Bill > HR4426

This bill, known as the Studying Mitigation And Reporting Transparently (SMART) Act, directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct a comprehensive study evaluating the effectiveness and impact of FEMA-funded hazard mitigation activities across the United States. The study will assess how mitigation programs reduce disaster response and recovery expenses, enhance community preparedness, improve insurance availability and affordability, support critical infrastructure operations, and generate long-term cost savings. The Administrator will use data from federal, state, local, and tribal agencies, third-party assessments, and internal records to conduct a detailed analysis that includes quantitative and qualitative evaluations of avoided losses, case studies from different geographic regions, and examinations of mitigation activities' impact on federal disaster response costs. The Administrator may consult with various organizations, including the Government Accountability Office and academic institutions, and is required to submit an annual report to Congressional committees detailing study findings and recommendations for program improvements. Additionally, the bill mandates that the study results be made publicly available on FEMA's website within two years, with annual updates, ensuring transparency and ongoing review of mitigation strategies while protecting sensitive information.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/4426/all-info