H.R.501 - Promoting Resilient Buildings Act of 2025 (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R. 501, the "Promoting Resilient Buildings Act of 2025," amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to enhance disaster recovery and relief efforts through improved building codes and resilience measures. The bill emphasizes the use of the latest published editions of building codes and standards for pre-disaster hazard mitigation and hazard mitigation revolving loan fund programs. It also establishes a residential retrofit and resilience pilot program to provide grants for individuals to improve the resilience of their homes against natural disasters.
Expected Effects
The bill aims to reduce the impact of natural disasters on residential properties by promoting the adoption of resilient building practices. This will likely lead to increased investment in resilient infrastructure and a reduction in future disaster relief costs. The pilot program will provide data on the effectiveness of different retrofit measures, informing future policy decisions.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Disaster Damage: Encourages resilient building practices, decreasing damage from natural disasters.
- Cost Savings: Lower federal disaster payments due to more resilient homes.
- Financial Assistance: Grants for individuals with financial need to retrofit their homes.
- Improved Building Standards: Promotes the use of the latest building codes and standards.
- Data Collection: Gathers data on effective retrofit measures for future policy improvements.
Potential Disadvantages
- Limited Funding: The pilot program is capped at 10% of existing funds, potentially limiting its reach.
- Bureaucratic Delays: Establishing the pilot program within one year may be challenging, leading to delays.
- Limited Scope: The pilot program terminates in 2028, potentially hindering long-term impact assessment.
- Potential for Inequity: If not managed carefully, the grant distribution could be uneven or favor certain areas.
- Increased upfront costs: Implementing resilient building practices may increase initial construction or renovation costs.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the Constitution's general welfare clause, as it aims to protect citizens and property from natural disasters. Specifically, the emphasis on disaster relief and mitigation falls under the implied powers necessary to execute the enumerated powers related to national defense and providing for the common welfare. The establishment of a pilot program and amendments to existing legislation are within Congress's legislative authority under Article I, Section 8.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).