Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB8656

Introduced
6/7/24  
Refer
6/7/24  
Refer
6/10/24  

Caption

Modernizing Wildfire Safety and Prevention Act of 2024

Impact

The bill sets out to amend existing laws, particularly the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to improve disaster relief measures related to wildfires. It mandates timely payment for wildfire-related financial assistance applications to ensure quicker recovery for affected individuals and communities. Furthermore, by expanding existing programs and creating new ones, HB8656 aims to enhance the overall preparedness and response capabilities to future wildfires, thereby having a significant positive impact on state laws concerning disaster management and environmental health.

Summary

House Bill 8656, also known as the Modernizing Wildfire Safety and Prevention Act of 2024, aims to implement various recommendations from the Wildland Fire Mitigation and Management Commission. The bill focuses on wildfire mitigation, health impacts of wildfire smoke, and support for wildland firefighters. Key features of the bill include the establishment of training programs for wildfire management and the creation of a national smoke monitoring and alert system. The legislation emphasizes the need for improved measures to protect public health from the adverse effects of wildfire smoke and to enhance the capabilities of the forestry workforce.

Contention

However, the bill is not without controversy. Some stakeholders argue that the scaling of federal involvement in wildfire management may overshadow local control and decision-making capabilities, particularly in rural areas where wildfires frequently occur. Critics express concerns that federal regulations may conflict with local management strategies and that the proposed improvements may not adequately address the socio-economic factors that exacerbate wildfire risks in many communities. As discussions continue, these points of contention are crucial to monitor as the legislative process unfolds.

Companion Bills

US SB3071

Related Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act

US HB7671

Related Disaster Management Costs Modernization Act

Similar Bills

US HB1923

Modernizing Wildfire Safety and Prevention Act of 2025

US HB743

Tim’s Act Tim Hart Wildland Firefighter Classification and Pay Parity Act

US HB435

Direct Hire To Fight Fires

US SB2867

Promoting Effective Forest Management Act of 2024

US SB4343

Fire Ready Nation Act of 2024

US SB135

Wildland Firefighter Paycheck Protection Act of 2025

US SB306

Fire Ready Nation Act of 2025This bill provides statutory authority for existing wildfire response services of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and establishes new programs and collaborative efforts to improve fire forecasting and readiness.  Specifically, in addition to other efforts, the bill directs NOAA to establish a coordinated fire weather services program to support readiness for and responsiveness to wildfires, fire weather, smoke, post-fire flooding and debris, and related hazards;develop a digital presence to promote access to and use of the services, tools, data, and information produced by the fire weather services program;establish a fire weather test bed to facilitate the evaluation and implementation of new capabilities, including through research and development on the use of uncrewed aircraft systems (commonly known as drones) to improve data collection;conduct an annual assessment after the close of fire weather season to investigate data gaps and update systems as needed;evaluate and update, as appropriate, the Automated Surface Observing System (the primary surface weather network in the United States) and the system used to rate the risk of wildfire; andestablish an Incident Meteorologist Service within the National Weather Service to provide on-site support before, during, and after significant weather-related events.The bill also exempts federal wildland firefighters, fire management response officials, and accompanying incident meteorologists and management teams from certain premium pay limitations. Finally, the bill directs the Government Accountability Office to evaluate and report on the implementation of the fire weather services program, among other topics. 

US SB5532

A bill to establish a Wildfire Intelligence Center, and for other purposes.