Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026
- Bill Number
- H.R. 9291
- Origin Chamber
- House
- Congress
- 119th Congress, Session 2
- Policy Area
- Emergency Management
- Status
- Introduced
- Latest Action
- 2026-06-11: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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
- 2026-07-09T21:22:41Z
AI-Generated Summary
Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026 (H.R. 9291)
Purpose
This legislation establishes a statutory Federal Flood Risk Management Standard to enhance the resilience of communities and federal assets against current and future flood risks. It builds on existing executive orders by requiring federal agencies to account for increased flooding due to climate changes and development when planning or funding projects.
Key Provisions
- Agency Responsibilities: Each federal agency must evaluate potential flood effects on actions in floodplains, incorporate flood hazard considerations into planning and budgets, and follow specific procedures before proceeding with projects in flood-prone areas.
- Floodplain Determination: Agencies must assess flood risk using one of three methods: a climate-informed science approach (integrating current and future data), adding 2 feet (non-critical actions) or 3 feet (critical actions) of freeboard to the base flood elevation, or the area with a 0.2 percent annual flood chance. They must rely on the best available data and Flood Insurance Rate Maps.
- Project Procedures: Before acting in a floodplain, agencies must consider alternatives (preferring natural systems where possible), minimize harm if no alternative exists, issue public notices (limited to 3 pages) to state, local, and Tribal governments, and allow comment periods. Significant environmental effects require integration with National Environmental Policy Act reviews.
- Federal Flood Risk Management Standard: Agencies must comply with the Standard for federally funded projects involving new construction, substantial improvements, or repairs. Additional rules apply to federal property, such as elevating structures, floodproofing, and marking flood heights on public buildings.
- Exemptions and Updates: Exemptions are allowed for national security or emergencies (with Federal Register notice for emergencies). The Water Resources Council must update the Standard at least every 5 years.
- Other Requirements: Agencies must inform parties in financial transactions about flood hazards. Annual reassessments and biennial reports to Congress are required, along with agency-specific reports within one year of enactment.
- Rules of Construction: The Act does not apply to certain emergency disaster relief work or impair existing agency authorities.
Significant Changes to Existing Law
This bill codifies elements of Executive Order 11988 into statute, expanding floodplain management beyond the current base flood (1 percent annual chance) to include future risks via climate science and freeboard elevations. It introduces mandatory use of the 2015 interagency Standard for federally funded projects, requires nature-based alternatives, and mandates public notices and consultations not previously required by law. It also establishes periodic updates and evaluations by the Water Resources Council.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: Agencies must revise regulations, procedures, and decision-making processes, potentially increasing administrative burdens and costs for floodplain evaluations and compliance.
- Citizens: Residents in flood-prone areas may benefit from more resilient federally supported infrastructure and greater public awareness of hazards, though development in floodplains could face stricter limits.
- International Relations: No direct impacts are specified in the legislation.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Federal executive agencies (excluding certain military projects).
- State, local, and Tribal governments receiving notices or involved in floodplain management.
- Recipients of federal funding for construction or improvements (e.g., through grants or loans).
- Property owners and communities in floodplains, particularly those near federally funded projects.
- The Water Resources Council, Mitigation Framework Leadership Group, and Council on Environmental Quality for oversight roles.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
The Act integrates with the National Environmental Policy Act and may lead to expanded environmental reviews or legal challenges over agency compliance with floodplain determinations. It emphasizes use of "best available actionable science," which could raise questions about data standards or judicial review. Implementation is subject to appropriations and existing law, with no impairment of agency authority noted.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.
Sponsor
Cosponsors (2)
Rep. McCollum, Betty [D-MN-4], Rep. Garamendi, John [D-CA-8]
Recent Actions
- 2026-06-11: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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.
- 2026-06-11: Referred to the Committee on Financial Services, and in addition to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, 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.
- 2026-06-11: Introduced in House
- 2026-06-11: Introduced in House
Bill Versions
- Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026 — issued 2026-06-11 — PDF (20 pages)