Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 8830
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Last Updated
- 2026-07-07T14:33:39Z
AI-Generated Summary
Summary of H.R. 8830: Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act of 2026
Purpose
This legislation directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a pilot program that provides grants to certain local governments. The goal is to improve mapping of urban flooding (water overflow in built-up areas due to rain overwhelming drainage systems) and related property damage, while making this information more accessible to help homeowners, businesses, and localities reduce flood risks.
Key Provisions
- Definitions: Clarifies terms such as "urban flooding" (includes water entering buildings via openings, sewer backups, or seepage, but excludes rural or agricultural areas), "urbanized area" (as defined by the Census Bureau), and categories like "coastal" and "pelagic" units of government based on proximity to large bodies of water.
- Pilot Program Establishment: FEMA must award grants to enhance production of urban flood maps and increase public access to them via a web-based portal.
- Objectives for Grant Use: Funds support activities like creating easy-to-understand mapping tools, providing property-specific flood frequency projections and risk assessments, designing mitigation programs, incorporating climate trend data, and ensuring public online availability of results.
- Eligibility and Selection: Grants go only to local governments in urbanized areas with populations over 50,000 or their stormwater management authorities. Recipients are limited to one grant each. Over the program's life, up to 12 recipients are selected in tiers based on population size (over 800,000; 200,000–800,000; 50,000–200,000) and coastal status, with priorities for areas vulnerable to sea level rise, national security sites, or socioeconomic flood risks.
- Funding and Requirements: Federal share covers up to 75% of costs. Activities must finish within 18 months. Recipients submit reports to FEMA after 30 months, and FEMA issues biennial reports to Congress on progress and recommendations.
- Funding Authorization: $2 million for fiscal year 2027 and $5 million for fiscal year 2028 (available through 2030).
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill creates a new, time-limited pilot program within FEMA rather than amending major existing statutes. It introduces targeted grant authority focused on urban flooding mapping, which is not a standard feature of current FEMA flood programs.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: FEMA gains responsibilities for grant administration, data mapping tools, and reporting, potentially requiring new resources or coordination with local entities.
- Citizens and Localities: Homeowners and businesses in selected areas may gain better access to risk information, supporting informed decisions on property protection; local governments receive tools for mitigation planning.
- International Relations: No direct effects identified.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Units of general local government and stormwater management authorities in qualifying urbanized areas.
- Homeowners and businesses in those areas.
- FEMA and Congress (through oversight and funding).
- Communities vulnerable to urban flooding, including those with military or national security facilities.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The bill raises no apparent constitutional issues, as it operates within established federal grant-making authority. Politically, it emphasizes data transparency and local empowerment for flood resilience, with a sense of Congress encouraging structural mitigation approaches in building design.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Recent Actions
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-05-14: Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 2026-05-14: Introduced in House
- 2026-05-14: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Flood Mapping Modernization and Homeowner Empowerment Pilot Program Act of 2026 — issued 2026-05-14 — PDF (14 pages)