Bills · S 374
IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS
Senate BillS 374Emergency Management
Direct Property Acquisitions Act
INTRO FEB 3· LAST ACTION FEB 3
READING
4MIN
COSPONSORS
0
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
- Introduced only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 2 / 8Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed Senate
Passed House
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-writtenThis bill matters because it tries to solve a common problem: how long it takes for communities to recover and rebuild after disasters, especially when it comes to permanently moving people out of harm's way. The current system, which often requires states to act as a middleman between local governments and federal aid, can be slow. By allowing some capable local governments to apply directly to FEMA, this bill aims to make the process of buying out properties or relocating structures much faster.
If this bill becomes law and the pilot program proves successful, it could lead to quicker disaster recovery and more effective long-term protection for communities vulnerable to natural hazards. This means people could potentially get aid and move to safety more efficiently. If it doesn't become law, the existing process for hazard mitigation property acquisitions would continue, potentially leading to ongoing delays in helping communities adapt to climate change and other disaster risks.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extractedPROVISION 01
Establishes a pilot program allowing certain local governments to apply directly to FEMA for hazard mitigation assistance for property acquisitions and demolitions/relocations.
This fundamentally changes the application process for some communities, potentially speeding up vital disaster mitigation efforts.
PROVISION 02
FEMA will select local governments for the program based on criteria including their past performance, need, risk, and positive feedback from their state government.
This ensures that only capable and suitable communities are chosen to participate in this experimental direct application process.
PROVISION 03
Limits participation to no more than two local governments per FEMA region and no more than one per state within a region.
This limits the scope of the pilot program, ensuring it remains manageable for evaluation purposes.
PROVISION 04
Requires FEMA to submit annual reports to Congress evaluating the program's effectiveness, including whether it significantly expedited the acquisition process.
This provision ensures oversight and provides crucial data to determine if the pilot program should be continued or expanded.
PROVISION 05
The pilot program is temporary, designed to terminate no more than 8 years after communities are selected.
This establishes a clear end date for the experimental program, requiring future legislative action if it is to continue.
SPONSORSHIP
1 + 0
R· Oklahoma
YRS IN OFFICE
15
BILLS LED
77
ACTION TIMELINE
2 EVENTSFEB 3
Introduced in Senate
FEB 3
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
BILL INFO
TypeSenate Bill
NumberS 374
Congress119th
StatusIn Committee
IntroducedFeb 3, 2025
Last actionFeb 3, 2025
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IN COMMITTEE· 119TH CONGRESS · HOMELAND SECURITY AND GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE · INTRODUCED FEB 3, 2025
Senate BillS 374Emergency Management
Direct Property Acquisitions Act
INTRODUCED FEB 3, 2025· LAST ACTION FEB 3, 2025
PASSAGE CHANCES
—%
READING
4 min
COSPONSORS
0
COMPLEXITY
Moderate
