Promoting Resilient Buildings Act of 2025This bill amends the authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA’s) Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) and Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) programs regarding building codes, including authorizing funding to implement the two most recent editions of building codes, and establishes a pilot program for residential resilience retrofits under the BRIC program.Under current law, funding provided under the BRIC and Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF programs may be used to establish and carry out the latest published editions of building codes and standards. The bill authorizes the BRIC program to fund carrying out the latest two published editions (i.e., either the current edition of a code or the previous edition) and requires BRIC to consider adoption of the latest two editions when determining whether to provide assistance. The bill also authorizes the Safeguarding Tomorrow RLF program to fund implementation of the latest two published editions of building codes and allows for jurisdictions to amend such codes.Additionally, the bill establishes under the BRIC program a pilot program for states and local governments to provide grants to individuals for residential resilience retrofits (i.e., projects that increase a home’s resilience to natural hazards). To provide this assistance, FEMA may use up to 10 percent of the assistance made available to BRIC applicants annually. The pilot program terminates at the end of FY2028.
The bill mandates that the pilot program prioritize assistance for financially needy individuals, ensuring that those most vulnerable to disaster impacts can enhance their residences. The program is set to be implemented within a year of the bill's enactment and will operate until September 30, 2028. It also includes provisions for a comprehensive report detailing the outcomes of the pilot program, including metrics on the effectiveness of the funded retrofits and insights into any challenges faced during implementation.
House Bill 501, titled the 'Promoting Resilient Buildings Act of 2025', is designed to enhance disaster resilience by amending certain disaster recovery laws. The bill establishes a residential resilience pilot program under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), which aims to provide individuals with grants for making their homes more resilient to natural disasters. This initiative seeks to mitigate damage from disasters such as floods, hurricanes, and wildfires, reflecting a proactive approach to disaster management by focusing on building stronger and safer homes.
There are potential points of contention regarding the prioritization of federal funding for these resilience projects. Critics may argue that focusing on resilience grants could divert necessary resources from immediate disaster relief efforts. Additionally, there may be concerns regarding the effectiveness of the retrofitting measures proposed and whether they will genuinely reduce disaster-related damages or merely serve as a temporary solution. The bill's inclusion of references to the latest building codes highlights the ongoing debate about the adequacy of current safety standards in an increasingly disaster-prone environment.