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US HR5091

US HR5091
Wildfire Defense Act


summary

Introduced
11/14/2019
In Committee
12/04/2019
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
12/31/2020

Introduced Session

116th Congress

Bill Summary

Directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a community wildfire defense grant program and requires other actions by FEMA, the Government Accountability Office (GAO), and the Forest Service with respect to wildfires. In awarding grants, FEMA must give priority to state and local governments, Indian tribes, and joint authorities that will carry out projects or plans supporting a low-income community in a fire-hazard area or a severe disaster impacted community in a fire-hazard area. The GAO shall publish (1) a report on authorities and programs that are available to protect communities from wildfires; and (2) a study on the potential for a community wildfire defense plan to qualify for a certification identifying a level of wildfire survivability and resilience, and how to incentivize insurance companies to accept the certification. The Forest Service shall develop and publish a map depicting at-risk communities. FEMA shall prepare a report relating to insufficient radio frequencies, barriers to interoperability of radio frequencies, and available products and technologies for overcoming barriers to interoperability for wildland fire management.

AI Summary

This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a community wildfire defense grant program. The program will provide grants to state and local governments, Indian tribes, and joint authorities to carry out projects or develop plans that support low-income or severely disaster-impacted communities in fire-hazard areas. The bill also requires the Government Accountability Office to publish reports on federal programs to protect communities from wildfires and study the potential for a community wildfire defense plan to qualify for a certification identifying a level of wildfire survivability and resilience. Additionally, the Forest Service is required to develop and publish a map depicting at-risk communities, and FEMA must prepare a report related to radio communications and interoperability issues for wildland fire management.

Committee Categories

Agriculture and Natural Resources, Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

Sponsors (21)

Last Action

Referred to the Subcommittee on Conservation and Forestry. (on 12/04/2019)

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