FLARE Act
- Bill Number
- H.R. 7929
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Transportation and Public Works
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-03-12: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- Last Updated
- 2026-04-01T19:10:18Z
AI-Generated Summary
Purpose
The Firefighter Lithium-ion Awareness and Readiness Enhancement Act (FLARE Act), H.R. 7929, aims to improve firefighters' ability to handle fires from lithium-ion batteries by updating federal fire assistance programs. It adds specific support for tools and training to suppress thermal runaway fires—uncontrolled heat buildup in these batteries commonly found in electric vehicles, e-bikes, and electronics.
Key Provisions
- Defines key terms in the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974:
- Lithium-ion cell or battery: A rechargeable battery type using layered electrode materials (no metallic lithium), excluding certain already-regulated types.
- Thermal runaway: An uncontrolled temperature rise from chemical reactions inside cells or batteries.
- Expands fire assistance programs (under Section 33(c)(3)(A)) to include suppressing lithium-ion and thermal runaway fires.
- Authorizes new funding (under Section 33(d)(3)) for programs specifically targeting thermal runaway fire suppression.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
- Amends Section 33 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act (15 U.S.C. 2229) by:
- Inserting new definitions.
- Adding lithium-ion/thermal runaway suppression to lists of eligible activities for grants and assistance.
- Creating a dedicated funding category for these programs.
- These are technical updates via paragraph redesignations and insertions, without altering core structures.
Potential Impacts
- Government agencies: U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) and FEMA (under DHS) must prioritize lithium-ion fire programs, potentially increasing grant allocations and administrative focus.
- Citizens: Improved firefighter readiness could reduce risks from lithium-ion fires in homes, vehicles, and warehouses, enhancing public safety amid rising use of electric devices.
- No direct international relations impact, as it focuses on domestic fire response.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Firefighters and fire departments: Gain access to specialized tools, training, and funding.
- USFA and FEMA: Responsible for implementing expanded programs.
- Battery users/manufacturers: Indirect benefits via safer emergency responses; shippers/transporters may see reduced fire risks.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: Strengthens existing grant framework without new mandates; relies on USFA's discretionary authority for fire programs.
- Constitutional: No issues; falls under Congress's spending power for public safety.
- Political: Addresses growing concerns over lithium-ion fire incidents (e.g., EVs, consumer products), potentially bipartisan appeal for emergency responder support. No major controversies noted in the bill.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-03-12: Referred to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.
- 2026-03-12: Introduced in House
- 2026-03-12: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Firefighter Lithium-ion Awareness and Readiness Enhancement Act — issued 2026-03-12 — PDF (3 pages)