S 320

National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025

Summary

National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2025 This bill reauthorizes through FY2028 the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) and expands the activities federal agencies must conduct under the program, including activities relating to secondary effects of earthquakes and post-earthquake infrastructure performance.  NEHRP is a coordinated earthquake hazards reduction program of four federal agencies: the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the U.S. Geological Survey, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, and the National Science Foundation. Under NEHRP, these agencies are required to conduct various activities relating to earthquakes, including advancing warning systems, hazard reduction measures, and research to improve understanding of earthquakes and their effects. The bill expands the scope of the activities under NEHRP, including requiring the agencies to  improve understanding of and develop resilience measures for secondary effects and multiple hazards associated with earthquakes, such as tsunamis and fires; improve post-earthquake functional recovery, which means maintaining or restoring the pre-earthquake functionality of buildings and lifeline infrastructure systems (e.g., infrastructure for water, electricity, and transportation); and assist public entities with developing an inventory, and conducting seismic performance evaluation, of infrastructure with high seismic risk.  Additionally, the bill specifically includes tribal governments in the activities conducted under NEHRP.

Bill status

Status
Passed Senate
Sponsor
Sen. Alex Padilla [D-CA]
Cosponsors
1
Policy area
Emergency Management
Introduced
2025-01-29
Latest action
2026-01-07: Held at the desk.

Committee referrals

Recent actions

  • 2026-01-07: Held at the desk.
  • 2026-01-07: Received in the House.
  • 2026-01-07: Message on Senate action sent to the House.
  • 2026-01-05: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.
  • 2026-01-05: Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with an amendment by Unanimous Consent.