations

Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025

INTRODUCED JAN 31, 2025· LAST ACTION JUL 15, 2025

PASSAGE CHANCES

—%

READING

2 min

COSPONSORS

COMPLEXITY

Moderate

Call my reps

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

STEP 4 OF 8

Introduced

In Committee

Reported

Passed House

Passed Senate

Conference

To President

Became Law

Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law

WHAT THE BILL DOES

AI-written

KEY PROVISIONS

AI-extracted

high

Directs the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to establish a program to study the causes of sinkholes and create maps showing high-risk areas.

This initiates a dedicated federal effort to understand and visualize specific natural hazards across the country.

med

Requires the USGS to use existing 3D elevation data when developing the sinkhole risk maps.

Ensures the maps are based on high-quality, detailed geographical information, increasing their accuracy and reliability.

med

Mandates that the USGS review and update the sinkhole risk maps at least once every five years.

Ensures the maps remain current and incorporate new scientific understanding or changes in geological conditions.

high

Requires the USGS to establish and maintain a public website displaying the sinkhole risk maps and related information.

Makes critical hazard information easily accessible to the public, local planners, and emergency services for informed decision-making.

DEADLINES & DATES

AI-extracted

An AI model extracted this from the bill’s official record and can make mistakes. Check the official text ↗ (opens in new tab)

Once during each 5-year period, or more often as determined necessary.

Review and update of the sinkhole risk maps.

GLOSSARY

AI-written

U.S. Geological Survey (USGS): A scientific agency of the U.S. government that studies the landscape, natural resources, and natural hazards facing the United States.
Sinkhole: A depression or hole in the ground caused by the collapse of the surface layer, often occurring in areas with soluble bedrock like limestone.
Aquifer depletion: The reduction in the amount of water stored in underground rock formations due to excessive pumping or lack of replenishment.
3D elevation data: Detailed measurements and imagery of the Earth's surface, including height and depth, used to create three-dimensional models of the terrain.
Appropriations: Funds set aside by a legislature for a specific purpose, which typically requires a separate law to authorize the spending.
Community planners: Professionals who help design the physical layout and future development of cities, towns, and regions, often considering infrastructure and land use.

ACTION TIMELINE

13 EVENTS

JUL 15, 25

Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources.

INTROREFERRAL

JUL 14, 25

Mr. Westerman moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

FLOOR

JUL 14, 25

Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H3223-3224)

FLOOR

JUL 14, 25

DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 900.

FLOOR

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Committee Referrals

Natural Resources CommitteeReferred

Jul 2, 2025

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Video

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Natural Resources Committee (house)Apr 9, 2025

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Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

SPONSORSHIP

ACTION TIMELINE

BILL INFO

READER REACTIONS

Discussion

Sinkhole Mapping Act of 2025

LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS

WHAT THE BILL DOES

KEY PROVISIONS

DEADLINES & DATES

GLOSSARY

ACTION TIMELINE

SPONSORS

READER REACTIONS

What do you think?

Discussion

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Committee Referrals

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