US Federal 2025-2026 Regular Session

US Federal House Bill HB3177

Introduced
5/5/25  
Refer
5/5/25  

Caption

To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that cost estimates, acquisition of proper materials, and any other activity related to certain projects under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act are performed by professionals licensed in the relevant State, and for other purposes.

Impact

If passed, HB3177 will specifically influence how FEMA conducts its disaster relief efforts by standardizing the requirement for state-licensed professionals to be involved in critical recovery tasks. This change is expected to enhance accountability and the quality of service provided during the execution of disaster projects. Supporters argue that such regulations will ensure that rebuilding efforts meet higher standards and adequately address the complex needs following a disaster, ultimately fostering faster and more reliable recovery.

Summary

House Bill 3177 seeks to enhance the management of disaster relief projects under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by mandating that all activities, including cost estimates and material acquisitions, are conducted by professionals who are licensed in the relevant state. This bill is aimed at ensuring that the rebuilding efforts following disasters are executed with the right expertise, thereby aiming to improve the effectiveness and safety of such undertakings. The bill reflects an increasing recognition of the importance of qualified professionals in disaster recovery processes.

Contention

The introduction of HB3177 may evoke debates regarding the potential bureaucratic implications of requiring state-licensed professionals for all disaster-related activities. Critics of the bill may argue that this could create additional layers of red tape that might delay timely responses necessary in disaster scenarios. On the other hand, proponents assert that having licensed professionals is essential to avoid the pitfalls of poorly managed recovery efforts, emphasizing that the priority should be on safety and compliance with state regulations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB8368

To appropriate funds for the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Relief Fund, and for other purposes.

US HB3957

To amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide certain fire management assistance to Indian Tribal Governments, and for other purposes.

US HB1874

To amend the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 to establish a conclusive presumption that a State concurs to certain activities, and for other purposes.

US HB316

Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025This bill establishes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding sources for unmet needs caused by major disasters, expands FEMA’s assistance for housing and home repair, and requires certain considerations in FEMA’s recommendations on presidential emergency/disaster declarations.The bill establishes the National Disaster Recovery Reserve Fund for FEMA to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet need. The bill defines unmet need as any necessary expense for activities related to a declared major disaster, including disaster relief or resilience activities. In addition, the bill authorizes FEMA to set aside funding from the Disaster Relief Fund to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet needs resulting from a declared disaster, including home repair, economic recovery measures, and other services assisting disaster victims. Also, the bill makes the following changes regarding housing assistance:authorizes FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to provide home repair assistance directly to homeowners when there is a lack of available housing resources, expands IHP home repair assistance for persons with disabilities, extends the maximum duration of IHP’s direct housing assistance from 18 to 24 months,authorizes IHP permanent housing construction where FEMA considers it a cost-effective alternative, and authorizes minor home repairs in the essential assistance federal agencies may provide following a disaster. Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to give greater weight to local impacts, and events over the past five years, when making recommendations to the President regarding emergency or major disaster declarations.

US HB1073

Disaster or emergency response and recovery costs, authority to spend funds from the state disaster relief fund, and uses of the state disaster relief fund.

US HB6201

To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to administer the Next Generation Warning System grant program and disburse obligated funds under such program, and for other purposes.

US HB437

Support Neighborhoods Offset Winter Damage Act of 2025 or the SNOW Act of 2025This bill authorizes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funding for winter storm hazard mitigation and requires FEMA rulemaking to expand assistance for winter storms. It also increases the federal cost share for various FEMA grants, for any hazard type, in rural or disadvantaged areas.The bill specifically authorizes the use of grant funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program to reduce the risk of future damage in areas affected by winter storms, such as by acquiring snow removal equipment. Also, under current FEMA policy, in determining eligibility and recommending a presidential major disaster declaration for a snowstorm, FEMA’s considerations include whether data shows record (or near record) snowfall and whether estimated statewide costs meet applicable thresholds. The bill requires FEMA to create regulations waiving these eligibility requirements for a major disaster declaration for a snowstorm in certain circumstances. FEMA must also create regulations to provide certain assistance for winter storms, including for debris removal and specified infrastructure, as well as individual and emergency assistance when the state determines the storm exceeds state and local capacity. In addition, for any hazard type, the bill requires FEMA to increase the federal cost share from 75% to 90% for certain assistance provided in rural or disadvantaged areas. It also authorizes an increased HMGP federal cost share amount from 75% to 90% for assistance in rural or disadvantaged areas. 

US HB5085

To exempt Federal actions related to the construction of infill housing from the requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969, and for other purposes.

US HB315

This bill prohibits the Federal Emergency Management Agency from requiring the application of the Buy American requirements (requirements for the use of goods mined, produced, or manufactured in the United States) with respect to purchases made or contracts issued by Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, American Samoa, or the U.S. Virgin Islands in the case of an emergency declaration.

US HB7455

To amend the Emergency Food Assistance Act of 1983 to allow certain States to directly purchase commodities, and for other purposes.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.