Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB6861

Introduced
12/19/23  

Caption

SAFE HOME Act Supporting Affordable Fire Emergency Hardening through Optimized Mitigation Efforts Act

Impact

The proposed changes would significantly influence individual tax filings, particularly for residents in areas designated as high risk for wildfires or those who have previously experienced natural disasters. By providing a financial incentive for proactive measures, the bill promotes the notion of personal responsibility in disaster preparedness. This is critically important in states prone to wildfires, as it encourages homeowners to adopt fire-resistant construction and landscaping practices, ultimately aiming to reduce the overall risk of wildfire damage to homes and properties.

Summary

House Bill 6861, known as the SAFE HOME Act, seeks to amend the Internal Revenue Code to provide a refundable tax credit for individuals who undertake wildfire mitigation expenditures. This bill comes in response to the growing incidence of wildfires and aims to encourage residents in high-risk areas to improve the fire resistance of their homes. Specifically, it allows taxpayers to claim 25% of qualified expenditures made during the taxable year, with a maximum allowable credit of $25,000. For subsequent years, these amounts will be adjusted for inflation.

Contention

While the bill receives support for its potential safety benefits, there are concerns regarding the tracking and documentation requirements it imposes on taxpayers claiming the credit. Critics may argue that the complexity of qualifying expenditures and the necessary documentation could deter participation. Furthermore, questions may arise about the effectiveness and sufficiency of the financial assistance provided in relation to the significant costs of comprehensive wildfire mitigation efforts. Proving the correlation between tax credits and actual mitigation improvements will also be an essential measure following implementation.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB948

SAFE HOME Act Supporting Affordable Fire Emergency Hardening through Optimized Mitigation Efforts Act

US SB1033

SAFE Bet Act Supporting Affordability and Fairness with Every Bet Act of 2025

US HB6161

SAVE Act of 2023 Supporting Access to Vital and Affordable Care for Everyone Act of 2023

US HB9269

IVF Access and Affordability Act

US HB4305

Shelter Act

US HB6970

DASH Act Decent, Affordable, Safe Housing for All Act

US HB6979

To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide a credit to small businesses for research activities related to the mitigation of certain drug threats.

US HB9909

Working Waterfront Disaster Mitigation Tax Credit Act

US HB8877

SAFES Act Storing All Firearms Effectively and Safely Act

US HB9076

Supporting America’s Children and Families Act

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