National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023

[jakeakins]

118th CONGRESS

IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES

June 22, 2023

Mr. Jones (for himself and Mr. Coleman; with thanks to Mr. Menendez) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs

A BILL

To reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023.

2.

Table of contents

The table of contents for this Act is as follows:

Sec. 1. Short title.

Sec. 2. Table of contents.

Sec. 3. Definitions.

TITLE I—Reauthorization and affordability

Sec. 101. Reauthorization.

Sec. 102. Cap on annual premium increases.

Sec. 103. Targeted means-tested assistance.

Sec. 104. Optional monthly installment premium payment plans.

Sec. 105. Study on business interruption coverage.

Sec. 106. Cooperative coverage fairness.

Sec. 107. Coverage limits.

Sec. 108. Study on participation rates.

Sec. 109. National Flood Insurance Act definitions regarding the Write Your Own Program.

TITLE II—Mitigation and mapping

Sec. 201. Mitigation for high-risk properties.

Sec. 202. Increased cost of compliance coverage.

Sec. 203. Flood mitigation assistance grants.

Sec. 204. Urban mitigation opportunities.

Sec. 205. Community Rating System Regional Coordinator.

Sec. 206. Mitigation loan program.

Sec. 207. Revolving loan funds.

Sec. 208. Mapping modernization.

Sec. 209. Appeals.

Sec. 210. Levee-protected areas.

Sec. 211. Community-wide flood mitigation activities.

Sec. 212. Premium calculator.

Sec. 213. Consideration of mitigation projects in flood insurance premium rates.

TITLE III—Solvency

Sec. 301. Forbearance on NFIP interest payments.

Sec. 302. Cap on Write Your Own company compensation.

Sec. 303. Third-party service provider costs; transparency.

Sec. 304. Availability of NFIP claims data.

Sec. 305. Refusal of mitigation assistance.

Sec. 306. Multiple structure mitigation.

TITLE IV—Policyholder protection and fairness

Sec. 401. Earth movement fix and engineer standards.

Sec. 402. Coverage of pre-FIRM condominium basements and study on street raising.

Sec. 403. Guidance on remediation and policyholder duties.

Sec. 404. Appeal of decisions relating to flood insurance coverage.

Sec. 405. Accountability for underpayments and overpayments by Write Your Own companies.

Sec. 406. Policyholders’ right to know.

Sec. 407. Termination of certain contracts under the National Flood Insurance Program.

Sec. 408. Deadline for claim processing.

Sec. 409. No manipulation of engineer reports.

Sec. 410. Improved training of floodplain managers, agents, and adjusters.

Sec. 411. Flood insurance continuing education and training.

Sec. 412. Shifting of attorney fees and other expenses.

Sec. 413. DOJ defense against policyholder lawsuits.

Sec. 414. Reforming use of proof of loss forms.

Sec. 415. Agent Advisory Council.

Sec. 416. Disclosure of flood risk information prior to transfer of property.

Sec. 417. Grace period for renewal of coverage at renewal offer rate.

3.

Definitions

In this Act:

(1)

Administrator

The term Administrator means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(2)

National Flood Insurance Program

The term National Flood Insurance Program means the program established under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.).

(3)

National Flood Mitigation Fund

The term National Flood Mitigation Fund means the fund established under section 1367 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104d).

(4)

Write Your Own Company

The term Write Your Own Company has the meaning given the term in section 1370(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4121(a)), as amended by section 109 of this Act.

I

Reauthorization and affordability

101.

Reauthorization

(a)

In general

(1)

Financing

Section 1309(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4016(a)) is amended by striking September 30, 2023 and inserting September 30, 2028.

(2)

Program expiration

Section 1319 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4026) is amended by striking September 30, 2023 and inserting September 30, 2028.

(3)

Retroactive effective date

If this Act is enacted after September 30, 2023, the amendments made by paragraphs (1) and (2) shall take effect as if enacted on September 30, 2023.

(b)

Continued operation during lapse of appropriations

Section 1310(f) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4017(f)) is amended—

(1)

by inserting (1) after (f); and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(2) (A)

In this paragraph, the term period of a lapse in appropriations from the Fund means a period, on or after the first day of a fiscal year, during which an appropriation Act for the fiscal year with respect to the Fund has not been enacted and continuing appropriations are not in effect for the fiscal year with respect to the Fund.

(B)

Notwithstanding paragraph (1), during a period of a lapse in appropriations from the Fund, amounts in the Fund not otherwise appropriated shall be available to the Administrator to carry out the flood insurance program under this title, subject to the same terms and conditions (except with respect to the period of availability), and in an amount not greater than the rate for operations, provided for the Fund in the most recently enacted regular or continuing appropriation Act.

(C)

Amounts in the Fund shall be available under subparagraph (B) for a fiscal year during the period beginning on the first day of a period of a lapse in appropriations from the Fund during the fiscal year and ending on the date on which the regular appropriation Act for the fiscal year with respect to the Fund is enacted (whether or not such law makes amounts available from the Fund) or a law making continuing appropriations with respect to the Fund is enacted, as the case may be.

(D)

Expenditures and obligations made under this paragraph shall be charged to the amounts made available from the Fund under the regular appropriation Act, or law making continuing appropriations, with respect to the Fund that is enacted for the applicable fiscal year.

.

102.

Cap on annual premium increases

(a)

Definition

In this section, the term covered cost—

(1)

means—

(A)

the amount of an annual premium with respect to any policy for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program;

(B)

any surcharge imposed with respect to a policy described in subparagraph (A) (other than a surcharge imposed under section 1304(b) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011(b))), including a surcharge imposed under section 1308A(a) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 4015a(a)), as amended by this Act; and

(C)

a fee described in paragraph (1)(B)(iii) or (2) of section 1307(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4014(a)); and

(2)

does not include any cost associated with the purchase of insurance under section 1304(b) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011(b)), as amended by this Act, including any surcharge that relates to insurance purchased under such section 1304(b).

(b)

Limitation on increases

(1)

Limitation

(A)

In general

During the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, notwithstanding section 1308(e) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015(e)), as amended by this Act, and subject to subparagraph (B), the Administrator may not, in any year, increase the amount of any covered cost by an amount that is more than 9 percent, as compared with the amount of the covered cost during the previous year, except where the increase in the covered cost relates to an exception under paragraph (1)(C)(iii) of such section 1308(e).

(B)

Decrease of amount of deductible or increase in amount of coverage

In the case of a policyholder described in section 1308(e)(1)(C)(ii) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015(e)(1)(C)(ii)), as amended by this Act, the Administrator shall establish a process by which the Administrator determines an increase in covered costs for the policyholder that is—

(i)

proportional to the relative change in risk based on the action taken by the policyholder; and

(ii)

in compliance with subparagraph (A).

(2)

New rating systems

(A)

Classification

With respect to a property, the limitation under paragraph (1) shall remain in effect for each year until the covered costs with respect to the property reflect full actuarial rates, without regard to whether, at any time until the year in which those covered costs reflect full actuarial rates, the property is rated or classified under the Risk Rating 2.0 methodology (or any substantially similar methodology).

(B)

New policyholder

If a property to which the limitation under paragraph (1) applies is sold before the covered costs for the property reflect full actuarial rates determined under the Risk Rating 2.0 methodology (or any substantially similar methodology), that limitation shall remain in effect for each year until the year in which those full actuarial rates take effect.

(c)

Rule of construction

Nothing in subsection (b) may be construed as prohibiting the Administrator from reducing, in any year, the amount of any covered cost, as compared with the amount of the covered cost during the previous year.

(d)

Average historical loss year

Section 1308 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015) is amended by striking subsection (h) and inserting the following:

(h)

Rule of construction

For purposes of this section, the calculation of an average historical loss year shall be computed in accordance with generally accepted actuarial principles.

.

(e)

Disclosure with respect to the affordability standard

Section 1308(j) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015(j)) is amended, in the second sentence, by inserting and shall include in the report the number of those exceptions as of the date on which the Administrator submits the report and the location of each policyholder insured under those exceptions, organized by county and State after of the Senate.

103.

Targeted means-tested assistance

(a)

Means-Tested program

(1)

In general

Chapter I of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1308A (42 U.S.C. 4015a) the following:

1308B.

Flood insurance assistance

(a)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Covered property

The term covered property means—

(A)

a primary residential dwelling designed for the occupancy of from 1 to 4 families; or

(B)

personal property relating to a dwelling described in subparagraph (A).

(2)

Eligible policyholder

The term eligible policyholder means a policyholder with a household income that is not more than 140 percent of the area median income for the area in which the property to which the policy applies is located.

(3)

Housing expenses

The term housing expenses means, with respect to a household, the total amount that the household spends in a year on—

(A)

mortgage payments or rent;

(B)

property taxes;

(C)

homeowners insurance; and

(D)

premiums for flood insurance under the national flood insurance program.

(4)

Insurance costs

The term insurance costs means, with respect to a covered property for a year—

(A)

risk premiums and fees estimated under section 1307 and charged under section 1308;

(B)

surcharges assessed under sections 1304 and 1308A; and

(C)

any amount established under section 1310A(c).

(b)

Authority

Subject to the availability of appropriations, the Administrator is authorized to carry out a means-tested program under which the Administrator provides assistance to eligible policyholders in the form of graduated discounts for insurance costs with respect to covered properties.

(c)

Eligibility

To determine eligibility for means-tested assistance under this section, the Administrator may accept any of the following with respect to an eligible policyholder:

(1)

Income verification from the National Directory of New Hires established under section 453(i) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653(i)).

(2)

A self-certification of eligibility by the eligible policyholder that is provided under penalty of perjury pursuant to section 1746 of title 28, United States Code.

(3)

Any other method identified by the Administrator in interim guidance, or a final rule, issued under subsection (e).

(d)

Discount

The Administrator may establish graduated discounts available to eligible policyholders under this section, which shall be based on the following factors:

(1)

The percentage by which the household income of an eligible policyholder is equal to, or less than, 140 percent of the area median income for the area in which the property to which the policy applies is located.

(2)

The housing expenses of an eligible policyholder.

(3)

The number of eligible policyholders participating in the program established under this section.

(4)

The availability of funding.

(5)

Any other factor that the Administrator finds reasonable and necessary to carry out the purposes of this section.

(e)

Implementation

(1)

In general

The Administrator shall issue final rules to implement this section.

(2)

Interim guidance

(A)

In general

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall issue interim guidance to implement this section, which shall—

(i)

include—

(I)

a description of how the Administrator will determine—

(aa)

eligibility for households to participate in the program established under this section; and

(bb)

assistance levels for eligible households to which assistance is provided under this section;

(II)

the methodology that the Administrator will use to determine the amount of assistance provided to eligible households under this section; and

(III)

any requirements to which eligible policyholders to which assistance is provided under this section will be subject; and

(ii)

expire on the later of—

(I)

the date that is 84 months after the date of enactment of this section; or

(II)

the date on which the final rules issued under paragraph (1) take effect.

(B)

Rule of construction

Nothing in subparagraph (A) may be construed to preclude the Administrator from amending the interim guidance issued under that subparagraph.

(f)

Collection of demographic information

The Administrator, in order to evaluate and monitor the effectiveness of this section, and to comply with the reporting requirements under subsection (g), may request demographic information, and other information, with respect to an eligible policyholder to which assistance is provided under this section, which may include—

(1)

the income of the eligible policyholder, as compared with the area median income for the area in which the property to which the policy applies is located; and

(2)

demographic characteristics of the eligible policyholder, including the race and ethnicity of the eligible policyholder.

(g)

Reports to Congress

(1)

In general

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this section, and biennially thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report regarding the implementation and effectiveness of this section.

(2)

Contents

Each report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include information regarding, for the period covered by the report—

(A)

the distribution of household area median income for eligible policyholders to which assistance is provided under this section;

(B)

the number of eligible policyholders to which assistance is provided under this section, which shall be disaggregated by income and demographic characteristics;

(C)

the cost of providing assistance under this section; and

(D)

the average amount of assistance provided to an eligible policyholder under this section, which shall be disaggregated as described in subparagraph (B).

(h)

Risk communication

For the purposes of the communication required under section 1308(l), the Administrator shall provide to an eligible policyholder to which assistance is provided under this section a full flood risk determination with respect to the property of the eligible policyholder, which shall reflect the insurance costs with respect to the property before that assistance is provided.

(i)

Funding

(1)

Authorization of appropriations

There is authorized to be appropriated to the Administrator to carry out this section—

(A)

$250,000,000 for fiscal year 2024;

(B)

$340,000,000 for fiscal year 2025;

(C)

$400,000,000 for fiscal year 2026;

(D)

$500,000,000 for fiscal year 2027; and

(E)

$600,000,000 for fiscal year 2028.

(2)

Notification

If, in a fiscal year, the Administrator determines that the amount made available to carry out this section is insufficient to provide assistance under this section, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a notification of the remaining amounts necessary to provide that assistance for that fiscal year.

(3)

Distribution of premium

With respect to the amount of the discounts provided under this section in a fiscal year, and any administrative expenses incurred in carrying out this section for that fiscal year, the Administrator shall, from amounts made available to carry out this section for that fiscal year, deposit in the National Flood Insurance Fund established under section 1310 an amount equal to those discounts and administrative expenses, except to the extent that section 1310A applies to any portion of those discounts or administrative expenses, in which case the Administrator shall deposit an amount equal to those amounts to which section 1310A applies in the National Flood Insurance Reserve Fund established under section 1310A.

.

(2)

Use of savings

In addition to any amounts made available to the Administrator to carry out section 1308B of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as added by paragraph (1), the Administrator shall use any amounts saved as a direct result of the amendments made by section 302(a) of this Act to carry out such section 1308B.

(b)

National Flood Insurance Act of 1968

The National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) is amended—

(1)

in section 1308(e) (42 U.S.C. 4015(e))—

(A)

in paragraph (1)—

(i)

in subparagraph (B), by striking or at the end;

(ii)

in subparagraph (C)(iii), by adding or at the end; and

(iii)

by adding at the end the following:

(D)

in the case of a property with respect to which assistance is provided under section 1308B, if—

(i)

the applicable policyholder is no longer eligible to receive assistance under that section;

(ii)

the assistance so provided has been decreased under that section; or

(iii)

the Administrator is not authorized, or lacks appropriated funds, to carry out that section;

; and

(B)

in paragraph (3), by striking period; and and inserting the following: period, except in the case of a property with respect to which assistance is provided under section 1308B if a condition described in clause (i), (ii), or (iii) of paragraph (1)(D) is applicable; and; and

(2)

in section 1366(d) (42 U.S.C. 4104c(d))—

(A)

by redesignating paragraph (3) as paragraph (4); and

(B)

by inserting after paragraph (2) the following:

(3)

Flood insurance assistance

In the case of mitigation activities to structures insured by policyholders that are eligible for assistance under section 1308B, in an amount up to 100 percent of all eligible costs.

.

(c)

Information comparisons with the national directory of new hires for flood insurance assistance income verification

Section 453(j) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 653(j)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:

(12)

Information comparisons for flood insurance assistance

(A)

Furnishing of information by fema

The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (in this paragraph, referred to as the Administrator) shall furnish to the Secretary, on such periodic basis as determined by the Administrator in consultation with the Secretary, information in the custody of the Administrator for comparison with information in the National Directory of New Hires, in order to obtain information in such Directory with respect to individuals who are applying for, or receiving benefits under, section 1308B of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.

(B)

Requirement to seek minimum information

The Administrator shall seek information pursuant to this paragraph only to the extent necessary to verify the employment and income of individuals described in subparagraph (A).

(C)

Duties of the secretary

(i)

Information disclosure

The Secretary, in cooperation with the Administrator, shall compare information in the National Directory of New Hires with information provided by the Administrator with respect to individuals described in subparagraph (A), and shall disclose information in such Directory regarding such individuals to the Administrator, in accordance with this paragraph, for the purposes specified in this paragraph.

(ii)

Condition on disclosure

The Secretary shall make disclosures in accordance with clause (i) only to the extent that the Secretary determines that such disclosures do not interfere with the effective operation of the program under this part.

(D)

Use of information by fema

The Administrator may use information resulting from a data match pursuant to this paragraph only—

(i)

for the purpose of verifying the employment and income of individuals described in subparagraph (A); and

(ii)

after removal of personal identifiers, to conduct analyses of the employment and income reporting of individuals described in subparagraph (A).

(E)

Disclosure of information by fema

(i)

Purpose of disclosure

The Administrator may make a disclosure under this subparagraph only for the purpose of verifying the employment and income of individuals described in subparagraph (A).

(ii)

Disclosures permitted

Subject to clause (iii), the Administrator may disclose information resulting from a data match pursuant to this paragraph only to contractors of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, private insurance companies participating in the Write Your Own Program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security, and the Attorney General, in connection with the administration of a program described in subparagraph (A). Information obtained by the Administrator pursuant to this paragraph shall not be made available under section 552 of title 5, United States Code.

(iii)

Conditions on disclosure

Disclosures under this paragraph shall be—

(I)

made in accordance with data security and control policies established by the Administrator and approved by the Secretary;

(II)

subject to audit in a manner satisfactory to the Secretary; and

(III)

subject to the sanctions under subsection (l)(2).

(iv)

Restrictions on redisclosure

A person or entity to which information is disclosed under this subparagraph may use or disclose such information only as needed for verifying the employment and income of individuals described in subparagraph (A), subject to the conditions in clause (iii) and such additional conditions as agreed to by the Secretary and the Administrator.

(F)

Reimbursement of HHS costs

The Administrator shall reimburse the Secretary, in accordance with subsection (k)(3), for the costs incurred by the Secretary in furnishing the information requested under this paragraph.

(G)

Consent

The Administrator shall not seek, use, or disclose information under this paragraph relating to an individual without the prior written consent of such individual (or of a person legally authorized to consent on behalf of such individual).

.

104.

Optional monthly installment premium payment plans

Section 1308(g) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015(g)) is amended—

(1)

by striking With respect to and inserting the following:

(1)

Annual or monthly option

Subject to paragraph (2), with respect to

; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

Monthly installment

With respect to a policyholder that opts under paragraph (1) to pay premiums on a monthly basis, the Administrator may charge the policyholder an annual fee of not more than $15.

(3)

Exemption from rule making; pilot program

During the period beginning on the date of enactment of this paragraph and ending on the date on which the Administrator promulgates regulations carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator may, notwithstanding any other provision of law—

(A)

adopt policies and procedures to carry out that paragraph without—

(i)

undergoing notice and comment rule making under section 553 of title 5, United States Code; or

(ii)

conducting regulatory analyses otherwise required by statute, regulation, or Executive order; or

(B)

carry out that paragraph by establishing a pilot program that gradually implements the requirements of that paragraph.

.

105.

Study on business interruption coverage

(a)

In general

The Administrator shall conduct a study on the feasibility and soundness of offering coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program for interruption business losses caused by a flood (referred to in this section as business interruption coverage).

(b)

Contents

In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Administrator shall, at a minimum—

(1)

evaluate insurance industry best practices for offering business interruption coverage, including the types of coverage provided and the utilization rate;

(2)

estimate the potential risk premium rates for business interruption coverage based on the flood risk reflected in the flood insurance rate map or other risk metrics in effect at the time of purchase;

(3)

analyze the operational and administrative expenses associated with providing business interruption coverage and adjusting claims;

(4)

identify potential obstacles that may prevent the Administrator from offering business interruption coverage;

(5)

evaluate the benefits of providing business interruption coverage;

(6)

analyze any potential impacts on the financial position of the National Flood Insurance Program; and

(7)

develop a feasibility implementation plan and projected timelines for offering business interruption coverage.

(c)

Availability of experts

In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Administrator may accept and utilize the personnel and services of any other Federal agency, and appoint and fix the compensation of temporary personnel without regard to the provisions of title 5, United States Code, governing appointments in the competitive service, or employ experts and consultants in accordance with the provisions of section 3109 of such title, without regard to the provisions of chapter 51 and subchapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to classification and General Schedule pay rates.

(d)

Deadline

The Administrator shall complete the study required under subsection (a) not later than September 30 of the second full fiscal year after the date of enactment of this Act.

106.

Cooperative coverage fairness

(a)

In general

Section 1306 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4013) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(e)

Cooperatives

(1)

Definition

In this subsection, the term cooperative building has the meaning given the term in section 1312(d).

(2)

Equal treatment with condominiums

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an owner of a share of a cooperative building shall be eligible to purchase flood insurance coverage under the national flood insurance program on the same terms as a condominium owner.

.

(b)

Payment of claims

Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4019) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (c)—

(A)

in the subsection heading, by inserting and cooperative after condominium;

(B)

by inserting , or owners of a share of a cooperative building, after condominium owners; and

(C)

by inserting or cooperative association after condominium association each place that term appears; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(k)

Definitions

In this section, the terms cooperative association and cooperative building have the meanings given the terms by the Administrator.

.

107.

Coverage limits

(a)

In general

Section 1306 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4013), as amended by section 106(a), is amended—

(1)

in subsection (b)—

(A)

in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking In addition to any other terms and conditions under subsection (a), such regulations and inserting The Administrator;

(B)

in paragraph (2)—

(i)

by striking shall be made and inserting may be made; and

(ii)

by striking $250,000 and inserting the baseline amount;

(C)

in paragraph (3)—

(i)

by striking shall be made and inserting may be made; and

(ii)

by striking $100,000 and inserting 50 percent of the baseline amount; and

(D)

in paragraph (4)—

(i)

by striking shall be made each place that term appears and inserting may be made; and

(ii)

by striking $500,000 each place that term appears and inserting 200 percent of the baseline amount; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(f)

Definition

Subject to paragraph (2), in this section, the term baseline amount means an amount determined by the Administrator that is equal to the maximum original principal obligation of a conventional mortgage secured by a single-family residence that may be purchased by the Federal National Mortgage Association, as established under the seventh sentence of section 302(b)(2) of the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act (12 U.S.C. 1717(b)(2)), which the Administrator may not—

(1)

increase more than once every 5 years;

(2)

increase with respect to any particular property pursuant to the 11th or 12th sentence of such section 302(b)(2); or

(3)

decrease.

.

(b)

Authority of Administrator To sell policies

The Administrator may sell a policy for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program that meets the requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of section 1306(b) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4013(b)), as amended by subsection (a), without regard to—

(1)

section 61.6 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act; or

(2)

any other provision of law.

108.

Study on participation rates

(a)

Definitions

In this section—

(1)

the term 500-year floodplain has the meaning given the term in section 100202(a) of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (40 U.S.C. 4004(a));

(2)

the terms Federal agency lender, improved real estate, and regulated lending institution have the meanings given those terms in section 3(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4003(a)); and

(3)

the term property with a Federally backed mortgage means improved real estate or a mobile home securing a loan that was—

(A)

made by a regulated lending institution or Federal agency lender; or

(B)

purchased by the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation.

(b)

Study

The Comptroller General of the United States shall conduct a study that proposes to address, through programmatic and regulatory changes, how to increase the rate at which properties in the United States are covered by flood insurance.

(c)

Considerations

In conducting the study required under subsection (b), the Comptroller General of the United States shall—

(1)

consider—

(A)

expanding participation in the National Flood Insurance Program beyond areas having special flood hazards to areas of moderate or minimum risk with respect to flooding;

(B)

automatically enrolling consumers in the National Flood Insurance Program and providing those consumers with the opportunity to decline such enrollment; and

(C)

bundling flood insurance coverage that diversifies risk across all or multiple forms of peril;

(2)

determine—

(A)

the percentage of properties with Federally backed mortgages located in an area having special flood hazards that are covered by flood insurance that satisfies the requirement under section 102(b) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)); and

(B)

the percentage of properties with Federally backed mortgages located in the 500-year floodplain that are covered by flood insurance that would satisfy the requirement described in subparagraph (A) if that requirement applied to such properties; and

(3)

conduct a comprehensive assessment of the economic and social impacts of implementing Risk Rating 2.0 (or any substantially similar methodology) during the 20-year period beginning in the year in which the assessment is made, which shall include an evaluation of the effect that such implementation will have, during that 20-year period, on—

(A)

the affordability and availability of flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program;

(B)

property values;

(C)

the amount of Federal disaster aid for properties that are not covered by flood insurance, whether under the National Flood Insurance Program or otherwise; and

(D)

non-Federal Government revenues.

(d)

Report

Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report regarding the results of the study conducted under subsection (b).

109.

National Flood Insurance Act definitions regarding the Write Your Own Program

Section 1370(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4121(a)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (14), by striking and at the end;

(2)

in paragraph (15), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(16)

the term Write Your Own Program means the program under which the Federal Emergency Management Agency enters into a standard arrangement with private property insurance companies to—

(A)

sell contracts for Federal flood insurance under their own business lines of insurance; and

(B)

adjust and pay claims arising under the contracts described in subparagraph (A); and

(17)

the term Write Your Own Company means a private property insurance company that participates in the Write Your Own Program.

.

II

Mitigation and mapping

201.

Mitigation for high-risk properties

(a)

In general

Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(n)

Flood mitigation activities

The President shall set aside from the Disaster Relief Fund an amount equal to 10 percent of the average amount appropriated to the Fund during the preceding 10 fiscal years to provide assistance for mitigation activities under section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104c) for—

(1)

severe repetitive loss structures; and

(2)

properties insured under the national flood insurance program with the largest increase in the actuarial risk for the property compared to the actuarial risk for the previous fiscal year as a result of Risk Rating 2.0, as in effect on October 1, 2021.

.

(b)

Applicability

The amendment made to section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) by subsection (a) shall apply to funds appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

(c)

Technical and conforming amendment

Effective on October 5, 2023, section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) is amended by redesignating subsection (n), as added by subsection (a) of this section, as subsection (m).

202.

Increased cost of compliance coverage

Section 1304(b) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011(b)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (4), by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D) as clauses (i) through (iv), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;

(2)

by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (3) as subparagraphs (A) through (C), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;

(3)

in subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon;

(4)

by redesignating paragraph (4) as subparagraph (F), and adjusting the margins accordingly;

(5)

by inserting after subparagraph (C), as so redesignated, the following:

(D)

properties identified by the Administrator as priorities for mitigation activities before the occurrence of damage to or loss of property which is covered by flood insurance;

(E)

properties outside an area having special flood hazards if the communities in which the properties are located have, under section 1361, established land use and control measures for the areas in which the properties are located; and

;

(6)

by inserting before The national flood insurance program the following: (1) In general.—;

(7)

in the flush text following subparagraph (F)(iv), as so redesignated, by striking The Administrator and inserting the following:

(2)

Premium

The Administrator

; and

(8)

by adding at the end the following:

(3)

Amount of coverage

Each policy for flood insurance coverage made available under this title shall provide coverage under this subsection having an aggregate liability for any single property of $120,000.

(4)

Eligible mitigation activities

(A)

In general

Eligible mitigation methods the cost of which is covered by coverage provided under this subsection shall include—

(i)

alternative methods of mitigation identified in the guidelines issued pursuant to section 1361(d);

(ii)

pre-disaster mitigation projects for eligible structures; and

(iii)

costs associated with the purchase, clearing, and stabilization of property that is part of an acquisition or relocation project that complies with subparagraph (B).

(B)

Acquisition and relocation project eligibility and requirements

(i)

In general

An acquisition or relocation project shall be eligible to receive assistance pursuant to subparagraph (A)(iii) only if—

(I)

any property acquired, accepted, or from which a structure will be removed shall be dedicated and maintained in perpetuity for a use that is compatible with open space, recreational, or wetland and natural floodplain management practices; and

(II)

any new structure erected on such property will be—

(aa)

a public facility that is open on all sides and functionally related to a designated open space;

(bb)

a restroom; or

(cc)

a structure that the Administrator approves in writing before the commencement of the construction of the structure.

(ii)

Further assistance

If an acquisition or relocation project is assisted pursuant to subparagraph (A)(iii)—

(I)

no person may apply to a Federal entity for disaster assistance with regard to any property acquired, accepted, or from which a structure was removed as part of such acquisition or relocation project; and

(II)

no Federal entity may provide disaster assistance for such property.

(iii)

Requirement to maintain flood insurance coverage

(I)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, any assisted structure shall, at all times, maintain insurance against flood damage, in accordance with Federal law, for the life of such structure.

(II)

Transfer of property

(aa)

Duty to notify

If any part of a property on which an assisted structure is located is transferred, the transferor shall, not later than the date on which such transfer occurs, notify the transferee in writing, including in all documents evidencing the transfer of ownership of the property, that such transferee is required to—

(AA)

obtain flood insurance in accordance with applicable Federal law with respect to such assisted structure, if such structure is not so insured on the date on which the structure is transferred; and

(BB)

maintain flood insurance in accordance with applicable Federal law with respect to such structure.

(bb)

Failure to notify

If a transferor fails to make a notification in accordance with item (aa) and such assisted structure is damaged by a flood disaster, the transferor shall pay the Federal Government an amount equal to the amount of any disaster relief provided by the Federal Government with respect to such assisted structure.

(III)

Assisted structure defined

For the purposes of this clause, the term assisted structure means a structure on property that is part of an acquisition or relocation project assisted pursuant to subparagraph (A) that was, as part of such acquisition or relocation project—

(aa)

altered;

(bb)

improved;

(cc)

replaced;

(dd)

repaired; or

(ee)

restored.

(C)

Eligible structure defined

For purposes of this paragraph, the term eligible structure means any structure that—

(i)

was constructed in compliance with the Flood Insurance Rate Map and local building and zoning codes in effect on the date of construction of the structure; and

(ii)

has not previously been altered, improved, replaced, or repaired using assistance provided under this subsection.

(5)

Treatment of coverage limits

Any amount of coverage provided for a property pursuant to this subsection shall not be considered or counted for purposes of any limitation on coverage applicable to such property under section 1306(b) and any claim on such coverage shall not be considered a claim for purposes of section 1307(h) or subsection (a)(3) or (h)(3) of section 1366.

(6)

Implementation

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator may implement this subsection by adopting 1 or more standard endorsements to the Standard Flood Insurance Policy by publication of such standards in the Federal Register, or by comparable means.

.

203.

Flood mitigation assistance grants

(a)

Flood Mitigation Assistance Grant Program priority

Section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act (42 U.S.C. 4104c) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a)—

(A)

by redesignating paragraphs (1), (2), and (3) as subparagraphs (A), (B), and (C), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;

(B)

in the second sentence of the matter preceding subparagraph (A), as so redesignated, by striking assistance shall be and inserting the following:

assistance shall—

(1)

be

;

(C)

in paragraph (1)(C), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(D)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

in addition to the requirement under paragraph (1)(C), give priority to properties—

(A)

that are repetitive loss structures;

(B)

with respect to which the Administrator makes a determination that the premium rates with respect to a policy for flood insurance coverage under this title—

(i)

are unaffordable; or

(ii)

will soon become unaffordable as a result of a risk adjustment under Risk Rating 2.0, as in effect on the date of that determination; and

(C)

for which aggregate losses exceed the replacement value of the properties.

; and

(2)

in subsection (h), by adding at the end the following:

(4)

Unaffordable

The term unaffordable means, with respect to the premium rates for a policy for flood insurance coverage under this title, that, in a year, those rates are in such an amount that the housing expenses (as defined in section 1308B(a)) of the household that is the subject of the policy are, for that year, more than 30 percent of the adjusted gross income (as defined in section 62 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986).

.

(b)

Additional mitigation assistance

(1)

Appropriations from general fund of Treasury

For each of the first 5 full fiscal years after the date of enactment of this Act, there is authorized to be appropriated $1,000,000,000 to the National Flood Mitigation Fund to provide mitigation assistance under this subsection.

(2)

Rule of construction

The authorization of appropriations under subparagraph (A) shall not be construed to authorize the transfer or crediting to the National Flood Mitigation Fund of any amounts from the National Flood Insurance Fund.

204.

Urban mitigation opportunities

(a)

Mitigation strategies

Section 1361(d)(1) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4102(d)(1)) is amended—

(1)

in subparagraph (A), by striking and at the end;

(2)

in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end; and

(3)

by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following:

(C)

with respect to buildings in dense urban environments, methods that can be deployed on a block or neighborhood scale; and

(D)

elevation of mechanical systems; and

.

(b)

Mitigation credit

Section 1308(k) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015(k)) is amended—

(1)

by striking shall take into account and inserting

shall—

(1)

take into account

;

(2)

in paragraph (1), as so designated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

offer a reduction of the risk premium rate charged to a policyholder in an amount that is not less than 10 percent of that rate if the policyholder implements any mitigation method described in paragraph (1).

.

205.

Community Rating System Regional Coordinator

Section 1315(b) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4022(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(5)

Regional coordinator

(A)

In general

The Administrator shall appoint a regional coordinator in each region served by a Regional Office (as defined in section 501 of the Homeland Security Act of 2002 (6 U.S.C. 311)) to provide technical assistance to small communities to enable those communities to effectively participate in and benefit from the community rating system program.

(B)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this paragraph, which shall remain available until expended.

.

206.

Mitigation loan program

(a)

Definition

In this section, the term mitigation measure means, with respect to a structure, a measure undertaken to reduce the risk of flood damage to the structure.

(b)

Establishment

The Administrator may establish a pilot program through which the Administrator may provide low-interest loans to policyholders under the National Flood Insurance Program for the purposes described in subsection (c).

(c)

Purposes of loans

A loan provided to a policyholder under the pilot program established under subsection (b) shall be used to undertake mitigation measures with respect to the insured property that cost less than the cost of the estimated amount of premiums that would be paid with respect to the property during the 50-year period beginning in the year in which the loan is made and if those mitigation measures were not undertaken.

(d)

Sale of property

If a property with respect to which a loan has been made under this section is sold, upon that sale, the outstanding loan balance shall—

(1)

be repaid using the proceeds of the sale; or

(2)

carry over to the purchaser of the property if the purchaser so consents before the execution of the sale.

207.

Revolving loan funds

(a)

In general

Chapter I of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

1326.

State or Tribal government revolving loan funds for flood mitigation

(a)

Definitions

In this section:

(1)

Community rating system

The term Community Rating System means the community rating system program carried out under section 1315(b).

(2)

Intended use plan

The term intended use plan means a plan prepared under subsection (d)(1).

(3)

Low-income geographic area

The term low-income geographic area means an area described in paragraph (1) or (2) of section 301(a) of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3161(a)).

(4)

Low-income homeowner

The term low-income homeowner means the owner of a primary residence, the household income of which in a taxable year is not more than 80 percent of the median income for the area in which the residence is located.

(5)

Participating entity

The term participating entity means a State or Tribal government that—

(A)

has entered into an agreement under subsection (b)(1); and

(B)

agrees to comply with the requirements of this section.

(6)

Pre-FIRM building

The term pre-FIRM building means a building for which construction or substantial improvement occurred before the later of—

(A)

December 31, 1974; or

(B)

the effective date of the rate map published by the Administrator under section 1360 for the area in which the building is located.

(7)

State or Tribal government loan fund

The term State or Tribal government loan fund means a flood mitigation assistance revolving loan fund established by a State or Tribal government under this section.

(8)

Tribal government

The term Tribal government means the recognized government of an Indian tribe, or the governing body of an Alaska Native regional or village corporation, that has been determined eligible to receive services from the Bureau of Indian Affairs.

(b)

General authority

(1)

In general

The Administrator may enter into an agreement with a State or Tribal government to provide a capitalization grant for the State or Tribal government to establish a revolving fund that will provide funding assistance to help homeowners, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and communities reduce flood risk in order to decrease—

(A)

the loss of life and property;

(B)

the cost of flood insurance; and

(C)

Federal disaster payments.

(2)

Timing of deposit and agreements for distribution of funds

(A)

In general

Not later than the last day of the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which a capitalization grant is made to a participating entity under paragraph (1), the participating entity shall—

(i)

deposit the grant in the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity; and

(ii)

enter into 1 or more binding agreements that provide for the participating entity to distribute the grant funds for purposes authorized under subsection (c) such that—

(I)

in the case of the initial grant made to a participating entity under this section, not less than 75 percent of the amount of the grant shall be distributed before the end of the 2-year period beginning on the date on which the funds are deposited in the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity; and

(II)

in the case of any subsequent grant made to a participating entity under this section, not less than 90 percent of the amount of the grant shall be distributed before the end of the 1-year period beginning on the date on which the funds are deposited in the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity.

(B)

Noncompliance

Except as provided in subparagraph (C), if a participating entity does not comply with subparagraph (A) with respect to a grant, the Administrator shall reallocate the grant in accordance with paragraph (3)(B).

(C)

Exception

The Administrator may not reallocate any funds under subparagraph (B) to a participating entity that violated subparagraph (A) with respect to a grant made during the same fiscal year in which the funds to be reallocated were originally made available.

(3)

Allocation

(A)

In general

The Administrator shall allocate amounts made available to carry out this section to participating entities—

(i)

for the participating entities to deposit in the State or Tribal government loan fund established by the participating entity; and

(ii)

except as provided in paragraph (6), in accordance with the requirements described in subparagraph (B).

(B)

Requirements

The requirements described in this subparagraph are as follows:

(i)

Fifty percent of the total amount made available under subparagraph (A) shall be allocated so that each participating entity receives the percentage amount that is obtained by dividing the number of properties that were insured under the national flood insurance program in that State or Tribal government jurisdiction, as applicable, in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the amount is allocated by the total number of properties that were insured under the national flood insurance program in the fiscal year preceding the fiscal year in which the amount is allocated.

(ii)

Fifty percent of the total amount made available under subparagraph (A) shall be allocated so that each participating entity receives a percentage of funds that is equal to the product obtained under clause (iii)(IV) with respect to that participating entity after following the procedures described in clause (iii).

(iii)

The procedures described in this clause are as follows:

(I)

Divide the total amount collected in premiums for properties insured under the national flood insurance program in each participating entity during the previous fiscal year by the number of properties insured under the national flood insurance program in that State or Tribal government jurisdiction, as applicable, for that fiscal year.

(II)

Add together each quotient obtained under subclause (I).

(III)

For each participating entity, divide the quotient obtained under subclause (I) with respect to that State or Tribal government jurisdiction, as applicable, by the sum obtained under subclause (II).

(IV)

For each participating entity, multiply the amount that is 50 percent of the total amount made available under subparagraph (A) by the quotient obtained under subclause (III).

(iv)

Except as provided in paragraph (5), in a fiscal year—

(I)

a participating entity may not receive more than 15 percent of the total amount that is made available under subparagraph (A) in that fiscal year; and

(II)

if a participating entity, based on the requirements under clauses (i) through (iii), would, but for the limitation under subclause (I) of this clause, receive an amount that is greater than the amount that the State or Tribal government jurisdiction, as applicable, is authorized to receive under that subclause, the difference between the authorized amount and the amount otherwise due to the State or Tribal government jurisdiction, as applicable, under clauses (i) through (iii) shall be allocated to other participating entities—

(aa)

that, in that fiscal year, have not received an amount under subparagraph (A) that is more than the authorized amount under subclause (I) of this clause; and

(bb)

by using the requirements under clauses (i) through (iii), except that a participating entity may receive an allocation under this subclause only if the allocation does not result in the State or Tribal government jurisdiction, as applicable, receiving a total amount for the fiscal year under subparagraph (A) that is greater than the authorized amount under subclause (I).

(4)

No revolving fund required

(A)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, and subject to subparagraph (B), a participating entity that receives less than $4,000,000 under paragraph (3)(B) in a fiscal year may distribute the funds directly in the form of grants or technical assistance for a purpose described in subsection (c)(2), without regard to whether the participating entity has established a State or Tribal government loan fund.

(B)

Matching

A participating entity that exercises the authority under subparagraph (A) in a fiscal year shall provide matching funds from non-Federal sources in an amount that is equal to 25 percent of the amount that the participating entity receives under paragraph (3)(B) in that fiscal year for purposes described in subparagraph (A).

(5)

Allocation of remaining funds

After allocating amounts made available to carry out this section for a fiscal year in accordance with paragraph (3), the Administrator shall allocate any remaining amounts made available for that fiscal year to participating entities, using the procedures described in clauses (i) through (iii) of paragraph (3)(B).

(6)

Reservation of funds

The Administrator shall reserve not more than 1.5 percent of the amount made available to carry out this section in a fiscal year—

(A)

for administrative costs incurred by the Federal Emergency Management Agency in carrying out this section;

(B)

to provide technical assistance to recipients of grants under this section; and

(C)

to enter into grant agreements with insular areas, with the grant funds to be distributed—

(i)

according to criteria established by the Administrator; and

(ii)

for a purpose described in subsection (c)(2).

(c)

Use of funds

(1)

In general

Amounts deposited in a State or Tribal government loan fund, including repayments of loans made from the fund and interest earned on the amounts in the fund, shall be used—

(A)

consistent with paragraph (2) and subsection (g), to provide financial assistance for—

(i)

homeowners, businesses, and nonprofit organizations that are eligible to participate in the national flood insurance program; and

(ii)

any local government that participates in the national flood insurance program;

(B)

as a source of revenue and security for leveraged loans, the proceeds of which shall be deposited in the State or Tribal government loan fund; or

(C)

for the sale of bonds as security for payment of the principal and interest on revenue or general obligation bonds issued by the participating entity to provide matching funds under subsection (f), if the proceeds from the sale of the bonds are deposited in the State or Tribal government loan fund.

(2)

Purposes

A recipient of financial assistance provided through amounts from a State or Tribal government loan fund—

(A)

shall use the amounts to reduce—

(i)

flood risk; or

(ii)

potential claims for losses covered under the national flood insurance program;

(B)

shall use the amounts in a cost-effective manner under requirements established by the participating entity, which may require an applicant for financial assistance to submit any information that the participating entity considers relevant or necessary before the date on which the applicant receives the assistance;

(C)

shall use the amounts for projects that—

(i)

meet design and construction standards established by the Administrator;

(ii)

are located in communities that—

(I)

participate in the national flood insurance program; and

(II)

have developed a community flood risk mitigation plan that has been approved by the Administrator under section 1366;

(iii)

address—

(I)

a repetitive loss structure or a severe repetitive loss property; or

(II)

flood risk in the 500-year floodplain, areas of residual flood risk, or other areas of potential flood risk, as identified by the Administrator; and

(iv)

address current risk and anticipate future risk, such as sea-level rise, and flood risk resulting from wildfire;

(D)

may use the amounts—

(i)

for projects relating to—

(I)

structural elevation;

(II)

floodproofing;

(III)

the relocation or removal of buildings from the 100-year floodplain or other areas of flood risk, including the acquisition of properties for such a purpose;

(IV)

environmental restoration activities that directly reduce flood risk, including green infrastructure;

(V)

any eligible activity described in subparagraphs (A) through (G) of section 1366(c)(3); or

(VI)

other activities determined appropriate by the Administrator;

(ii)

with respect to a project described in clause (i), only for expenditures directly related to a project described in that clause, including expenditures for planning, design, and associated pre-construction activities;

(iii)

to acquire, for the purposes of permanent protection, land, buildings, or a conservation easement from a willing seller or grantor, provided that—

(I)

the use of the land will be committed in perpetuity, with assurances from the recipient, that the land will only be used for open spaces, recreational use, or wetland management practices; and

(II)

no new structure will be erected on the property acquired other than—

(aa)

a public facility that is open on all sides and functionally related to a designated open space;

(bb)

a restroom; or

(cc)

a structure that the Administrator approves in writing before the commencement of a construction of the structure; and

(iv)

the recipient may make no subsequent application for disaster assistance for any purpose and no such assistance will be provided to the applicant from any Federal source;

(E)

may not use the amounts—

(i)

to construct buildings or expand existing buildings, unless the activity is for the purpose of flood mitigation;

(ii)

to improve any structure, unless the recipient has obtained flood insurance coverage, which shall be maintained for the useful life of the structure, in an amount that is not less than the lesser of—

(I)

the eligible project costs with respect to the structure; and

(II)

the maximum insurable limit for the structure under the national flood insurance program coverage for the structure;

(iii)

to improve a residential property with an appraised value that is not less than 125 percent of the limitation on the maximum original principal obligation of a conventional mortgage that may be purchased by the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation in the area in which the property is located, as established under section 302(b)(2) of the Federal National Mortgage Association Charter Act (12 U.S.C. 1717(b)(2)) and section 305(a)(2) of the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation Act (12 U.S.C. 1454(a)(2));

(iv)

for the direct benefit of a homeowner if the annual household adjusted gross income of the homeowner during the previous fiscal year was not less than $200,000, as annually adjusted by the Administrator to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers, as published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor and rounded to the nearest $25; or

(v)

to acquire real property or an interest in real property unless the property is purchased from a willing seller; and

(F)

to the maximum extent practicable, shall, in using those amounts, give priority to projects that assist low-income homeowners and low-income geographical areas.

(d)

Intended use plans

(1)

In general

After providing the opportunity for public review and comment, each participating entity shall annually prepare a plan that identifies, for the year following the date of issuance of the intended use plan, the intended uses of the amounts available in the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity.

(2)

Consultation during preparation

Each participating entity, in preparing an intended use plan, shall ensure that the State or Tribal government agency with primary responsibility for floodplain management—

(A)

provides oversight with respect to the preparation of the intended use plan; and

(B)

consults with any other appropriate State or Tribal government agency, including agencies responsible for coastal and environmental management.

(3)

Contents

A participating entity shall, in each intended use plan—

(A)

include—

(i)

an explanation of the mitigation and resiliency benefits the participating entity intends to achieve, including by—

(I)

reducing future damage and loss associated with flooding;

(II)

reducing the number of severe repetitive loss properties and repetitive loss structures in the State or Tribal government jurisdiction, as applicable;

(III)

decreasing the number of flood insurance claims in the State or Tribal government jurisdiction, as applicable; and

(IV)

increasing the rating under the Community Rating System for communities in the State or Tribal government jurisdiction, as applicable;

(ii)

information with respect to the availability of, and the application process for receiving, financial assistance from the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity;

(iii)

the criteria and methods established for the distribution of amounts from the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity;

(iv)

the amount of financial assistance that the participating entity anticipates providing to—

(I)

local government projects; and

(II)

projects for homeowners, business, or nonprofit organizations;

(v)

the expected terms of the assistance provided under clause (iv); and

(vi)

a description of the financial status of the State or Tribal government loan fund and the short-term and long-term goals of the State or Tribal government loan fund; and

(B)

provide, to the maximum extent practicable, that priority for the use of amounts from the State or Tribal government loan fund shall be given to projects that—

(i)

address severe repetitive loss properties and repetitive loss structures;

(ii)

assist low-income homeowners and low-income geographic areas; and

(iii)

address flood risk for pre-FIRM buildings.

(4)

Publication

Each participating entity shall publish and periodically update a list of all projects receiving funding from the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity, which shall include identification of—

(A)

the community in which the project is located;

(B)

the type and amount of assistance provided for each project; and

(C)

the expected funding schedule and date of completion of each project.

(e)

Fund management

Amounts in a State or Tribal government loan fund shall—

(1)

remain available for providing financial assistance under this section until distributed;

(2)

if the amounts are not required for immediate distribution or expenditure, be invested in interest-bearing obligations; and

(3)

except as provided in subsection (i), include only—

(A)

amounts received from capitalization grants made under this section;

(B)

repayments of loans made from the fund; and

(C)

interest earned on amounts in the fund.

(f)

Matching funds

(1)

Full grant

On or before the date on which a participating entity receives a capitalization grant, the participating shall deposit into the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity, in addition to the amount of the capitalization grant, an amount from non-Federal sources that is not less than 20 percent of the total amount of the capitalization grant.

(2)

Reduced grant

If, with respect to a capitalization grant, a participating entity deposits in the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity an amount from non-Federal sources that is less than 20 percent of the total amount of the capitalization grant that the participating entity would otherwise receive, the Administrator shall—

(A)

reduce the amount of the capitalization grant received by the participating entity to the amount that is 5 times the amount so deposited; and

(B)

in accordance with subsection (b)(5), allocate the difference between the amount that the participating entity would have received if the participating entity had complied with paragraph (1) and the amount of the reduced grant that the participating entity receives under subparagraph (A).

(g)

Types of assistance

Unless otherwise prohibited by law of a participating entity, the participating entity may use the amounts deposited into a State or Tribal government loan fund under this section only—

(1)

to make a loan, on the condition that—

(A)

the interest rate for the loan is not more than the market interest rate;

(B)

the recipient of the loan will begin making principal and interest payments on the loan not later than 1 year after the date on which the project for which the loan was made is completed;

(C)

the loan will be fully amortized not later than 20 years after the date on which the project for which the loan was made is completed, except that, in the case of a loan made for a project in a low-income geographic area or to a low-income homeowner, the State may provide a longer amortization period for the loan if that longer period—

(i)

ends on a date that is not later than 30 years after the date on which the project is completed; and

(ii)

is not longer than the expected design life of the project;

(D)

the recipient of the loan demonstrates, based on verified and documented information that, as of the date on which the loan is made, the recipient has a reasonable ability to repay the loan, according to the terms of the loan, except that this subparagraph may not be construed to authorize any reduction or limitation in efforts to comply with the requirements of subsection (c)(2)(F); and

(E)

payments of principal and interest with respect to the loan will be deposited into the State or Tribal government loan fund;

(2)

to buy or refinance the debt obligation of a local government at an interest rate that is not more than the market interest rate;

(3)

to guarantee, or purchase insurance for, a local obligation, the proceeds of which finance a project eligible for assistance under this section, if the guarantee or purchase, as applicable, would—

(A)

improve credit market access; or

(B)

reduce the interest rate with respect to the obligation;

(4)

as a source of revenue or as security for the payment of principal and interest on revenue or general obligation bonds issued by the participating entity if the proceeds of the sale of the bonds will be deposited into the State or Tribal government loan fund; or

(5)

to earn interest on those amounts.

(h)

Assistance for low-Income homeowners and low-Income geographic areas

(1)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of this section, if a participating entity uses amounts from a State or Tribal government loan fund to provide financial assistance under subsection (c) in a low-income geographic area or to a low-income homeowner, the participating entity may provide additional subsidization to the recipient of the assistance, including forgiveness of the principal of a loan.

(2)

Limitation

For each fiscal year, the total amount of additional subsidization provided by a participating entity under paragraph (1) may not exceed 30 percent of the amount of the capitalization grant allocated to the participating entity for that fiscal year.

(i)

Administration of fund

(1)

In general

A participating entity may combine the financial administration of a State or Tribal government loan fund with the financial administration of any other revolving fund established by the participating entity if—

(A)

combining the administration of the funds would—

(i)

be convenient and avoid administrative costs; and

(ii)

not violate the law of the participating entity; and

(B)

the Administrator determines that—

(i)

amounts obtained from a grant made under this section, amounts obtained from the repayment of a loan made from a State or Tribal government loan fund, and interest earned on amounts in a State or Tribal government loan fund will be—

(I)

accounted for separately from amounts from other revolving funds; and

(II)

used only for purposes authorized under this section; and

(ii)

after consulting with the appropriate State or Tribal government agencies, the authority to establish assistance priorities and carry out oversight and related activities, other than financial administration, with respect to flood assistance remains with the State or Tribal government agency with primary responsibility for floodplain management.

(2)

Administrative and technical costs

(A)

In general

For each fiscal year, a participating entity may use the amount described in subparagraph (B) to—

(i)

pay the reasonable costs of administration of the programs under this section, including the recovery of reasonable costs incurred in establishing a State or Tribal government loan fund;

(ii)

provide appropriate oversight of projects authorized under this section; and

(iii)

provide technical assistance and outreach to recipients in the State or Tribal government jurisdiction of amounts under this section, including with respect to updating hazard mitigation plans and participating in the Community Rating System, in an amount that is not more than 4 percent of the funds made available to the State or Tribal government jurisdiction under this section.

(B)

Description

The amount described in this subparagraph is an amount equal to the sum of—

(i)

any fees collected by a participating entity to recover the costs described in subparagraph (A)(i), regardless of the source; and

(ii)

the greatest of—

(I)

$400,000;

(II)

0.2 percent of the value of the State or Tribal government loan fund of a participating entity, as of the date on which the valuation is made; and

(III)

an amount equal to 7 percent of all grant awards made to a participating entity for the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity under this section for the fiscal year.

(3)

Audit and report

(A)

Audit requirement

Not less frequently than biennially, each participating entity shall conduct an audit of the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity.

(B)

Report

Each participating entity shall submit to the Administrator a biennial report regarding the activities of the participating entity under this section during the period covered by the report, including—

(i)

the result of any audit conducted by the participating entity under subparagraph (A); and

(ii)

a review of the effectiveness of the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity with respect to—

(I)

the intended use plans of the participating entity; and

(II)

meeting the objectives described in subsection (b)(1).

(4)

Oversight

In conducting oversight with respect to State or Tribal government loan funds established under this section, the Administrator—

(A)

shall—

(i)

periodically audit the funds in accordance with procedures established by the Comptroller General of the United States; and

(ii)

not less frequently than once every 4 years, review each State or Tribal government loan fund to determine the effectiveness of the fund in reducing flood risk; and

(B)

may, at any time—

(i)

make recommendations to a participating entity with respect to the administration of the State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity; or

(ii)

require specific changes with respect to a State or Tribal government loan fund of the participating entity in order to improve the effectiveness of the fund.

(j)

Liability protections

The Federal Emergency Management Agency shall not be liable for any claim based on the exercise or performance of, or the failure to exercise or perform, a discretionary function or duty by the Agency, or an employee of the Agency, in carrying out this section.

(k)

Regulations

The Administrator shall promulgate such guidance or regulations as may be necessary to carry out this section, including guidance or regulations that—

(1)

ensure that each participating entity to which funds are allocated under this section uses the funds as efficiently as possible;

(2)

reduce, to the maximum extent practicable, waste, fraud, and abuse with respect to the implementation of this section; and

(3)

require any party that receives funds directly or indirectly under this section, including a participating entity and a recipient of amounts from a State or Tribal government loan fund, to use procedures with respect to the management of the funds that conform to generally accepted accounting standards.

(l)

Authorization of appropriations

There are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this section for fiscal years 2024 through 2033.

.

(b)

Consideration of mitigation measures funded by State loan funds in flood insurance premium rates

(1)

Estimated rates

Section 1307(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(1)(A)(ii)) is amended by striking and similar measures and inserting similar measures, any activities funded through amounts from a State or Tribal government loan fund established under section 1327.

(2)

Chargeable rates

Section 1308(b)(1) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015(b)(1)) is amended by striking and similar measures and inserting similar measures, any activities funded through amounts from a State or Tribal government loan fund established under section 1327.

208.

Mapping modernization

(a)

Amendments to the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012

The Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (42 U.S.C. 4004 et seq.) is amended—

(1)

in section 100215 (42 U.S.C. 4101a)—

(A)

in subsection (b)—

(i)

in paragraph (1)—

(I)

by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (E) as subparagraphs (B) through (F), respectively;

(II)

by inserting before subparagraph (B), as so redesignated, the following:

(A)

the Director of the United States Geological Survey;

; and

(III)

in subparagraph (F), as so redesignated—

(aa)

in the matter preceding clause (i), by striking 16 and inserting 17;

(bb)

in clause (xiii), by striking and at the end;

(cc)

in clause (xiv), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(dd)

by adding at the end the following:

(xv)

an expert in the field of catastrophic risk modeling.

;

(ii)

in paragraph (2), in the second sentence, by striking paragraph (1)(E) and inserting paragraph (1)(F); and

(iii)

by adding at the end the following:

(3)

Conflicts of interest

A member of the Council—

(A)

may not, while serving on the Council, be employed or retained by—

(i)

a Federal Emergency Management Agency contractor or consultant; or

(ii)

a nongovernmental entity that was awarded a Federal grant during the 5-year period preceding the date on which the member was appointed to the Council; and

(B)

may not have been employed by a Federal Emergency Management Agency contractor or consultant during the 5-year period preceding the date on which the member was appointed to the Council.

; and

(B)

by adding at the end the following:

(m)

Private or community flood maps

(1)

Standards and procedures

In addition to the other duties of the Council under this section, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Council shall develop and establish a set of standards, guidelines, and procedures for—

(A)

State and local governments, federally or State-recognized metropolitan planning organizations (commonly known as MPOs), federally or State-recognized councils of local governments, and federally or State-recognized rural transportation planning organizations to use in mapping flood risks and developing alternative maps to the flood insurance rate maps developed by the Administrator; and

(B)

certification, by the Administrator not later than 90 days after the date on which a map developed under subparagraph (A) is submitted to the Administrator, for use under the National Flood Insurance Program in the case of any area covered by a flood insurance rate map developed or approved by the Administrator that has not been updated or reissued during the preceding 3-year period.

(2)

Treatment

On and after the date on which the Administrator certifies a map under paragraph (1)(B), and subject to the requirements of section 1363 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104), the map—

(A)

shall be considered the flood insurance rate map in effect for all purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program with respect to the area covered by the map; and

(B)

may not be revised, updated, or replaced in accordance with the standards, guidelines, and procedures established under paragraph (1) before the expiration of the 3-year period beginning on that date of certification.

(3)

Exemption from rulemaking

Until the date on which the Administrator promulgates regulations implementing paragraphs (1) and (2), the Administrator may adopt policies and procedures, notwithstanding any other provision of law, necessary to implement those paragraphs without regard to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, and without conducting regulatory analyses otherwise required by statute, regulation, or Executive order.

; and

(2)

in section 100216 (42 U.S.C. 4101b)—

(A)

in subsection (b)—

(i)

in paragraph (1)—

(I)

in subparagraph (A)—

(aa)

in clause (v), by striking and at the end;

(bb)

in clause (vi), by adding and at the end; and

(cc)

by inserting after clause (vi) the following:

(vii)

all other areas of the United States that are not described in clauses (i) through (vi);

;

(II)

in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end;

(III)

in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting , including the most recently available and best remote sensing technology;; and

(IV)

by adding at the end the following:

(D)

when appropriate, partner with other Federal agencies, States, and private entities in order to meet the objectives of the program; and

(E)

consult and coordinate with the Secretary of Defense, the Director of the United States Geological Survey, the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service, and the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to obtain the most up-to-date maps and other information of those agencies, including information relating to topography, water flow, watershed characteristics, and any other issues that are relevant to identifying, reviewing, updating, maintaining, and publishing National Flood Insurance Program rate maps.

; and

(ii)

in paragraph (3)—

(I)

in subparagraph (A), by redesignating clauses (i) and (ii) as subclauses (I) and (II), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;

(II)

by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (E) as clauses (i) through (v), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly;

(III)

in the matter preceding clause (i), as so redesignated, by striking Administrator shall include— and inserting the following:

Administrator—

(A)

shall include—

;

(IV)

in subparagraph (A)(v), as so redesignated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(V)

by adding at the end the following:

(B)

may include—

(i)

any relevant information that is obtained under paragraph (1)(E); and

(ii)

cadastral features, including, for each cadastral feature—

(I)

the associated parcel identification data for that feature; and

(II)

to the maximum extent practicable, using public and private sector address data, the address of that feature.

;

(B)

in subsection (c)(2)—

(i)

in subparagraph (B), by striking and at the end;

(ii)

in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and

(iii)

by adding at the end the following:

(D)

not later than 5 years after the date on which the National Geodetic Survey completes the modernization of the National Spatial Reference System in 2022, updated to conform with the geospatial data provided by that system; and

(E)

spatially accurate in accordance with the common protocols for geographic information systems under applicable law.

;

(C)

by redesignating subsection (f) as subsection (g);

(D)

by inserting after subsection (e) the following:

(f)

Incorporating building-Specific flood risk information

(1)

Establishment

(A)

In general

Not later than 5 years after the date of enactment of the National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023, the Administrator, in coordination with, and as recommended by, the Technical Mapping Advisory Council, shall establish a dynamic, database-derived digital display environment for flood hazard risk production and dissemination.

(B)

Consultation with States and communities

In designing and constructing the environment under subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall—

(i)

leverage and partner with States and communities that have successfully implemented the same approach; and

(ii)

consider adopting the techniques and technologies used by States and communities described in clause (i) and applying them nationwide.

(2)

Digital display

(A)

In general

In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall create a digital display prompted through dynamic querying of a spatial, relational building database that includes—

(i)

special flood hazard areas and base flood elevations for purposes of lender compliance with the requirements under section 102 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4012a); and

(ii)

structure-specific flood risk information, including, for each property address—

(I)

the spatial footprint and elevation of the structure relative to special flood hazard areas and base flood elevations;

(II)

elevation data applicable to the property;

(III)

any letter of map changes;

(IV)

to the maximum extent practicable, the full risk premium rate estimated for the structure under section 1307(a)(1) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(1)) based on elevation data and, where applicable, the level of protection provided by levee systems;

(V)

the disclosure described in section 1308(l) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015(l)), which shall include—

(aa)

the extent to which, if any, the chargeable premium rate applicable to the property is less than the full risk premium rate under section 1307(a)(1) of that Act (42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(1)); and

(bb)

an explanation of the difference described in item (aa) and the methodology used to rate the property;

(VI)

the estimated cost to repair the structure in the case of damage from floods with recurrence intervals ranging from the 10 percent annual chance event to the 0.2 percent annual chance event;

(VII)

the cost-effectiveness of mitigating the structure using common methods and how the chargeable premium rate would change based on each mitigation method; and

(VIII)

the claims history of the structure, including the amount and date of each loss.

(B)

Privacy requirements

With respect to the database described in subparagraph (A), including any data used to create that database, the Administrator may not disseminate the database to any person other than the owner or leaseholder of a property identified in the database.

(3)

Database

(A)

In general

The Administrator shall—

(i)

develop a spatial, relational database of buildings for which flood hazard has been identified through the National Flood Insurance Program; and

(ii)

obtain the data necessary to support the digital display created under paragraph (2).

(B)

Data

The data obtained under subparagraph (A) shall include, at a minimum—

(i)

footprints and elevations (including lowest adjacent grade and first floor) from Light Detection and Ranging (commonly known as LiDAR) data collections or other data collection methods that meet or exceed the standards for buildings, as determined by the Administrator;

(ii)

elevation data;

(iii)

parcel, address, and imagery data necessary for the identification, assessment, and reduction of flood hazards for individual properties;

(iv)

flood insurance rate maps, studies, and supporting data;

(v)

letters of map change; and

(vi)

any other data that the Administrator determines necessary to collect to meet the objectives of this section.

(4)

Data procurement

The Administrator shall obtain any data necessary to establish the environment under paragraph (1), including by—

(A)

directing communities participating in the National Flood Insurance Program, by regulation, to collect and supply information, including elevation data, for each structure that obtains a construction or other development permit within—

(i)

a special flood hazard area; or

(ii)

an advisory special flood hazard area adopted by the community;

(B)

issuing guidelines and standards, as determined by the Administrator;

(C)

partnering with other Federal, State, local, and private stakeholders to the greatest extent possible to obtain and share existing data that meets or exceeds the standards determined by the Administrator under subparagraph (B); and

(D)

contracting with private companies to obtain new LiDAR data collections or elevation data.

(5)

NFIP premium credit

The Administrator shall provide a 1-time premium credit of not more than $500 to a policyholder for the purchase of an elevation certificate.

(6)

Mass letters of map change

In coordination with States and communities that have successfully implemented a dynamic, database-derived digital display environment for flood hazard risk production and dissemination, the Administrator shall issue guidelines for the adoption and integration into the program established under subsection (a) of LiDAR-based letter of map amendment approaches.

(7)

Annual report

The Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives an annual progress report on the implementation of this subsection, which shall include recommendations to reduce the cost and improve the implementation of this subsection.

; and

(E)

in subsection (g), as so redesignated—

(i)

by striking this section $400,000,000 and inserting the following:

this section—

(1)

$500,000,000

; and

(ii)

by striking the period at the end and inserting the following:

; and

(2)

$500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2024 through 2029.

.

(b)

Appeals

(1)

In general

(A)

Right to appeal

Section 1360 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4101) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(k)

Appeals of existing maps

(1)

Right to appeal

Subject to paragraph (6), a State or local government, or the owner or lessee of real property, that makes a formal request to the Administrator to update a flood insurance rate map that the Administrator denies may at any time appeal the denial in accordance with this subsection.

(2)

Basis for appeal

The basis for an appeal under this subsection shall be the possession of knowledge or information that—

(A)

the base flood elevation level or designation of any aspect of a flood insurance rate map is scientifically or technically inaccurate; or

(B)

factors exist that mitigate the risk of flooding, including ditches, banks, walls, vegetation, levees, lakes, dams, reservoirs, basin, retention ponds, and other natural or manmade topographical features.

(3)

Appeals process

(A)

Administrative adjudication

The Administrator shall determine an appeal under this subsection by making a final adjudication on the record, after providing an opportunity for an administrative hearing.

(B)

Rights upon adverse decision

(i)

Optional arbitration

If an appeal determined under subparagraph (A) does not result in a decision in favor of the State, local government, owner, or lessee, that party may request that an appeal of the adverse decision be heard—

(I)

through independent, non-binding arbitration; or

(II)

by the Scientific Resolution Panel provided for in section 1363A.

(ii)

Process

Notwithstanding any provision of section 1363A(c)(4) regarding the binding nature of the recommendations of the Scientific Resolution Panel, the Administrator shall establish a process for the purposes of clause (i) under which an arbitrator or the Scientific Resolution Panel, as applicable, provides a non-binding recommendation to the Administrator.

(4)

Relief

(A)

Wholly successful appeals

If the Administrator determines in an appeal under this subsection that the property of a policyholder that had been included in a special flood hazard area under the flood insurance rate map is actually not in a special flood hazard area—

(i)

the policyholder may cancel the policy at any time during the year in which the Administrator makes the determination; and

(ii)

the Administrator shall provide the policyholder a refund equal to the amount of—

(I)

any premiums that the policyholder paid during the year described in clause (i); and

(II)

any premiums that the policyholder paid for flood insurance coverage that the policyholder was required to purchase or maintain during the 2-year period preceding the year described in clause (i).

(B)

Partially successful appeals

If the Administrator determines in an appeal under this subsection that mitigating factors have reduced, but not eliminated, the risk of flooding to a property, the Administrator shall—

(i)

reduce the amount of flood insurance coverage required to be maintained for the property by the ratio of the successful portion of the appeal as compared to the entire appeal; and

(ii)

provide the policyholder a refund equal to the difference between—

(I)

the amount of any premiums that the policyholder paid during the period—

(aa)

beginning on the later of—

(AA)

the date on which the mitigating factor was created; or

(BB)

January 1 of the second year preceding the date on which the determination is made; and

(bb)

ending on the date on which the reduction in the amount of flood insurance required, as described in clause (i), takes effect; and

(II)

the amount of premiums that the policyholder would have been required to pay if the reduced amount of flood insurance coverage required, as described in clause (i), had been in effect during the period described in subclause (I) of this clause.

(C)

Additional relief

The Administrator may provide additional refunds in excess of the amounts required under subparagraphs (A) and (B) if the Administrator determines that such additional refunds are warranted.

(5)

Recovery of costs

(A)

Appeal expenses

If a State or local government, or the owner or lessee of real property, incurs any expense in connection with an appeal under this subsection that is based on a scientific or technical error made by the Administrator and that is successful in whole or part regarding the designation of the base flood elevation or any aspect of a flood insurance rate map, including elevation or designation of a special flood hazard area, the Administrator shall reimburse the State, local government, owner, or lessee in accordance with subparagraph (B).

(B)

Reimbursable expenses

The Administrator—

(i)

may reimburse a party under subparagraph (A) for reasonable expenses described in that subparagraph—

(I)

including for a service provided by a surveyor, engineer, or scientific expert; and

(II)

to the extent measured by the ratio of the successful portion of the appeal as compared to the entire appeal; and

(ii)

may not reimburse a party under subparagraph (A) for—

(I)

the cost of legal services; or

(II)

the payment of any fee or expense, the payment of which was agreed to be contingent upon the result of the appeal.

(6)

Guidance

The Administrator shall issue guidance to implement this subsection, which shall not be subject to the notice and comment requirements under section 553 of title 5, United States Code.

.

(B)

Technical and conforming amendments

Section 1310(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4017(a)) is amended—

(i)

in paragraph (7), by striking and at the end;

(ii)

in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(iii)

by adding at the end the following:

(9)

for providing reimbursements of expenses of flood insurance rate map appeals under section 1360(k)(5).

.

(2)

Deadline for issuance of guidance

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue the guidance required under subsection (k)(6) of section 1360 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4101), as added by paragraph (1)(A).

(3)

Issuance of regulations for map appeals

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue the regulations required to be issued under subsection (f) of section 1363 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104) and any relevant guidance to implement that subsection.

209.

Appeals

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall establish a fair, transparent, and streamlined process to manage disputes regarding chargeable premium rates prescribed under section 1308 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015), as amended by this Act, including a dispute regarding, with respect to a property—

(1)

the distance of the property from an ocean, coastline, lake, or river;

(2)

the elevation of the property;

(3)

the ground elevation of the property;

(4)

the first floor height of the property;

(5)

the type of foundation with respect to the property; or

(6)

the quality of any levee on the property.

210.

Levee-protected areas

Section 100216(b) of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (42 U.S.C. 4101b(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(4)

Areas protected by levee systems

(A)

Applicability

To facilitate the implementation of this section, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, this paragraph shall apply to a community in which the Administrator establishes rates for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program in a levee-protected area.

(B)

Non-accredited levee systems

(i)

Assessment of protection provided by non-accredited levee systems

With respect to an area in which the pertinent levee system fails to meet the minimum design, operation, and maintenance standards of the National Flood Insurance Program described in section 65.10 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation, for levee accreditation on a National Flood Insurance Program rate map under the Risk Rating 2.0 methodology (or any substantially similar methodology), the Administrator shall, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph—

(I)

through rules issued under section 553 of title 5, United States Code, establish—

(aa)

the analysis that the Administrator will perform to determine the level of protection provided by the non-accredited levee system; and

(bb)

the procedure by which the Administrator will establish rates for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program for that area; and

(II) (aa)

issue guidance with respect to the matters described in items (aa) and (bb) of subclause (I); or

(bb)

use the levee analysis and mapping procedure of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, as in effect on the date of enactment of this paragraph, for purposes of updating flood insurance rate maps and establishing rates for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program, working with established Local Levee Partnership Teams or their equivalent for verification of accurate results.

(ii)

Rate for areas without sufficient data

With respect to a structure that is located in an area described in clause (i), and for which the Administrator does not have sufficient data to assess risk, the Administrator may not increase the rates for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program for that structure until the Administrator—

(I)

carries out clause (i) with respect to that area; and

(II)

makes available to all parties affected by the increased rate the data on which the Administrator is relying in establishing that increased rate.

(C)

Mandatory purchase requirement for levee systems

In any area in which the pertinent levee system meets the minimum design, operation, and maintenance standards described in section 65.10 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation, the Administrator may not—

(i)

designate the levee-protected area a special flood hazard area; or

(ii)

impose any requirement to purchase flood insurance for a structure located in the area.

(D)

Appeals process

(i)

In general

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall develop an appeals process for communities located within a levee-protected area described in this paragraph that disputes the assessment made by the Administrator of the level of protection provided by the levee or the residual risk associated with the levee.

(ii)

Definition requirements

With respect to the appeals process established under clause (i)—

(I)

subject to subclause (II), the Administrator shall make clear which definition of the terms levee and residual risk shall apply for the purposes of the appeal; and

(II)

an appellant in an appeal brought under that process may require that the Administrator use the definition of the term levee in section 59.1 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, or any successor regulation.

.

211.

Community-wide flood mitigation activities

It is the sense of Congress that the Administrator should consider flood mitigation activities that—

(1)

provide benefits to an entire floodplain or community, or to a portion of such a community;

(2)

consider all available and practicable approaches; and

(3)

the Administrator determines—

(A)

are technically feasible;

(B)

have the highest net benefits; and

(C)

are consistent with mitigation plans approved by the Administrator.

212.

Premium calculator

(a)

Definitions

In this section—

(1)

the term covered property means a property for which insurance is provided under the National Flood Insurance Program; and

(2)

the term premium rates means chargeable premium rates prescribed under section 1308 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015), as amended by this Act.

(b)

Requirements

The Administrator shall take the following actions:

(1)

Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, make public all formulas used by the Administrator to calculate the value of mitigation credits provided with respect to covered properties, including, at a minimum, credits for—

(A)

installing a flood opening;

(B)

elevating such a property onto a post, pile, or pier; and

(C)

elevating machinery and equipment above the lowest floor of such a property.

(2)

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, establish a tool that allows members of the public to estimate premium rates for covered properties under the Risk Rating 2.0 program (or any similar methodology) within a reasonable margin of error based on user inputs, which shall include a mechanism for determining how the premium rates for a covered property would change based on taking a particular mitigation action, including an action described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of paragraph (1) with respect to the covered property.

(3)

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, and annually thereafter, publish online, for each State, county, and ZIP Code in the United States, a distribution showing the median, mean, lower and upper quartiles, maximum, and minimum—

(A)

premium rates; and

(B)

full risk premium rates under section 1307(a)(1) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(1)), as amended by this Act.

213.

Consideration of mitigation projects in flood insurance premium rates

(a)

Estimated rates

Section 1307(a)(1)(A)(ii) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(1)(A)(ii)), as amended by section 207(b)(1) of this Act, is amended by inserting after section 1327 the following: , and any mitigation project carried out by the Army Corps of Engineers or under the community development block grant program for disaster recovery or mitigation, section 203 or 205 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133, 5135), or the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(b)

Chargeable rates

Section 1308(b)(1) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015(b)(1)), as amended by section 207(b)(2) of this Act, is amended by inserting after section 1327 the following: , and any mitigation project carried out by the Army Corps of Engineers or under the community development block grant program for disaster recovery or mitigation, section 203 or 205 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133, 5135), or the Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

III

Solvency

301.

Forbearance on NFIP interest payments

(a)

In general

During the 5-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of the Treasury may not charge the Administrator interest on amounts borrowed by the Administrator under section 1309(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4016(a)) that were outstanding as of the date of enactment of this Act, including amounts borrowed after the date of enactment of this Act that refinance debts that existed before the date of enactment of this Act.

(b)

Use of saved amounts

There shall be deposited into the National Flood Mitigation Fund an amount equal to the interest that would have accrued on the borrowed amounts during the 5-year period described in subsection (a) at the time at which those interest payments would have otherwise been paid, which, notwithstanding any provision of section 1367 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104d), the Administrator shall use to carry out the program established under section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104c).

(c)

No retroactive accrual

After the 5-year period described in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury shall not require the Administrator to repay any interest that, but for that subsection, would have accrued on the borrowed amounts described in that subsection during that 5-year period.

302.

Cap on Write Your Own company compensation

(a)

In general

Section 1311 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4018) is amended—

(1)

by redesignating subsection (b) as subsection (c); and

(2)

by inserting after subsection (a) the following:

(b)

Limitation on compensation; minimum agent commissions

In negotiating with appropriate representatives of the insurance industry under subsection (a), the Administrator shall ensure that—

(1)

any reimbursement paid to a property and casualty insurance company for selling, writing, and servicing flood insurance policies is not more than 22.46 percent of the aggregate amount of premiums charged by the insurance company; and

(2)

an insurance company pays a portion of the reimbursement described in paragraph (1) to agents of the company as a commission, in an amount that is not less than 15 percent of the aggregate amount of the premiums sold by the agent.

.

(b)

Technical and conforming amendments

Section 1311 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4018), as amended by subsection (a), is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a), by striking The Administrator and inserting In general.—The Administrator; and

(2)

in subsection (c), as so redesignated by subsection (a) of this section, by striking For purposes of subsection (a) and inserting Definitions.—For purposes of this section.

303.

Third-party service provider costs; transparency

(a)

In general

Section 100224(d) of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (42 U.S.C. 4081 note) is amended—

(1)

by striking Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator and inserting the following:

(1)

In general

The Administrator

; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

Vendor costs; transparency

In issuing the rule under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall—

(A)

develop a schedule to determine the actual costs of Write Your Own third-party service providers, including claims adjusters and engineering companies;

(B)

provide that if a Write Your Own company requests reimbursement for the costs of a service or product provided to the company by a vendor, the Administrator only reimburses the company for the actual costs of the service or products; and

(C)

require that all reimbursements to Write Your Own companies be made public, including a description of the product or service provided to which the reimbursement pertains.

.

(b)

Deadline for revised rule

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue a revised rule under section 100224(d) of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (42 U.S.C. 4081 note), as amended by subsection (a).

304.

Availability of NFIP claims data

(a)

Study required

(1)

In general

The Administrator shall study the feasibility of selling or licensing the use of historical structure-specific National Flood Insurance Program claims data (referred to in this section as covered claims data) to nongovernmental entities.

(2)

Contents

In conducting the study required under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, at a minimum—

(A)

investigate 1 or more methods of providing the most specific covered claims data possible while reasonably protecting policyholder privacy;

(B)

review existing means, as of the date of enactment of this Act, by which the Federal Government and nongovernmental entities provide leases or licenses to private persons, and the various regulations, terms, conditions, and guidance employed;

(C)

identify potential uses for covered claims data and any known risks concerning those uses, including the risk that private insurance companies will use the data to issue flood insurance policies with respect to properties that have the lowest level of flood risk, which would require the National Flood Insurance Program to issue those policies with respect to properties with higher levels of flood risk;

(D)

identify mechanisms for determining the likely market value for access to covered claims data;

(E)

consider whether selling or licensing the use of covered claims data, as described in paragraph (1), would be in compliance with section 552a of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Privacy Act of 1974);

(F)

review the costs of researching, developing, and producing previous releases of covered claims data and identify if releasing this data has benefitted the National Flood Insurance Program in a tangible way that benefits policyholders; and

(G)

recommend actions the Administrator could take, if any, to prevent unintended consequences associated with the sale or licensing for private insurance purposes covered claims data.

(b)

Report by Administrator

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that contains the results and conclusions of the study conducted under subsection (a), which shall include an analysis of any recommendations made by the study.

305.

Refusal of mitigation assistance

Section 1366 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4104c) is amended—

(1)

in subsection (a), in the matter preceding paragraph (1), in the first sentence, by inserting and, with respect to financial assistance described in paragraph (2), using amounts made available from the Disaster Relief Fund in accordance with section 203(n) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133(n)) after section 1367;

(2)

by redesignating subsection (h) as subsection (i); and

(3)

by inserting after subsection (g) the following:

(h)

Refusal of assistance

(1)

Definition

In this subsection, the term bona fide offer of assistance means an offer of assistance made by the Administrator to a policyholder under the national flood insurance program that—

(A)

relates to mitigation activities with respect to the structure insured under that program;

(B)

covers 100 percent of the cost of the mitigation activities described in subparagraph (A);

(C)

permits the policyholder to continue to live in the structure to which the policy relates; and

(D)

is carried out under a mitigation plan.

(2)

Penalty

If, after the date of enactment of the National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023, a policyholder under the national flood insurance program refuses a bona fide offer of assistance with respect to the property so insured, the Administrator shall, notwithstanding any other provision of this title, increase the chargeable risk premium rate for flood insurance under this title for the property by 25 percent each year until—

(A)

the policyholder accepts the bona fide offer of assistance; or

(B)

that chargeable risk premium rate is actuarially sound.

.

306.

Multiple structure mitigation

Section 1308A(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015a(a)) is amended—

(1)

in the first sentence, by striking The Administrator and inserting the following:

(1)

In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), the Administrator

; and

(2)

by adding at the end the following:

(2)

Relief for small businesses and nonprofits

(A)

Definition

In this paragraph, the term covered small business or nonprofit organization means a small business concern (as defined in section 3 of the Small Business Act (15 U.S.C. 632)) or an organization that is described in section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and is exempt from taxation under section 501(a) of such Code that owns not fewer than 3 structures that are located on a single property.

(B)

Relief

The Administrator may not impose a surcharge under this section for a policy for flood insurance coverage under the National Flood Insurance Program for a covered small business concern or nonprofit organization with respect to more than 2 detached units or buildings located on a single property if the covered small business or nonprofit organization certifies to the Administrator that the savings from the surcharge not being imposed shall be used for flood mitigation on the property on which the units or buildings are located.

(C)

Rules

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall issue rules establishing the process for submitting a certification described in subparagraph (B).

.

IV

Policyholder protection and fairness

401.

Earth movement fix and engineer standards

(a)

Rebuttable presumption for foundation and structural damage

(1)

In general

Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4019), as amended by section 106(b), is amended by inserting after subsection (c) the following:

(d)

Rebuttable presumption for foundation and structural damage

(1)

In general

For the purposes of the Administrator determining coverage under the standard flood insurance policy under the national flood insurance program, a rebuttable presumption that physical damage to the foundation of, or structural damage to, a structure was not caused by earth movement shall apply if—

(A)

flood caused direct physical change to the structure; and

(B)

there is damage to the foundation of, or structural damage to, the structure that was not present before the flood, as demonstrated by a certification from the policyholder.

(2)

Rebuttal

In determining coverage as a result of the rebuttable presumption under paragraph (1), an insurance company may rebut the presumption only by providing the Administrator with an engineering report that—

(A)

meets standards issued by the Administrator under paragraph (3); and

(B)

clearly demonstrates that the physical damage to the foundation of, or structural damage to, a structure described in paragraph (1) was caused directly by earth movement that was not—

(i)

caused by the horizontal pressure from standing or slow-moving floodwater (commonly known as hydrostatic pressure);

(ii)

caused by the force of floodwater that causes the vertical uplift from the underside of a horizontal foundation component, such as a concrete slab, footer, or structural floor assembly (commonly known as buoyancy);

(iii)

caused by pressure imposed on an object, such as a wall of a building, by high-velocity floodwater or waves flowing against and around the building (commonly known as hydrodynamic force);

(iv)

caused by floodwater moving along the surface of the ground causing soil to suddenly erode or undermine, resulting in failure of a foundation or to one of the structural components of the foundation (commonly known as scouring); or

(v)

otherwise caused by flood.

(3)

Minimum standards for engineering reports

The Administrator shall issue minimum standards—

(A)

regarding the form and content of engineering reports used to assist insurance claims adjusters with respect to carrying out this subsection; and

(B)

that—

(i)

include a requirement that any such engineering report shall be signed and have a seal affixed by an engineer who is licensed in the State in which the property to which the claim relates is located; and

(ii)

are consistent with generally accepted practices in—

(I)

the field of forensic engineering; and

(II)

the insurance industry.

(4)

Documentation of condition of foundation

(A)

In general

If the holder of a policy for flood insurance coverage made available under this title documents the condition of the foundation of a structure covered by the policy with a photograph, video recording, or otherwise, and submits the documentation to the Administrator or the Write Your Own Company that sold the policy, as applicable, the Administrator or Write Your Own Company, respectively, shall keep the documentation and use the documentation when adjusting a claim that arises under the policy.

(B)

Notice to policyholders

The Administrator shall notify a policyholder, when the policyholder purchases or renews a flood insurance policy sold under this title, that the policyholder may document the condition of the foundation of a structure covered by the policy in accordance with subparagraph (A).

(5)

Rule of construction

Nothing in this subsection may be construed to modify the terms and conditions of the standard flood insurance policy.

.

(2)

Application

The amendment made by paragraph (1) shall apply with respect to a claim with a date of loss that is on or after the date that is 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

(b)

Regulations

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue the standards required under subsection (d)(3) of section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4019), as added by subsection (a)(1).

402.

Coverage of pre-FIRM condominium basements and study on street raising

(a)

Basement clarification

(1)

In general

Section 1305 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4012) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(e)

Availability of insurance for pre-FIRM condominium basements

(1)

Definition

In this subsection, the term pre-FIRM condominium building means a condominium building that was not constructed or substantially improved after the later of—

(A)

December 31, 1974; or

(B)

the effective date of the initial flood insurance rate map published by the Administrator under section 1360 for the area in which the building is located.

(2)

Coverage

The Administrator shall offer an optional rider to a contract for flood insurance made available under this title that covers the basement of a pre-FIRM condominium building that serves as a separate residential unit within that condominium building.

.

(2)

Amendments to regulations

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make any amendments to the regulations of the Federal Emergency Management Agency that are necessary as a result of the amendment made by paragraph (1).

(b)

Study on consequences of street-Raising

(1)

Definition

In this subsection, the term affected property means a property containing an area—

(A)

the floor of which was located at or above grade before the community raised the street adjacent to the property; and

(B)

after the street-raising described in subparagraph (A), that was designated as a basement because of the street-raising.

(2)

Study; report

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall study and submit to Congress a report on the consequences of street-raising on flood insurance coverage for an affected property under the National Flood Insurance Program, including the cost implications for the property owner.

403.

Guidance on remediation and policyholder duties

(a)

In general

Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4019), as amended by section 401(a)(1), is amended by inserting after subsection (d) the following:

(e)

Guidance on mold remediation

(1)

In general

The Administrator shall issue guidance relating to the identification of reasonable actions that a policyholder of coverage for flood insurance made available under this title may take to inspect and maintain the property to which that coverage applies—

(A)

after a flood recedes; and

(B)

in order to avoid damage to the property that is caused by mold, mildew, moisture, or water.

(2)

Considerations

In developing guidance under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider—

(A)

any applicable laws and regulations;

(B)

the terms and conditions of the standard flood insurance policy;

(C)

technical best practices;

(D)

the costs of remediation in relation to the condition of a property described in that paragraph; and

(E)

the actions that the Administrator may reasonably expect a policyholder described in that paragraph to take, given the likely challenges faced by the policyholder after a flood.

(3)

Regular review

The Administrator shall—

(A)

regularly review the guidance issued under paragraph (1); and

(B)

revise the guidance issued under paragraph (1) as the Administrator determines appropriate.

(4)

Annual distribution

The Administrator shall provide a copy of the guidance issued under paragraph (1) to a policyholder at the time of the purchase or renewal of a flood insurance policy sold under this title.

.

(b)

Initial issuance

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall issue the guidance required under subsection (e) of section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4019), as added by subsection (a) of this section.

(c)

Accessibility, reasonableness, and degree of damage

Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4019), as amended by subsection (a), is amended by inserting after subsection (e) the following:

(f)

Exclusion of certain damage

For purposes of determining whether damage caused by mold, mildew, moisture, or water to a property shall be excluded from coverage under the standard flood insurance policy—

(1)

subject to paragraph (2), only the degree of damage caused by mold, mildew, moisture, or water that could have been avoided through inspection and maintenance may be excluded from that coverage; and

(2)

the condition of the property to which the damage relates may not be considered to be attributable to the policyholder with respect to the property, including any failure by the policyholder to inspect and maintain the property after a flood recedes, if—

(A)

the policyholder was denied access to the property after the flood receded because of—

(i)

a lawful government order;

(ii)

a determination by local authorities that the property—

(I)

is unsafe or unstable; or

(II)

shall be condemned; or

(iii)

otherwise unsafe conditions;

(B)

a reasonable individual exercising reasonable judgment could not be expected to inspect, maintain, or mitigate the damage to the property under the circumstances; or

(C)

the policyholder faced particular challenges, including—

(i)

practical or financial difficulty in inspecting or maintaining the property;

(ii)

the need to address other more immediate priorities, including—

(I)

the health and well-being of the policyholder and the family of the policyholder;

(II)

the preservation of basic items;

(III)

displacement; and

(IV)

other issues that make inspection and maintenance of the property a near-term challenge for the policyholder; and

(iii)

the unavailability of contractors or other individuals to perform any required inspection and maintenance.

.

404.

Appeal of decisions relating to flood insurance coverage

(a)

Enhanced policyholder appeals process

(1)

In general

Part C of chapter II of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4081 et seq.) is amended by adding at the end the following:

1349.

Appeal of decisions relating to flood insurance coverage

(a)

Definition

In this section, the term Office, except as otherwise specified, means the Independent Office for Policyholder Appeals established under subsection (b).

(b)

Independent Office for Policyholder Appeals

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall establish an Independent Office for Policyholder Appeals to provide for a non-adversarial and fair administrative review of appeals submitted under subsection (c)(1).

(c)

Appeals process

(1)

Right to appeal

A policyholder of a flood insurance policy issued under the national flood insurance program may appeal the denial of a claim arising under the policy in writing to the Office not later than 1 year after receipt of the denial.

(2)

Exhaustion of administrative appeals required before filing civil action

A policyholder of a flood insurance policy issued under the national flood insurance program may not institute an action on a denied claim arising under the policy against the Administrator in a United States district court under section 1333 or 1341, as applicable, unless the policyholder has exhausted the appeals process under this section.

(d)

Duties and responsibilities

In administering appeals submitted under subsection (c)(1), the Office shall—

(1)

issue final appeal decisions through an appeal process established by the Office;

(2)

disseminate information to appellants concerning the information that an appellant may include in the appeal submissions;

(3)

provide an appellant with an opportunity to discuss any issue on appeal with a claims expert in the Office;

(4)

provide aggregated appeals data to the Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate for use in fulfilling the duties and responsibilities of that office under section 24(b) of the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (42 U.S.C. 4033(b)); and

(5)

publish final appeal decisions to a public-facing website—

(A)

to inform the public; and

(B)

for awareness to support transparency and training for Write Your Own Companies and contractors of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

(e)

Regulations

(1)

In general

For purposes of implementing the appeals process under this section, the Administrator may promulgate new regulations or use regulations that were in effect on the date of enactment of this section, except that—

(A)

the Administrator may not declare any appeal ineligible if the policyholder submits the appeal to the Office not later than 1 year after the date on which the policyholder receives the denial of the applicable claim, as required under subsection (c)(1);

(B)

upon receiving all information necessary to complete an appeal, the Office shall notify the appellant that the Office will make a final decision not later than 90 days after receipt of that information; and

(C)

not later than 90 days after receipt of all information necessary to complete an appeal, the Office shall make a final decision on the appeal.

(2)

Enforcement of final decision deadline

If the Office does not comply with the deadline under paragraph (1)(C) with respect to an appeal, and the policyholder that brought the appeal is ultimately successful, the Administrator shall pay to the policyholder interest on the claim that is the subject of the appeal, which shall—

(A)

begin accruing on the date on which the policyholder submits the appeal; and

(B)

be calculated using the rate of return on a 3-year Treasury bill, as in effect on the date described in subparagraph (A).

(3)

All information necessary

For purposes of paragraph (1), the term all information necessary includes information obtained from a physical reinspection of the property or from an expert report, if that information is needed in order to complete the review of the appeal.

(4)

Liability protection

No cause of action shall lie or be maintained in any court against the United States, and any such action shall be promptly dismissed, for violation of the notification requirement under paragraph (1)(B).

.

(2)

Effective date for new appeals process

Subsection (c) of section 1349 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as added by paragraph (1), shall take effect on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act.

(b)

Repeal and transfer

(1)

In general

Effective on the date that is 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, section 205 of the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 4011 note; Public Law 108–264) is repealed, and any appeals that were pending before the Administrator under that section on the day before that effective date shall be transferred to the Independent Office for Policyholder Appeals established under section 1349 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (as added by subsection (a)) for disposition under such section 1349.

(2)

Technical and conforming amendments

(A)

Table of contents

The table of contents for the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–264; 118 Stat. 712) is amended by striking the item relating to section 205.

(B)

Other amendment

Section 204(a)(3) of the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 (42 U.S.C. 4011 note; Public Law 108–264) is amended by striking section 205 and inserting section 1349 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.

(c)

Judicial review reform

(1)

Government Program With Industry Assistance

Section 1341 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4072) is amended—

(A)

by striking In the event the program and inserting the following:

(a)

In general

If the program

;

(B)

in subsection (a), as so designated—

(i)

by inserting or the Administrator’s fiscal agent after upon the disallowance by the Administrator; and

(ii)

by striking within one year after the date of mailing of notice of disallowance or partial disallowance by the Administrator, may institute an action against the Administrator on such claim and inserting not later than 1 year after exhausting available administrative remedies, may institute an action against the insurer on such claim; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(b)

Exhaustion of administrative remedies

(1)

In general

For the purposes of subsection (a), a claimant exhausts available administrative remedies if—

(A)

the claimant submits an appeal and complies with all requirements of the appeal process established under section 1349 and other applicable requirements; and

(B)

the Administrator—

(i)

issues a final decision on the appeal that partially or fully concurs with the insurer’s disallowance or partial disallowance of the claim; or

(ii)

makes no finding regarding the appeal by the date that is 90 days after the date on which the Administrator acknowledges receipt and acceptance of the appeal.

(c)

Limitations

(1)

Issues raised on appeal

An action may not be instituted under this section for any issue of a claim that was not presented to the Administrator on appeal.

(2)

Weight of Administrator's disposition

For purposes of this section, disposition of an appeal by the Administrator shall not be competent evidence of liability or the amount of damages.

.

(2)

Industry program with Federal financial assistance

Section 1333 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4053) is amended—

(A)

by striking The insurance companies and other insurers and inserting the following:

(a)

In general

The insurance companies and other insurers

;

(B)

in subsection (a), as so designated, by striking within one year after the date of mailing of notice of disallowance or partial disallowance of the claim, may institute an action on such claim against such company or other insurer and inserting not later than 1 year after exhausting available administrative remedies, may institute an action on the claim against the company or other insurer; and

(C)

by adding at the end the following:

(b)

Exhaustion of administrative remedies

For the purposes of subsection (a), a claimant exhausts available administrative remedies if—

(1)

the claimant submits an appeal and complies with all requirements of the appeal process established under section 1349 and other applicable requirements; and

(2)

the Administrator—

(A)

issues a final decision on the appeal that partially or fully concurs with the insurer’s disallowance or partial disallowance of the claim; or

(B)

makes no finding regarding the appeal by the date that is 90 days after the date on which the Administrator acknowledges receipt and acceptance of the appeal.

(c)

Limitations

(1)

Issues raised on appeal

An action may not be instituted under this section for any issue of a claim that was not presented to the Administrator on appeal.

(2)

Weight of Administrator's disposition

For purposes of this section, disposition of an appeal by the Administrator shall not be competent evidence of liability or the amount of damages.

.

405.

Accountability for underpayments and overpayments by Write Your Own companies

Section 1348 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4084) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(c)

Underpayments and overpayments

(1)

Accountability for underpayments

If the Administrator determines through any audit that the pool or an insurance company or other private organization described in subsection (a) has not adjusted a claim in accordance with adjusting standards that are in effect as of the date on which the adjustment is performed and, as a result of that failure, has underpaid or overpaid a claim of a policyholder, the penalty imposed by the Administrator with respect to such a failure may not be less for an overpayment of a claim than for an underpayment of a claim.

(2)

Safe harbor for certain overpayments

The Administrator may not impose a penalty on the pool or an insurance company or other private organization described in subsection (a) for overpayment of a claim of a policyholder for reasons described in paragraph (1) of this subsection if—

(A)

the overpayment was not in bad faith; and

(B)

the amount of the overpayment was not more than 4 percent of the coverage limit of the policy.

(d)

GAO report

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this subsection, and triennially thereafter, the Comptroller General of the United States shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report regarding any penalties imposed by the Administrator under subsection (c)(1).

.

406.

Policyholders’ right to know

(a)

Use

Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4019), as amended by section 403(c), is amended by inserting after subsection (f) the following:

(g)

Use of technical assistance reports

When adjusting claims for any damage to or loss of property that is covered by flood insurance made available under this title, the Administrator may rely upon technical assistance reports, as defined in section 1312A(a), only if the reports are final and are prepared in compliance with applicable State and Federal laws regarding professional licensure and conduct.

.

(b)

Disclosure

Chapter I of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.) is amended by inserting after section 1312 (42 U.S.C. 4019) the following:

1312A.

Disclosure of claims documents and technical assistance reports

(a)

Definitions

In this section—

(1)

the term policyholder means any person listed as a named or additional insured on the declarations page of a policy for flood insurance coverage made available under this title; and

(2)

the term technical assistance report means a report created for the purpose of furnishing technical assistance to an insurance claims adjuster assigned under the national flood insurance program, including any report created by an engineer, a surveyor, a salvor, an architect, or a certified public accountant.

(b)

Provision of copies

(1)

In general

Notwithstanding section 552a of title 5, United States Code, not later than 1 week after the date on which the Administrator receives a written request, or a request submitted online, from a policyholder, and with respect to a claim for loss submitted by the policyholder for any damage to or loss of property that is covered by the policy, the Administrator shall provide a true, complete, and unredacted copy of—

(A)

all documents that constitute the claim file of the insurance company with respect to the claim, in accordance with the memorandum issued by the Administrator on June 1, 2018, entitled Guidance for the Release of Claim File Information to Policyholders (WYO Bulletin W–18012) (or any successor document);

(B)

any document created by any adjuster in scoping the loss, including measurements, photographs, and notes;

(C)

any estimates of damages with respect to the claim;

(D)

any draft and final technical assistance report relating to adjusting and paying or denying the claim;

(E)

any proof of loss, supplemental proofs of loss, or any equivalent notices, together with supporting documentation, with respect to the claim; and

(F)

any document relating to the denial or partial denial of the claim.

(2)

Rule of construction

Nothing in paragraph (1) may be construed to limit the right of a policyholder to receive a disclosure under section 552a of title 5, United States Code, or any other provision of law.

(c)

Direct disclosure by Write Your Own companies and direct servicing agents

(1)

In general

A Write Your Own Company or direct servicing agent in possession of any technical assistance report that is subject to disclosure under subsection (b) may disclose such technical assistance report without further review or approval by the Administrator.

(2)

Affirmative notification

A Write Your Own Company, or any other entity servicing a claim under the national flood insurance program, shall, not later than 30 days after the date on which the company or entity receives notice of a claim, notify the claimant that the claimant or an authorized representative of the claimant may obtain, upon request, a copy of any claim-related document described in subsection (b)(1) that pertains to the claimant.

.

(c)

Transmission of report without approval

(1)

Definition

In this subsection, the term final engineering report means an engineering report, survey, or other document in connection with a claim for losses covered by a policy for flood insurance coverage made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.) that—

(A)

is based on an on-site inspection;

(B)

contains final conclusions with respect to an engineering issue or issues involved in the claim; and

(C)

is signed by the responsible in charge or affixed with the seal of the responsible in charge, or both.

(2)

Transmission

A Write Your Own Company or a National Flood Insurance Program direct servicer may, without obtaining further review or approval by the Administrator, transmit to a policyholder a final engineering report in the possession of the Write Your Own Company or the direct servicer in connection with a claim submitted by the policyholder.

407.

Termination of certain contracts under the National Flood Insurance Program

(a)

In general

Part C of chapter II of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4081 et seq.), as amended by section 404, is amended by adding at the end the following:

1350.

Termination of contracts

(a)

Definitions

In this section—

(1)

the term covered entity means any attorney, law firm, consultant, or third-party company that provides services to a Write Your Own company; and

(2)

the term Write Your Own company means a company participating in the cooperative undertaking between the insurance industry and the Federal Insurance and Mitigation Administration that allows participating property and casualty insurance companies to write and service standard flood insurance policies.

(b)

Termination

(1)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator may terminate a contract or other agreement between a covered entity and a Write Your Own company if the Administrator—

(A)

determines that the covered entity has engaged in conduct that is detrimental to the flood insurance program authorized under chapter I; and

(B)

not later than 14 days before terminating the contract or other agreement, provides notice to the covered entity of the termination.

(2)

Appeal

The Administrator shall establish a process for a covered entity to appeal a termination of a contract or other agreement under paragraph (1).

(3)

Early termination payouts

The Administrator or a Write Your Own company is not required to make any early termination payout to a covered entity with respect to a contract or agreement with the Write Your Own company that the Administrator terminates under paragraph (1).

.

(b)

Effective date; applicability

The amendment made by subsection (a) shall—

(1)

take effect on the date of enactment of this Act; and

(2)

apply to any contract or other agreement between a covered entity and a Write Your Own company (as those terms are defined in section 1349(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, as added by subsection (a)) entered into on or after the date of enactment of this Act.

408.

Deadline for claim processing

(a)

In general

Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4019), as amended by section 406(a), is amended by inserting after subsection (g) the following:

(h)

Deadline for approval of claims

(1)

In general

The Administrator shall provide that, in the case of a claim for damage to or loss of property that is covered by a policy for flood insurance made available under this title—

(A)

except as provided in paragraph (2), not later than 60 days after the date on which a proof of loss or comparable submission is provided to the Administrator—

(i)

an initial determination regarding approval of the claim for payment or disapproval of the claim shall be made; and

(ii)

notification of the determination described in clause (i) shall be provided to the policyholder making the claim; and

(B)

payment of an approved claim shall be made as soon as possible after that approval.

(2)

Extension of deadline

The Administrator shall—

(A)

provide that the period described in paragraph (1)(A) may be extended by an additional period of 30 days under extraordinary circumstances; and

(B)

by regulation—

(i)

establish criteria for—

(I)

demonstrating the extraordinary circumstances described in subparagraph (A); and

(II)

determining to which claims the extraordinary circumstances described in subparagraph (A) apply; and

(ii)

provide that, if the deadline imposed under paragraph (1)(A), as extended under subparagraph (A), if applicable, is not satisfied the amount of the claim to which the deadline relates shall be increased with interest, which shall begin accruing on the date on which the initial claim is filed.

(3)

Deadline tolled during certain communication with policyholder

The deadline under paragraph (1) shall be tolled during any period during which the Administrator or a Write Your Own Company is trying to obtain more information from a policyholder regarding a claim made by the policyholder, or is otherwise working with a policyholder to develop such a claim.

.

(b)

Applicability

The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to any claim for damage to or loss of property that is covered by a policy for flood insurance made available under the National Flood Insurance Program that is made after the date of enactment of this Act.

409.

No manipulation of engineer reports

Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4019), as amended by section 408(a), is amended by inserting after subsection (h) the following:

(i)

Final engineering reports

(1)

Definitions

In this subsection—

(A)

the term covered claim means any claim for losses covered by a policy for flood insurance coverage made available under this title; and

(B)

the term final engineering report means an engineering report, survey, or other document in connection with a covered claim that—

(i)

is based on an on-site inspection;

(ii)

contains final conclusions with respect to an engineering issue or issues involved in the claim; and

(iii)

is signed by the responsible in charge or affixed with the seal of the responsible in charge, or both.

(2)

Prohibition on manipulation and transmission to third parties

The Administrator shall require that, in the case of any on-site inspection of a property by an engineer for the purpose of assessing any covered claim, the final engineering report—

(A)

may not—

(i)

include alterations by, or at the request of, anyone other than the person responsible for the report; or

(ii)

be transmitted to any other person before the final engineering report is transmitted to the policyholder who submitted the covered claim; and

(B)

shall include a certification, signed by the person responsible for the final engineering report, that the final engineering report does not contain any alterations described in subparagraph (A).

.

410.

Improved training of floodplain managers, agents, and adjusters

(a)

Local floodplain managers

Each regional office of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall—

(1)

provide training to local floodplain managers, agents, and claim adjusters in the region regarding the responsibilities and procedures of local floodplain managers with respect to conducting substantial damage and substantial improvement determinations;

(2)

work with applicable State agencies to provide the training described in paragraph (1); and

(3)

verify that the individuals described in paragraph (1) are completing the training described in that paragraph.

(b)

Major disaster training

After a flood that is declared a major disaster by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170), the Administrator shall, if determined appropriate, provide—

(1)

refresher training to prepare insurance claims adjusters for the unique circumstances of the major disaster; and

(2)

any briefings that are necessary to prepare and inform floodplain managers, agents, and claim adjusters regarding any atypical circumstances and issues arising from the natural disaster.

411.

Flood insurance continuing education and training

(a)

In general

The Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–264; 118 Stat. 712) is amended—

(1)

in section 201 (42 U.S.C. 4011 note)—

(A)

in paragraph (1), by striking Director of the and inserting Administrator of the; and

(B)

in paragraph (2), by inserting 4001 after U.S.C.; and

(2)

by striking section 207 (42 U.S.C. 4011 note) and inserting the following:

207.

Continuing education requirements for insurance agents

(a)

In general

The Director shall require each insurance agent who sells flood insurance policies under the Program to, once every 2 years, complete a 3-hour continuing education course that—

(1)

subject to subsection (c), is approved by the insurance commissioner of the State in which the agent is a legal resident; and

(2)

focuses on issues with respect to the Program.

(b)

Failure To complete course

If an insurance agent who sells flood insurance policies does not complete a continuing education course required under subsection (a), the agent, until the date on which the agent completes the course in accordance with the requirements of this section, may not—

(1)

sell flood insurance policies; or

(2)

perform any duties with respect to the Program.

(c)

Agents licensed in multiple States

(1)

In general

If an insurance agent who sells flood insurance policies is licensed to sell insurance in more than 1 State—

(A)

the agent shall submit proof of completion of a continuing education course required under subsection (a) to the insurance commissioner of each State in which the agent is licensed; and

(B)

each insurance commissioner to whom an insurance agent submits a proof of completion under subparagraph (A) may determine whether the course to which that proof of completion relates meets the minimum standards established by that insurance commissioner.

(2)

Effect of denial

If an insurance commissioner of a State (referred to in this paragraph as the rejecting commissioner) determines under paragraph (1)(B) that a continuing education course taken in another State by an insurance agent who sells flood insurance policies does not meet the minimum standards established by the rejecting commissioner, the insurance agent may not take any action described in paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (b) until the agent satisfies the minimum requirements established by the rejecting commissioner.

(d)

Rule of construction

Any reference in this section to an insurance commissioner of a State shall be construed as a reference to an equivalent official with respect to any State in which there is no official who has the title of insurance commissioner.

.

(b)

Technical and conforming amendment

The table of contents for the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 (Public Law 108–264; 118 Stat. 712) is amended by striking the item relating to section 207 and inserting the following:

Sec. 207. Continuing education requirements for insurance agents.

.

412.

Shifting of attorney fees and other expenses

Section 1341 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4072), as amended by section 404(c), is amended by adding at the end the following:

(d)

Attorney fees and other expenses

A Write Your Own Company against which an action is instituted under this subsection shall be considered an agency of the United States for the purposes of section 2412(d) of title 28, United States Code.

.

413.

DOJ defense against policyholder lawsuits

Subsection (b) of section 1341 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4072), as added by section 404(c), is amended by adding at the end the following:

(2)

Representation by Department of Justice

If a claimant institutes an action under this section—

(A)

the Administrator shall refer the matter to the Attorney General; and

(B)

the Attorney General—

(i)

shall represent the Administrator or the Write Your Own company, as applicable, in the action; and

(ii)

may not seek to have the court dismiss an action with potentially meritorious claims based on good faith errors or omissions by the claimant in the claimant's proof of loss.

.

414.

Reforming use of proof of loss forms

(a)

In general

Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4019), as amended by section 409, is amended by inserting after subsection (i) the following:

(j)

No condition of payment of undisputed claim on proof of loss

(1)

In general

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, or any term or condition of a standard flood insurance policy, the Administrator—

(A)

may not condition payment of an undisputed claim based on the submission of a proof of loss; and

(B)

may instead accept a report submitted by the insurance adjuster the Administrator hires to investigate the claim, if the report is signed by the policyholder, unless the Administrator determines that conditions make signature impracticable.

(2)

Refusal to accept amount paid

Upon the refusal of a policyholder to accept the amount paid under paragraph (1), the Administrator may require the policyholder to submit a proof of loss within a timeframe determined by the Administrator.

.

(b)

Guidance to defense attorneys

The Administrator shall issue guidance for best practices for attorneys defending actions instituted under section 1333 or 1341, as applicable, of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4053, 4072) (as amended by section 404(c)) relating to how to respond to unintentional errors in a proof of loss submitted by a policyholder under the National Flood Insurance Policy.

415.

Agent Advisory Council

Part C of chapter II of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4081 et seq.), as amended by section 407, is amended by adding at the end the following:

1351.

Agent Advisory Council

(a)

Establishment

There is established a council to be known as the Agent Advisory Council (in this section referred to as the Council).

(b)

Membership

(1)

Members

The Council shall consist of—

(A)

the Administrator, or the designee of the Administrator; and

(B)

11 additional members appointed by the Administrator or the designee of the Administrator, of whom—

(i)

1 shall be a member of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners;

(ii)

2 shall be members of the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of America;

(iii)

1 shall be a member of United Policyholders;

(iv)

1 shall be a representative of the Emergency Management Institute of the Federal Emergency Management Agency;

(v)

1 shall be a representative of the Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency;

(vi)

2 shall be members of the National Association of Professional Insurance Agents;

(vii)

1 shall be a representative of a recognized professional association or organization representing homebuilders or land developers;

(viii)

1 shall be a representative of a recognized professional association or organization representing the real estate industry; and

(ix)

1 of whom shall be a representative of a recognized consumer protection group.

(2)

Qualifications

(A)

In general

Each member of the Council shall have experience with—

(i)

contacting policyholders under the national flood insurance program, including with respect to applying for flood insurance and processing a claim for damage to or loss of property that is covered by flood insurance; and

(ii)

riverine and coastal flood insurance policies.

(B)

Considerations

The Administrator shall, to the maximum extent practicable, ensure that the membership of the Council has a balance of governmental and private members, and includes geographic diversity.

(C)

Conflicts of interest

A member of the Council—

(i)

may not, while serving on the Council, be employed or retained—

(I)

by a Federal Emergency Management Agency contractor or consultant; or

(II)

by a nongovernmental entity that was awarded a Federal grant during the 5-year period preceding the date on which the member was appointed to the Council; and

(ii)

may not have been employed by a Federal Emergency Management Agency contractor or consultant during the 5-year period preceding the date on which the member was appointed to the Council.

(3)

Consultation

In appointing a member of the Council from an entity described in clauses (i) through (ix) of paragraph (1)(B), the Administrator or the designee of the Administrator, as applicable, shall consult with the entity.

(4)

Chairperson

The members of the Council shall elect 1 member to serve as the chairperson of the Council (in this section referred to as the Chairperson).

(c)

Duties

The Council shall—

(1)

provide recommendations to the Administrator on—

(A)

improving the customer experience for policyholders under the national flood insurance program;

(B)

training insurance agents that issue flood insurance policies; and

(C)

improving the processing and handling of claims for damage to or loss of property that is covered by flood insurance; and

(2)

submit to the Administrator an annual report that includes—

(A)

a description of the activities of the Council; and

(B)

a summary of recommendations made by the Council to the Administrator.

(d)

Compensation

(1)

In general

Except as provided in paragraph (2), a member of the Council shall receive no additional compensation for serving on the Council.

(2)

Travel expenses

Each member of the Council may be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance with sections 5702 and 5703 of title 5, United States Code, while away from their homes or regular places of business in performance of services for the Council.

(e)

Meetings and actions

(1)

Meetings

(A)

In general

The Council shall meet not less frequently than twice each year at the request of the Chairperson or a majority of the members of the Council.

(B)

Initial meeting

The Administrator, or a designee of the Administrator, shall request and coordinate the initial meeting of the Council.

(2)

Action by majority vote

The Council may take action by a vote of the majority of the members.

(f)

Officers

The Chairperson may appoint officers to assist in carrying out the duties of the Council under subsection (c).

(g)

Staff

Upon the request of the Chairperson, the Administrator may detail, on a nonreimbursable basis, personnel of the Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to assist the Council in carrying out the duties of the Council.

(h)

Powers

In carrying out this section, the Council may hold hearings, receive evidence and assistance, provide information, and conduct research as the Council considers appropriate.

(i)

Report to Congress and OMB

The Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives, and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget an annual report on—

(1)

the recommendations made by the Council; and

(2)

any recommendations made by the Council during the year covered by the report that, as of the date on which the report is submitted, have been deferred or not acted upon, together with an explanatory statement with respect to those recommendations.

(j)

Applicability of the Federal Advisory Committee Act

Section 1013 of title 5, United States Code, shall not apply to the Council.

.

416.

Disclosure of flood risk information prior to transfer of property

(a)

In general

Chapter I of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4011 et seq.), as amended by section 207, is amended by adding at the end the following:

1327.

Disclosure of flood risk information prior to transfer of property

(a)

In general

After September 30, 2024, no new flood insurance coverage may be provided under this title for any real property unless an appropriate public body has imposed, by statute or regulation, a duty on any seller or lessor of improved real estate to provide to any purchaser or lessee (with respect to a lease for a term that is not shorter than 30 days) of the property a property flood hazard disclosure that the Administrator has determined meets the requirements of subsection (b).

(b)

Disclosure requirements

(1)

Requirements for sellers

A property flood hazard disclosure for the sale of a property shall meet the requirements of this subsection only if the disclosure—

(A)

is made in writing;

(B)

discloses any actual knowledge of the seller of—

(i)

any prior physical damage caused by flood to a structure located on the property;

(ii)

any prior insurance claim for a loss covered under the national flood insurance program or private flood insurance with respect to the property;

(iii)

any previous notification regarding the designation of the property as a repetitive loss structure or severe repetitive loss structure (as defined in section 1366(h));

(iv)

any Federal legal obligation to obtain and maintain flood insurance running with the property;

(v)

whether the property is located in a wetland;

(vi)

whether a National Flood Insurance Program Elevation Certificate has been completed for the property; and

(vii)

whether the property has received disaster assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration, or the Department of Housing and Urban Development;

(C)

discloses to the maximum extent feasible, in a manner to be determined by the Administrator—

(i)

the relative flood risk associated with the property as indicated in flood hazard data maintained by the Administrator under this title; and

(ii)

the availability of and approximate cost of flood insurance for the property; and

(D)

is delivered by, or on behalf of, the seller to the purchaser before the purchaser becomes obligated under any contract to purchase the property.

(2)

Requirements for lessors

A property flood hazard disclosure for a rental property with a lease for a term that is not shorter than 30 days shall meet the requirements of this subsection only if the disclosure—

(A)

is made in writing;

(B)

discloses any actual knowledge of the lessor—

(i)

of any Federal legal obligation to obtain and maintain flood insurance running with the property;

(ii)

regarding any prior physical damage caused by flood with respect to the unit being leased; and

(iii)

of the availability of coverage under this title for contents located in a structure on the property; and

(C)

is delivered by, or on behalf of, the lessor to the lessee before the lessee becomes obligated under any contract to lease the property.

(3)

Rule of construction

Nothing in this section may be construed as preventing a State from adopting disclosure requirements in addition to the requirements of this section.

.

(b)

Availability of flood insurance coverage

Section 1305(c) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4012(c)) is amended—

(1)

in paragraph (1), by striking , and at the end and inserting a semicolon;

(2)

in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and

(3)

by adding at the end the following:

(3)

given satisfactory assurance that, not later than October 1, 2024, property flood hazard disclosure requirements will have been adopted for the area (or subdivision) that meet the requirements of section 1327.

.

417.

Grace period for renewal of coverage at renewal offer rate

Section 1308 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4015) is amended by adding at the end the following:

(n)

Grace period for renewal of coverage at renewal offer rate

Notwithstanding section 1307(g)(1), if a policyholder renews a policy for flood insurance under this title not later than 90 days after the date on which the policy lapsed in coverage, the Administrator shall charge the same rate for the policy that the Administrator would have charged if the policyholder had renewed the policy before the lapse in coverage.

PES

Quote

 

National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023

This bill generally revises the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) and reauthorizes the program through FY2026.

The bill addresses NFIP coverage, cost, and availability, including by

generally prohibiting the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from raising certain premiums, surcharges, and fees more than 9% a year for five years; revising flood insurance coverage limits; establishing a means-tested program to provide financial assistance to low-income households through policy discounts; and revising standards and certification requirements for flood insurance rate maps. The bill also revises administrative provisions of the NFIP, including by

allowing for the continuous operation of the NFIP during a lapse in appropriations, and prohibiting the Department of the Treasury from charging FEMA interest for NFIP debt for five years. The bill sets forth requirements for Write Your Own companies related to reimbursements, agent commissions, and penalties for underpayment of claims. (A Write Your Own company writes and services federal standard flood insurance policies in its own name.)

The bill establishes state or tribal government revolving funds for flood mitigation activities and also provides for loans, grants, and other incentives regarding mitigation.

The bill also requires the creation of an appeals process for disputing NFIP premium rates.

 

 

Edited 6 hours ago by jakeakins

[camilodeso]

CS