Bill > S00854

This bill establishes an eleven-member Home Flooding Prevention and Mitigation Task Force within the Department of State to comprehensively study the impacts of coastal and inland waterway flooding on residential homes. The task force will include representatives from state agencies (such as the Secretary of State and Commissioner of Environmental Conservation), legislative leaders, and members appointed by trade groups representing homebuilders and flood insurance companies. Members will have expertise in areas like construction, flood insurance, climatology, hydrology, and urban planning. The task force is charged with investigating various aspects of flooding, including the monetary damage caused annually, the number of homes impacted, flood plain designations, insurance rate impacts, necessary changes to construction standards and building codes, land use contributing to flooding, and potential flood mitigation techniques for municipalities. Task force members will not be compensated but will be reimbursed for expenses, and they are required to meet at least six times, with a chairperson elected by the group. By December 31, 2026, the task force must submit a detailed report with findings and recommendations to state leadership. The bill will take effect immediately and expire on January 1, 2027, ensuring a focused, time-limited study of this critical environmental and infrastructure issue.

Budget and Finance

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S854