HR 1393

Wildfire Response Improvement Act

Summary

Wildfire Response Improvement Act This bill expands certain wildfire management assistance to beyond the time when the fire occurs and requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to update various programmatic guidance relating to wildfire response and cost-effectiveness criteria for wildfire mitigation projects. Currently, in general, government entities’ costs for fighting wildfires are only eligible for assistance under the Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) Program if the costs are incurred during the incident period (i.e., time during which the fire occurs). The bill requires FEMA to modify the FMAG Program so that assessments and emergency stabilization to protect public safety are eligible for FMAG assistance regardless of when the incident period begins or ends. The bill also requires FEMA to review and update its evaluation criteria for the cost-effectiveness of wildfire mitigation projects proposed under the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program or Hazard Mitigation Grant Program and prioritize projects accordingly. Additionally, FEMA must update its policy guide for the Public Assistance program to include guidance on challenges with wildfire recovery, including the resulting toxicity of drinking water resources.

Bill status

Status
In committee
Sponsor
Rep. Greg Stanton [D-AZ-4]
Cosponsors
2
Policy area
Emergency Management
Introduced
2025-02-14
Latest action
2025-02-14: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

Committee referrals

Recent actions

  • 2025-02-14: Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
  • 2025-02-14: Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
  • 2025-02-14: Introduced in House
  • 2025-02-14: Introduced in House