115 HR 4667 IH: Further Additional Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements, 2017 U.S. House of Representatives 2017-12-18 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I 115th CONGRESS1st Session H. R. 4667 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES December 18, 2017 Mr. Frelinghuysen introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Appropriations, and in addition to the Committee on the Budget, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL Making further supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, for disaster assistance for Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, and calendar year 2017 wildfires, and for other purposes.

A

Disaster Assistance

The following sums are appropriated, out of any money in the Treasury not otherwise appropriated, for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2018, and for other purposes, namely:

B

Disaster Recovery Reform Act

Sec. 2001. Applicability. Sec. 2002. State defined. Sec. 2003. Wildfire prevention. Sec. 2004. Additional activities. Sec. 2005. Eligibility for code implementation and enforcement. Sec. 2006. Program improvements. Sec. 2007. Prioritization of facilities. Sec. 2008. Guidance on evacuation routes. Sec. 2009. Duplication of benefits. Sec. 2010. State administration of assistance for direct temporary housing and permanent housing construction. Sec. 2011. Assistance to individuals and households. Sec. 2012. Multifamily lease and repair assistance. Sec. 2013. Federal disaster assistance nonprofit fairness. Sec. 2014. Management costs. Sec. 2015. Flexibility. Sec. 2016. Additional disaster assistance. Sec. 2017. National veterinary emergency teams. Sec. 2018. Dispute resolution pilot program. Sec. 2019. Emergency relief. Sec. 2020. Unified Federal environmental and historic preservation review. Sec. 2021. Closeout incentives. Sec. 2022. Performance of services. Sec. 2023. Study to streamline and consolidate information collection. Sec. 2024. Agency accountability. Sec. 2025. Audit of contracts. Sec. 2026. Inspector general audit of FEMA contracts for tarps and plastic sheeting. Sec. 2027. Relief organizations. Sec. 2028. Guidance on inundated and submerged roads. Sec. 2029. Authorities. Sec. 2030. Recoupment of certain assistance prohibited. Sec. 2031. Statute of limitations. Sec. 2032. Technical assistance and recommendations. Sec. 2033. Guidance on hazard mitigation assistance. Sec. 2034. Local impact. Sec. 2035. Additional hazard mitigation activities. Sec. 2036. National public infrastructure predisaster hazard mitigation. Sec. 2037. Additional mitigation activities. Sec. 2038. Federal cost-share adjustments for repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities.

2001.

Applicability

Except as otherwise expressly provided, the amendments in this division to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) apply to each major disaster and emergency declared by the President on or after August 1, 2017, under such Act.

2002.

State defined

In this division, the term State has the meaning given that term in section 102(4) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122(4)).

2003.

Wildfire prevention

(a)

Mitigation assistance

Section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187) is amended— (1)by redesignating subsection (d) as subsection (e); and (2)by inserting after subsection (c) the following: (d)

Hazard mitigation assistance

Whether or not a major disaster is declared, the President may provide hazard mitigation assistance in accordance with section 404 in any area affected by a fire for which assistance was provided under this section.. (b)

Conforming amendments

The Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) is amended— (1)in section 404(a) (42 U.S.C. 5170c(a)) (as amended by section 37(a) of this Act)— (A)by inserting before the first period , or any area affected by a fire for which assistance was provided under section 420; and (B)in the third sentence by inserting or event under section 420 after major disaster each place it appears; and (2)in section 322(e)(1) (42 U.S.C. 5165(e)(1)), by inserting or event under section 420 after major disaster each place it appears. (c)

Reporting requirement

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives, and the Appropriations Committees of the Senate and the House of Representatives a report containing a summary of any projects carried out, and any funding provided to those projects, under subsection (d) of section 420 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5187) (as amended by this section).

2004.

Additional activities

Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c) is amended by adding at the end the following: (f)

Use of assistance

Recipients of hazard mitigation assistance provided under this section and section 203 may use the assistance to conduct activities to help reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in any area affected by a wildfire or windstorm, including— (1)reseeding ground cover with quick-growing or native species; (2)mulching with straw or chipped wood; (3)constructing straw, rock, or log dams in small tributaries to prevent flooding; (4)placing logs and other erosion barriers to catch sediment on hill slopes; (5)installing debris traps to modify road and trail drainage mechanisms; (6)modifying or removing culverts to allow drainage to flow freely; (7)adding drainage dips and constructing emergency spillways to keep roads and bridges from washing out during floods; (8)planting grass to prevent the spread of noxious weeds; (9)installing warning signs; (10)establishing defensible space measures; (11)reducing hazardous fuels; and (12)windstorm damage, including replacing or installing electrical transmission or distribution utility pole structures with poles that are resilient to extreme wind and combined ice and wind loadings for the basic wind speeds and ice conditions associated with the relevant location..

2005.

Eligibility for code implementation and enforcement

Section 406(a)(2) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(a)(2)) is amended— (1)by striking and at the end of subparagraph (B); (2)by striking the period at the end of subparagraph (C) and inserting ; and; and (3)by adding at the end the following: (D)base and overtime wages for extra hires to facilitate the implementation and enforcement of adopted building codes for a period of not more than 180 days after the major disaster is declared..

2006.

Program improvements

(a)

Hazard Mitigation

Section 406(c) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(c)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1)(A), by striking 90 percent of; and (2)in paragraph (2)(A), by striking 75 percent of. (b)

Participation

Section 428(d) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5189f) is amended— (1)by inserting (1) In general.— before Participation in; and (2)by adding at the end the following: (2)

No conditions

The President may not condition the provision of Federal assistance under this Act on the election by a State, Tribal, or local government, or owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility to participate in the alternative procedures adopted under this section.. (c)

Certification

Section 428(e)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5189f(e)(1)) is amended— (1)in subparagraph (E), by striking and at the end; (2)in subparagraph (F), by striking the period and inserting ; and; and (3)by adding at the end the following: (G)once certified by a professionally licensed engineer and accepted by the Administrator, the estimates on which grants made pursuant to this section are based shall be presumed to be reasonable and eligible costs, as long as there is no evidence of fraud..

2007.

Prioritization of facilities

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall provide guidance and training on an annual basis to State, Tribal, and local governments, first responders, and utility companies on— (1)the need to prioritize assistance to hospitals, nursing homes, and other long-term care facilities to ensure that such health care facilities remain functioning or return to functioning as soon as practicable during power outages caused by natural hazards, including severe weather events; and (2)how hospitals, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities should adequately prepare for power outages during a major disaster or emergency.

2008.

Guidance on evacuation routes

(a)

In general

(1)

Identification

The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, shall develop and issue guidance for State, local, and Tribal governments regarding the identification of evacuation routes. (2)

Guidance

The Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall revise existing guidance or issue new guidance as appropriate for State, local, and Tribal governments regarding the design, construction, maintenance, and repair of evacuation routes. (b)

Considerations

(1)

Identification

In developing the guidance under subsection (a)(1), the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall consider— (A)whether evacuation routes have resisted impacts and recovered quickly from disasters, regardless of cause; (B)the need to evacuate special needs populations, including— (i)individuals with a physical or mental disability; (ii)individuals in schools, daycare centers, mobile home parks, prisons, nursing homes and other long-term care facilities, and detention centers; (iii)individuals with limited-English proficiency; (iv)the elderly; and (v)individuals who are tourists, seasonal workers, or homeless; (C)the sharing of information and other public communications with evacuees during evacuations; (D)the sheltering of evacuees, including the care, protection, and sheltering of animals; (E)the return of evacuees to their homes; and (F)such other items the Administrator considers appropriate. (2)

Design, construction, maintenance, and repair

In revising or issuing guidance under (a)(2), the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration shall consider— (A)methods that assist evacuation routes to— (i)withstand likely risks to viability, including flammability and hydrostatic forces; (ii)improve durability, strength (including the ability to withstand tensile stresses and compressive stresses), and sustainability; and (iii)provide for long-term cost savings; (B)the ability of evacuation routes to effectively manage contraflow operations; (C)for evacuation routes on public lands, the viewpoints of the applicable Federal land management agency regarding emergency operations, sustainability, and resource protection; and (D)such other items the Administrator considers appropriate.

2009.

Duplication of benefits

(a)

In general

Section 312(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (4)

Waiver of general prohibition

(A)

In general

The President may waive the general prohibition provided in subsection (a) upon request of a Governor on behalf of the State or on behalf of a person, business concern, or any other entity suffering losses as a result of a major disaster or emergency, if the President finds such waiver is in the public interest and will not result in waste, fraud, or abuse. In making this decision, the President may consider the following: (i)The recommendations of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency made in consultation with the Federal agency or agencies administering the duplicative program. (ii)If a waiver is granted, the assistance to be funded is cost effective. (iii)Equity and good conscience. (iv)Other matters of public policy considered appropriate by the President. (B)

Grant or denial of waiver

A request under subparagraph (A) shall be granted or denied not later than 45 days after submission of such request. (C)

Prohibition on determination that loan is a duplication

Notwithstanding subsection (c), in carrying out subparagraph (A), the President may not determine that a loan is a duplication of assistance, provided that all Federal assistance is used toward a loss suffered as a result of the major disaster or emergency.. (b)

Funding of a federally authorized water resources development project

(1)

Eligible activities

Notwithstanding section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5155) and its implementing regulations, assistance provided pursuant to section 404 of such Act may be used to fund activities authorized for construction within the scope of a federally authorized water resources development project of the Army Corps of Engineers if such activities are also eligible activities under such section. (2)

Federal funding

All Federal funding provided under section 404 pursuant to this section shall be applied toward the Federal share of such project. (3)

Non-Federal match

All non-Federal matching funds required under section 404 pursuant to this section shall be applied toward the non-Federal share of such project. (4)

Total Federal share

Funding provided under section 404 pursuant to this section may not exceed the total Federal share for such project. (5)

No effect

Nothing in this section shall— (A)affect the cost-share requirement of a hazard mitigation measure under section 404; (B)affect the eligibility criteria for a hazard mitigation measure under section 404; (C)affect the cost share requirements of a federally authorized water resources development project; and (D)affect the responsibilities of a non-Federal interest with respect to the project, including those related to the provision of lands, easements, rights-of-way, dredge material disposal areas, and necessary relocations.

2010.

State administration of assistance for direct temporary housing and permanent housing construction

Section 408(f) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(f)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1), by striking the paragraph heading and inserting State- or Tribal-administered assistance and other needs assistance.—; (2)in paragraph (1)(A)— (A)by striking financial; and (B)by striking subsection (e) and inserting subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e) if the President and the State or Tribal government comply, as determined by the Administrator, with paragraph (3); (3)in paragraph (1)(B)— (A)by striking financial; and (B)by striking subsection (e) and inserting subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e); and (4)by adding at the end the following: (3)

In general

(A)

Application

A State or Tribal government desiring to provide assistance under subsection (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), or (e) shall submit to the President an application for a grant to provide financial assistance under the program. (B)

Criteria

The President, in consultation and coordination with State, Tribal, and local governments, shall establish criteria for the approval of applications submitted under subparagraph (A). The criteria shall include, at a minimum— (i)the demonstrated ability of the State or Tribal government to manage the program under this section; (ii)there being in effect a plan approved by the President as to how the State or Tribal government will comply with applicable Federal laws and regulations and how the State or Tribal government will provide assistance under its plan; (iii)a requirement that the State, Tribal, or local government comply with rules and regulations established pursuant to subsection (j); and (iv)a requirement that the President, or the designee of the President, comply with subsection (i). (C)

Quality assurance

Before approving an application submitted under this section, the President, or the designee of the President, shall institute adequate policies, procedures, and internal controls to prevent waste, fraud, abuse, and program mismanagement for this program and for programs under subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e). The President shall monitor and conduct quality assurance activities on a State or Tribal government’s implementation of programs under subsections (c)(1)(B), (c)(4), and (e). If, after approving an application of a State or Tribal government submitted under this section, the President determines that the State or Tribal government is not administering the program established by this section in a manner satisfactory to the President, the President shall withdraw the approval. (D)

Audits

The Office of the inspector general shall provide for periodic audits of the programs administered by States and Tribal governments under this subsection. (E)

Applicable laws

All Federal laws applicable to the management, administration, or contracting of the programs by the Federal Emergency Management Agency under this section shall be applicable to the management, administration, or contracting by a non-Federal entity under this section. (F)

Report

Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security shall submit a report to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives on the State or Tribal government’s role to provide assistance under this section. The report shall contain an assessment of the effectiveness of the State or Tribal government’s role to provide assistance under this section, including— (i)whether the State or Tribal government’s role helped to improve the general speed of disaster recovery; (ii)whether the State or Tribal government providing assistance under this section had the capacity to administer this section; and (iii)recommendations for changes to improve the program if the State or Tribal government’s role to administer the programs should be continued. (G)

Prohibition

The President may not condition the provision of Federal assistance under this Act by a State or Tribal government requesting a grant under this section. (H)

Miscellaneous

(i)

Notice and comment

The Administrator may waive notice and comment rulemaking, if the Administrator determines doing so is necessary to expeditiously implement this section, and may carry out this section as a pilot program until such regulations are promulgated. (ii)

Final Rule

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall issue final regulations to implement this subsection as amended by the Disaster Recovery Reform Act. (iii)

Waiver and expiration

The authority under clause (i) and any pilot program implemented pursuant to such clause shall expire 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph or upon issuance of final regulations pursuant to clause (ii), whichever occurs sooner..

2011.

Assistance to individuals and households

Section 408(h) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(h)) is amended— (1)in paragraph (1), by inserting , excluding financial assistance to rent alternate housing accommodations under subsection (c)(1)(A)(i) and financial assistance to address other needs under subsection (e) after disaster; (2)by redesignating paragraph (2) as paragraph (3); (3)by inserting after paragraph (1) the following: (2)

Other needs assistance

The maximum financial assistance any individual or household may receive under subsection (e) shall be equivalent to the amount set forth in paragraph (1) with respect to a single major disaster.; (4)in paragraph (3) (as so redesignated), by striking paragraph (1) and inserting paragraphs (1) and (2); and (5)by inserting after paragraph (3) (as so redesignated) the following: (4)

Exclusion of necessary expenses for individuals with disabilities

(A)The maximum amount of assistance established under paragraph (1) shall exclude expenses to repair or replace damaged accessibility-related improvements under paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (c) for individuals with disabilities. (B)The maximum amount of assistance established under paragraph (2) shall exclude expenses to repair or replace accessibility-related personal property under subsection (e)(2) for individuals with disabilities..

2012.

Multifamily lease and repair assistance

(a)

Lease and repair of rental units for temporary housing

Section 408(c)(1)(B)(ii)(II) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(B)(ii)(II)) is amended to read as follows: (II)

Improvements or repairs

Under the terms of any lease agreement for property entered into under this subsection, the value of the improvements or repairs shall be deducted from the value of the lease agreement.. (b)

Rental properties impacted

Section 408(c)(1)(B)(ii)(I)(aa) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(B)(ii)(I)(aa)) is amended to read as follows: (aa)enter into lease agreements with owners of multifamily rental property impacted by a major disaster or located in areas covered by a major disaster declaration to house individuals and households eligible for assistance under this section; and. (c)

Inspector general report

Not later than 2 years after the date of the enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security shall assess the use of the authority provided under section 408(c)(1)(B) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174(c)(1)(B)), including the adequacy of any benefit-cost analysis done to justify the use of this alternative, and submit a report on the results of that review to the appropriate committees of Congress.

2013.

Federal disaster assistance nonprofit fairness

(a)

Definition of private nonprofit facility

Section 102(11)(B) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122(11)(B)) is amended to read as follows: (B)

Additional facilities

In addition to the facilities described in subparagraph (A), the term private nonprofit facility includes any private nonprofit facility that provides essential services of a governmental nature to the general public (including museums, zoos, performing arts facilities, community arts centers, community centers, houses of worship exempt from taxation under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, libraries, homeless shelters, senior citizen centers, rehabilitation facilities, shelter workshops, food banks, broadcasting facilities, and facilities that provide health and safety services of a governmental nature), as defined by the President.. (b)

Repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities

Section 406(a)(3) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(a)(3)) is amended by adding at the end the following: (C)

Houses of worship

(i)

In general

A church, synagogue, mosque, temple, or other house of worship, and a private nonprofit facility operated by a religious organization, shall be eligible for contributions under paragraph (1)(B) (subject to paragraph (3)(A)), without regard to the religious character of the facility or the primary religious use of the facility. (ii)

Limitations

Notwithstanding clause (i), in spaces dedicated to or primarily used for religious purposes, contributions under paragraph (1)(B) shall only be used to cover costs of purchasing or replacing, without limitation, the building structure, building enclosure components, building envelope, vertical and horizontal circulation, physical plant support spaces, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical systems (including heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, and fire and life safety systems), and related site improvements.. (c)

Applicability

This section and the amendments made by this section shall apply to the provision of assistance in response to a major disaster or emergency declared on or after October 28, 2012.

2014.

Management costs

Section 324 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5165b) is amended— (1)in subsection (a) by striking any administrative expense, and any other expense not directly chargeable to and inserting direct administrative cost, and any other administrative expense associated with; and (2)in subsection (b)— (A)by striking Notwithstanding and inserting the following: (1)

In general

Notwithstanding; (B)by striking establish and inserting the following: implement; and (C)by adding at the end the following: (2)

Specific Management Costs

The Administrator shall provide the following percentage rates, in addition to the eligible project costs, to cover direct and indirect costs of administering the following programs: (A)

Hazard mitigation

A grantee under section 404 may be reimbursed not more than 15 percent of the total amount of the grant award under such section of which not more than 10 percent may be used by the grantee and 5 percent by the subgrantee for such costs. (B)

Public Assistance

A grantee under sections 403, 406, 407, and 502 may be reimbursed not more than 12 percent of the total award amount under such sections, of which not more than 7 percent may be used by the grantee and 5 percent by the subgrantee for such costs..

2015.

Flexibility

(a)

Definition

In this section, the term covered assistance means assistance provided— (1)under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174); and (2)in relation to a major disaster or emergency declared by the President under section 401 or 501 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 42 U.S.C. 5191) on or after October 28, 2012. (b)

Waiver authority

Notwithstanding section 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency— (1)subject to paragraph (2), may waive a debt owed to the United States related to covered assistance provided to an individual or household if— (A)the covered assistance was distributed based on an error by the Federal Emergency Management Agency; (B)there was no fault on behalf of the debtor; and (C)the collection of the debt would be against equity and good conscience; and (2)may not waive a debt under paragraph (1) if the debt involves fraud, the presentation of a false claim, or misrepresentation by the debtor or any party having an interest in the claim. (c)

Monitoring of covered assistance distributed based on error

(1)

In general

The inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security shall monitor the distribution of covered assistance to individuals and households to determine the percentage of such assistance distributed based on an error. (2)

Removal of waiver authority based on excessive error rate

If the inspector general determines, with respect to any 12-month period, that the amount of covered assistance distributed based on an error by the Federal Emergency Management Agency exceeds 4 percent of the total amount of covered assistance distributed— (A)the inspector general shall notify the Administrator and publish the determination in the Federal Register; and (B)with respect to any major disaster or emergency declared by the President under section 401 or section 501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 42 U.S.C. 5191) after the date on which the determination is published under subparagraph (A), the authority of the Administrator to waive debt under subsection (b) shall no longer be effective.

2016.

Additional disaster assistance

(a)

Disaster mitigation

Section 209 of the Public Works and Economic Development Act of 1965 (42 U.S.C. 3149) is amended by adding at the end the following: (e)

Disaster mitigation

In providing assistance pursuant to subsection (c)(2), if appropriate and as applicable, the Secretary may encourage hazard mitigation in assistance provided pursuant to such subsection.. (b)

Emergency management assistance compact grants

Section 661(d) of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 761(d)) is amended by striking for fiscal year 2008 and inserting for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022. (c)

Emergency management performance grants program

Section 662(f) of the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 (6 U.S.C. 762(f)) is amended by striking the program and all that follows through 2012 and inserting the program, for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2022. (d)

Technical amendment

Section 403(a)(3) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170b(a)(3)) is amended by striking the second subparagraph (J).

2017.

National veterinary emergency teams

(a)

In general

The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency may establish one or more national veterinary emergency teams at accredited colleges of veterinary medicine. (b)

Responsibilities

A national veterinary emergency team shall— (1)deploy with a team of the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System to assist with— (A)veterinary care of canine search teams; (B)locating and treating companion animals, service animals, livestock, and other animals; and (C)surveillance and treatment of zoonotic diseases; (2)recruit, train, and certify veterinary professionals, including veterinary students, in accordance with an established set of plans and standard operating guidelines to carry out the duties associated with planning for and responding to emergencies as described in paragraph (1); (3)assist State, Tribal, and local governments and nonprofit organizations in developing emergency management and evacuation plans that account for the care and rescue of animals and in improving local readiness for providing veterinary medical response during a disaster; and (4)coordinate with the Department of Homeland Security, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Agriculture, State, Tribal, and local governments (including departments of animal and human health), veterinary and health care professionals, and volunteers.

2018.

Dispute resolution pilot program

Section 1105(c) of the Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013 (42 U.S.C. 5189a note) is amended by striking 2015 and inserting 2022.

2019.

Emergency relief

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, for each of fiscal years 2018 and 2019, obligations for projects undertaken to respond to damages caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria shall be excluded from any calculation of total obligations for purposes of section 125(d)(4) of title 23, United States Code.

2020.

Unified Federal environmental and historic preservation review

(a)

Review and analysis

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall review the Unified Federal Environmental and Historic Preservation review process established pursuant to section 429 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5189g), and submit a report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate that includes the following: (1)An analysis of whether and how the unified process has expedited the interagency review process to ensure compliance with the environmental and historic requirements under Federal law relating to disaster recovery projects. (2)A survey and analysis of categorical exclusions used by other Federal agencies that may be applicable to any activity related to a Presidentially declared major disaster or emergency under such Act. (3)Recommendations on any further actions, including any legislative proposals, needed to expedite and streamline the review process. (b)

Regulations

After completing the review, survey, and analyses under subsection (a), but not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, and after providing notice and opportunity for public comment, the Administrator shall issue regulations to implement any regulatory recommendations, including any categorical exclusions identified under subsection (a), to the extent that the categorical exclusions meet the criteria for a categorical exclusion under section 1508.4 of title 40, Code of Federal Regulations, and section II of DHS Instruction Manual 023–01–001–01.

2021.

Closeout incentives

(a)

Facilitating closeout

Section 705 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5205) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d)

Facilitating closeout

(1)

Incentives

The Administrator may develop incentives and penalties that encourage State, Tribal, or local governments to close out expenditures and activities on a timely basis related to disaster or emergency assistance. (2)

Agency requirements

The Agency shall, consistent with applicable regulations and required procedures, meet its responsibilities to improve closeout practices and reduce the time to close disaster program awards.. (b)

Regulations

The Administrator shall issue regulations to implement this section.

2022.

Performance of services

Section 306 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5149) is amended by adding at the end the following: (c)The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency is authorized to appoint temporary personnel, after serving continuously for 3 years, to positions in the Agency in the same manner that competitive service employees with competitive status are considered for transfer, reassignment, or promotion to such positions. An individual appointed under this subsection shall become a career-conditional employee, unless the employee has already completed the service requirements for career tenure..

2023.

Study to streamline and consolidate information collection

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall— (1)in coordination with the Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other appropriate agencies, conduct a study and develop a plan, consistent with law, under which the collection of information from disaster assistance applicants and grantees will be modified, streamlined, expedited, efficient, flexible, consolidated, and simplified to be less burdensome, duplicative, and time consuming for applicants and grantees; (2)in coordination with the Small Business Administration, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and other appropriate agencies, develop a plan for the regular collection and reporting of information on Federal disaster assistance awarded, including the establishment and maintenance of a website for presenting the information to the public; and (3)submit the plans to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate.

2024.

Agency accountability

Title IV of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act is amended by adding at the end the following:

430.

Agency accountability

(a)

Public Assistance

Not later than 5 days after an award of a public assistance grant is made under section 406 that is in excess of $1,000,000, the Administrator shall publish on the Agency’s website the specifics of each such grant award, including— (1)identifying the Federal Emergency Management Agency Region; (2)the disaster or emergency declaration number; (3)the State, county, and applicant name; (4)if the applicant is a private nonprofit organization; (5)the damage category code; (6)the amount of the Federal share obligated; and (7)the date of the award. (b)

Mission Assignments

(1)

In general

Not later than 5 days after the issuance of a mission assignment or mission assignment task order, the Administrator shall publish on the Agency’s website any mission assignment or mission assignment task order to another Federal department or agency regarding a major disaster in excess of $1,000,000, including— (A)the name of the impacted State or Tribe; (B)the disaster declaration for such State or Tribe; (C)the assigned agency; (D)the assistance requested; (E)a description of the disaster; (F)the total cost estimate; (G)the amount obligated; (H)the State or Tribal cost share, if applicable; (I)the authority under which the mission assignment or mission assignment task order was directed; and (J)if applicable, the date a State or Tribe requested the mission assignment. (2)

Recording changes

Not later than 10 days after the last day of each month until a mission assignment or mission assignment task order described in paragraph (1) is completed and closed out, the Administrator shall update any changes to the total cost estimate and the amount obligated. (c)

Disaster Relief Monthly Report

Not later than 10 days after the first day of each month, the Administrator shall publish on the Agency’s website reports, including a specific description of the methodology and the source data used in developing such reports, including— (1)an estimate of the amounts for the fiscal year covered by the President’s most recent budget pursuant to section 1105(a) of title 31, United States Code, including— (A)the unobligated balance of funds to be carried over from the prior fiscal year to the budget year; (B)the unobligated balance of funds to be carried over from the budget year to the budget year plus 1; (C)the amount of obligations for noncatastrophic events for the budget year; (D)the amount of obligations for the budget year for catastrophic events delineated by event and by State; (E)the total amount that has been previously obligated or will be required for catastrophic events delineated by event and by State for all prior years, the current fiscal year, the budget year, and each fiscal year thereafter; (F)the amount of previously obligated funds that will be recovered for the budget year; (G)the amount that will be required for obligations for emergencies, as described in section 102(1), major disasters, as described in section 102(2), fire management assistance grants, as described in section 420, surge activities, and disaster readiness and support activities; and (H)the amount required for activities not covered under section 251(b)(2)(D)(iii) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985 (2 U.S.C. 901(b)(2)(D)(iii)); and (2)an estimate or actual amounts, if available, of the following for the current fiscal year shall be submitted not later than the fifth day of each month, published by the Administrator on the Agency’s website not later than the fifth day of each month: (A)A summary of the amount of appropriations made available by source, the transfers executed, the previously allocated funds recovered, and the commitments, allocations, and obligations made. (B)A table of disaster relief activity delineated by month, including— (i)the beginning and ending balances; (ii)the total obligations to include amounts obligated for fire assistance, emergencies, surge, and disaster support activities; (iii)the obligations for catastrophic events delineated by event and by State; and (iv)the amount of previously obligated funds that are recovered. (C)A summary of allocations, obligations, and expenditures for catastrophic events delineated by event. (D)The cost of the following categories of spending: (i)Public assistance. (ii)Individual assistance. (iii)Mitigation. (iv)Administrative. (v)Operations. (vi)Any other relevant category (including emergency measures and disaster resources) delineated by disaster. (E)The date on which funds appropriated will be exhausted. (d)

Contracts

(1)

Information

Not later than 10 days after the first day of each month, the Administrator shall publish on the Agency’s website the specifics of each contract in excess of $1,000,000 that the Agency enters into, including— (A)the name of the party; (B)the date the contract was awarded; (C)the amount and scope of the contract; (D)if the contract was awarded through competitive bidding process; (E)if no competitive bidding process was used, the reason why competitive bidding was not used; and (F)the authority used to bypass the competitive bidding process.The information shall be delineated by disaster, if applicable, and specify the damage category code, if applicable. (2)

Report

Not later than 10 days after the last day of the fiscal year, the Administrator shall provide a report to the appropriate committees of Congress summarizing the following information for the preceding fiscal year: (A)The number of contracts awarded without competitive bidding. (B)The reasons why a competitive bidding process was not used. (C)The total amount of contracts awarded with no competitive bidding. (D)The damage category codes, if applicable, for contracts awarded without competitive bidding.

.

2025.

Audit of contracts

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall not reimburse a State, Tribe, or local government or the owner or operator of a private nonprofit facility for any activities made pursuant to a contract entered into after August 1, 2017, that prohibits the Administrator or the Comptroller General of the United States from auditing or otherwise reviewing all aspects relating to the contract.

2026.

Inspector general audit of FEMA contracts for tarps and plastic sheeting

(a)

In general

Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security shall initiate an audit of the contracts awarded by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (in this section referred to as FEMA) for tarps and plastic sheeting for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands in response to Hurricane Irma and Hurricane Maria. (b)

Considerations

In carrying out the audit under subsection (a), the inspector general shall review— (1)the contracting process used by FEMA to evaluate offerors and award the relevant contracts to contractors; (2)FEMA’s assessment of the past performance of the contractors, including any historical information showing that the contractors had supported large-scale delivery quantities in the past; (3)FEMA’s assessment of the capacity of the contractors to carry out the relevant contracts, including with respect to inventory, production, and financial capabilities; (4)how FEMA ensured that the contractors met the terms of the relevant contracts; and (5)whether the failure of the contractors to meet the terms of the relevant contracts and FEMA’s subsequent cancellation of the relevant contracts affected the provision of tarps and plastic sheeting to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the United States Virgin Islands. (c)

Report

Not later than 270 days after the date of initiation of the audit under subsection (a), the inspector general shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report on the results of the audit, including findings and recommendations.

2027.

Relief organizations

Section 309 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5152) is amended— (1)in subsection (a), by striking and other relief or and inserting long-term recovery groups, domestic hunger relief, and other relief, or; and (2)in subsection (b), by striking and other relief or and inserting long-term recovery groups, domestic hunger relief, and other relief, or.

2028.

Guidance on inundated and submerged roads

The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, in coordination with the Administrator of the Federal Highway Administration, shall develop and issue guidance for State, local, and Tribal governments regarding repair, restoration, and replacement of inundated and submerged roads damaged or destroyed by a major disaster, and for associated expenses incurred by the Government, with respect to roads eligible for assistance under section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172).

2029.

Authorities

Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the non-federally funded actions of private parties and State, local, or Tribal governments, on State, local, Tribal, and private land, and the effects of those actions, shall not be attributed to the Federal Emergency Management Agency's actions under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4001 et seq.), the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 (42 U.S.C. 4002 et seq.), the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 (subtitle A of title II of division F of Public Law 112–141; 126 Stat. 916), and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–89; 128 Stat. 1020) for the purposes of section 7 (16 U.S.C. 1536) and section 9 (16 U.S.C. 1538) of the Endangered Species Act. Actions taken under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012, and the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014, that may influence private actions do not create a Federal nexus for the purpose of applying the requirements of section 7 of the Endangered Species Act of 1973 (16 U.S.C. 1536).

2030.

Recoupment of certain assistance prohibited

(a)

In general

Notwithstanding section 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code, and unless there is evidence of civil or criminal fraud, the Federal Emergency Management Agency may not take any action to recoup covered assistance from the recipient of such assistance if the receipt of such assistance occurred on a date that is more than 3 years before the date on which the Federal Emergency Management Agency first provides to the recipient written notification of an intent to recoup. (b)

Covered assistance defined

In this section, the term covered assistance means assistance provided— (1)under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174); and (2)in relation to a major disaster or emergency declared by the President under section 401 or 501 of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5170; 42 U.S.C. 5191) on or after January 1, 2012.

2031.

Statute of limitations

(a)

In general

Section 705 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5205) is amended— (1)in subsection (a)(1)— (A)by striking Except and inserting Notwithstanding section 3716(e) of title 31, United States Code, and except; and (B)by striking report for the disaster or emergency and inserting report for project completion as certified by the grantee; and (2)in subsection (b)— (A)in paragraph (1) by striking report for the disaster or emergency and inserting report for project completion as certified by the grantee; and (B)in paragraph (3) by inserting for project completion as certified by the grantee after final expenditure report. (b)

Applicability

(1)

In general

With respect to disaster or emergency assistance provided to a State or local government on or after January 1, 2004— (A)no administrative action may be taken to recover a payment of such assistance after the date of enactment of this Act if the action is prohibited under section 705(a)(1) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5205(a)(1)), as amended by subsection (a); and (B)any administrative action to recover a payment of such assistance that is pending on such date of enactment shall be terminated if the action is prohibited under section 705(a)(1) of that Act, as amended by subsection (a). (2)

Limitation

This section, including the amendments made by this section, may not be construed to invalidate or otherwise affect any administration action completed before the date of enactment of this Act.

2032.

Technical assistance and recommendations

(a)

Technical assistance

The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall provide technical assistance to a common interest community that provides essential services of a governmental nature on actions that a common interest community may take in order to be eligible to receive reimbursement from a grantee that receives funds from the Agency for certain activities performed after an event that results in a disaster declaration. (b)

Recommendations

Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a legislative proposal on how to provide eligibility for disaster assistance with respect to common areas of condominiums and housing cooperatives.

2033.

Guidance on hazard mitigation assistance

(a)

In general

Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall issue guidance regarding the acquisition of property for open space as a mitigation measure under section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c) that includes— (1)a process by which the State hazard mitigation officer appointed for such an acquisition shall, not later than 60 days after the applicant for assistance enters into an agreement with the Administrator regarding the acquisition, provide written notification to each affected unit of local government for such acquisition that includes— (A)the location of the acquisition; (B)the State-local assistance agreement for the hazard mitigation grant program; (C)a description of the acquisition; and (D)a copy of the deed restriction; and (2)recommendations for entering into and implementing a memorandum of understanding between units of local government and covered entities that includes provisions to allow an affected unit of local government notified under paragraph (1) to— (A)use and maintain the open space created by such a project, consistent with section 404 (including related regulations, standards, and guidance) and consistent with all adjoining property, subject to the notification of the adjoining property, so long as the cost of the maintenance is borne by the local government; and (B)maintain the open space pursuant to standards exceeding any local government standards defined in the agreement with the Administrator described under paragraph (1). (b)

Definitions

In this section the following definitions apply: (1)

Affected unit of local government

The term affected unit of local government means any entity covered by the definition of local government in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122), that has jurisdiction over the property subject to the acquisition described in subsection (a). (2)

Covered entity

The term covered entity means— (A)the grantee or subgrantee receiving assistance for an open space project described in subsection (a); (B)the State in which such project is located; and (C)the applicable Regional Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

2034.

Local impact

In making recommendations to the President regarding a major disaster declaration, the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall give greater weight and consideration to severe local impact or recent multiple disasters. Further, the Administrator shall make corresponding adjustments to the Agency’s policies and regulations regarding such consideration. Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this section, the Administrator shall report to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the changes made to regulations and policies and the number of declarations that have been declared based on the new criteria.

2035.

Additional hazard mitigation activities

Section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c) is further amended by adding at the end the following: (g)

Use of assistance

Recipients of hazard mitigation assistance provided under this section and section 203 may use the assistance to conduct activities to help reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in any area affected by earthquake hazards, including— (1)improvements to regional seismic networks in support of building a capability for earthquake early warning; (2)improvements to geodetic networks in support of building a capability for earthquake early warning; and (3)improvements to seismometers, Global Positioning System receivers, and associated infrastructure in support of building a capability for earthquake early warning..

2036.

National public infrastructure predisaster hazard mitigation

(a)

Predisaster hazard mitigation

Section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) is amended— (1)in subsection (c) by inserting Public Infrastructure after the National; (2)in subsection (e)(1)(B)— (A)by striking or at the end of clause (ii); (B)by striking the period at the end of clause (iii) and inserting ; or; and (C)by adding at the end the following: (iv)to establish and carry out enforcement activities to implement the latest published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish minimum acceptable criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under this Act for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the buildings’ users against disasters.; (3)in subsection (f)— (A)in paragraph (1) by inserting for mitigation activities that are cost effective after competitive basis; and (B)by adding at the end the following: (3)

Redistribution of unobligated amounts

The President may— (A)withdraw amounts of financial assistance made available to a State (including amounts made available to local governments of a State) under this subsection that remain unobligated by the end of the third fiscal year after the fiscal year for which the amounts were allocated; and (B)in the fiscal year following a fiscal year in which amounts were withdrawn under subparagraph (A), add the amounts to any other amounts available to be awarded on a competitive basis pursuant to paragraph (1).; (4)in subsection (g)— (A)in paragraph (9) by striking and at the end; (B)by redesignating paragraph (10) as paragraph (12); and (C)by adding after paragraph (9) the following: (10)the extent to which the State or local government has facilitated the adoption and enforcement of the latest published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under this Act for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the buildings’ users against disasters; (11)the extent to which the assistance will fund activities that increase the level of resiliency; and; (5)by striking subsection (i) and inserting the following: (i)

National public infrastructure predisaster mitigation assistance

(1)

In general

The President may set aside from the Disaster Relief Fund, with respect to each major disaster, an amount equal to 6 percent of the estimated aggregate amount of the grants to be made pursuant to sections 403, 406, 407, 408, 410, and 416 for the major disaster in order to provide technical and financial assistance under this section. (2)

Estimated aggregate amount

Not later than 180 days after each major disaster declaration pursuant to this Act, the estimated aggregate amount of grants for purposes of paragraph (1) shall be determined by the President and such estimated amount need not be reduced, increased, or changed due to variations in estimates. (3)

No reduction in amounts

The amount set aside pursuant to paragraph (1) shall not reduce the amounts otherwise made available for sections 403, 404, 406, 407, 408, 410, and 416 under this Act.; and (6)by striking subsections (j) and (m) and redesignating subsections (k), (l), and (n) as subsections (j), (k), and (l), respectively. (b)

Applicability

The amendments made to section 203 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5133) by paragraphs (3) and (5) of subsection (a) shall apply to funds appropriated after the date of enactment of this Act.

2037.

Additional mitigation activities

(a)

Hazard mitigation clarification

Section 404(a) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c(a)) is amended by striking the first sentence and inserting the following: The President may contribute up to 75 percent of the cost of hazard mitigation measures which the President has determined are cost effective and which substantially reduce the risk of, or increase resilience to, future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering in any area affected by a major disaster.. (b)

Eligible cost

Section 406(e)(1)(A) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(e)(1)(A)) is amended— (1)in the matter preceding clause (i), by inserting after section, the following: for disasters declared on or after August 1, 2017, or a disaster in which a cost estimate has not yet been finalized for a project,; (2)in clause (i), by striking and; (3)in clause (ii)— (A)by striking codes, specifications, and standards and inserting the latest published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish minimum acceptable criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under this Act for the purposes of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of a facility’s users against disasters; (B)by striking applicable at the time at which the disaster occurred; and (C)by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and; and (4)by adding at the end the following: (iii)in a manner that allows the facility to meet the definition of resilient developed pursuant to this subsection.. (c)

Other eligible cost

Section 406(e)(1) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(e)(1)) is further amended by inserting at the end the following: (C)

Contributions

Contributions for the eligible cost made under this section may be provided on an actual cost basis or on cost-estimation procedures.. (d)

New rules

Section 406(e) of such Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(e)) is further amended by adding at the end the following: (5)

New rules

(A)

In general

Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the President, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall issue a final rulemaking that defines the terms resilient and resiliency for purposes of this subsection. (B)

Interim guidance

Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall issue interim guidance to implement this subsection. Such interim guidance shall expire 18 months after the date of enactment of this paragraph or upon issuance of final regulations pursuant to subparagraph (A), whichever occurs first. (C)

Guidance

Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Administrator issues the final rulemaking under this paragraph, the Administrator shall issue any necessary guidance related to the rulemaking. (D)

Report

Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report summarizing the regulations and guidance issued pursuant to this paragraph.. (e)

Conforming amendment

Section 205(d)(2) of the Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000 (Public Law 106–390) is amended by inserting (C) after except that paragraph (1).

2038.

Federal cost-share adjustments for repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities

Section 406(b) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5172(b)) is amended by inserting after paragraph (2) the following: (3)

Increased Federal share

(A)

Incentive measures

The President may provide incentives to a State or Tribal government to invest in measures that increase readiness for, and resilience from, a major disaster by recognizing such investments through a sliding scale that increases the minimum Federal share to 85 percent. Such measures may include— (i)the adoption of a mitigation plan approved under section 322; (ii)investments in disaster relief, insurance, and emergency management programs; (iii)encouraging the adoption and enforcement of the latest published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards that incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs and establish minimum acceptable criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under this Act for the purpose of protecting the health, safety, and general welfare of the buildings’ users against disasters; (iv)facilitating participation in the community rating system; and (v)funding mitigation projects or granting tax incentives for projects that reduce risk. (B)

Comprehensive Guidance

Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this paragraph, the President, acting through the Administrator, shall issue comprehensive guidance to State and Tribal governments regarding the measures and investments, weighted appropriately based on actuarial assessments of eligible actions, that will be recognized for the purpose of increasing the Federal share under this section. Guidance shall ensure that the agency’s review of eligible measures and investments does not unduly delay determining the appropriate Federal cost share. (C)

Report

One year after the issuance of the guidance required by subparagraph (B), the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report regarding the analysis of the Federal cost shares paid under this section. (D)

Savings Clause

Nothing in this paragraph prevents the President from increasing the Federal cost share above 85 percent..

C

Other Matters

3001.

Treatment of seed cotton

(a)

Definition

Section 1111 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9011) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (25)

Seed cotton

The term seed cotton means unginned upland cotton that includes both lint and seed.. (b)

Designation as covered commodity

Section 1111(6) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9011(6)) is amended by adding at the end the following new sentence: Effective beginning with the 2018 crop year, the term includes seed cotton.. (c)

Reference price

Section 1111(18) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9011(18)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subparagraph: (O)For seed cotton, $0.367 per pound.. (d)

Payment yield

Section 1113(d) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9013(d)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (5)

Payment yield for seed cotton

(A)

Payment yield

Subject to subparagraph (B), the payment yield for seed cotton for a farm shall be equal to 2.4 times the payment yield for upland cotton for the farm established for purposes of subsection (e)(3) of section 1104 of the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (Public Law 110–246; 122 Stat. 1672), as in effect immediately before the repeal of such section by section 1102(a) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (Public Law 113–79; 128 Stat. 658). (B)

Update

At the sole discretion of the owner of a farm with a yield described in subparagraph (A), the owner of the farm shall have a 1-time opportunity to update the payment yield for upland cotton for the farm, as provided in subsection (d), for the purpose of calculating the payment yield for seed cotton under such subparagraph.. (e)

Payment acres

Section 1114(b) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9014(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph: (4)

Seed cotton rule

(A)

In general

Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this paragraph, the Secretary shall require the owner of a farm to allocate all generic base acres on the farm under subparagraph (B) or (C), or both. (B)

No recent history of covered commodities

In the case of a farm where no covered commodities (including seed cotton) were planted or were prevented from being planted at any time during the 2009 through 2016 crop years, the owner of such farm shall allocate generic base acres on the farm to unassigned crop base for which no payments may be made under section 1116 or 1117. (C)

Recent history of covered commodities

In the case of a farm not described in subparagraph (B), the owner of such farm shall allocate generic base acres on the farm— (i)subject to subparagraph (D), to seed cotton base acres in an amount equal to the greater of— (I)80 percent of the generic base acres on the farm; or (II)the average seed cotton acres planted or prevented from being planted on the farm during the 2009 through 2012 crop years (not to exceed the total generic base acres on the farm); or (ii)to covered commodities (including seed cotton), by applying subparagraphs (B), (D), (E), and (F) of section 1112(a)(3). (D)

Treatment of residual generic base acres

In the case of a farm where generic base acres are allocated under subparagraph (C)(i), the residual generic base acres shall be allocated to unassigned crop base for which no payments may be made under section 1116 or 1117. (E)

Effect of failure to allocate

If the owner of a farm fails to allocate generic base acres on the farm, the owner of the farm shall be deemed to have allocated all generic base acres in accordance with subparagraph (C)(i).. (f)

Recordkeeping regarding unassigned crop base

Section 1114 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9014) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (f)

Unassigned crop base

The Secretary shall maintain information on generic base acres on a farm allocated as unassigned crop base pursuant to subsection (b)(4).. (g)

Special election period for price loss coverage or agriculture risk coverage

Section 1115 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9014(b)) is amended— (1)in subsection (a), by striking For and inserting Except as provided in subsection (g), for; and (2)by adding at the end the following new subsection: (g)

Special election

(1)

Election required

In the case of acres allocated on a farm to seed cotton, all of the producers on the farm shall be given the opportunity to make a new 1-time election under subsection (a) to reflect the designation of seed cotton as a covered commodity for that crop year under section 1111(6). (2)

Effect of failure to make unanimous election

If all of the producers on a farm fail to make a unanimous election under paragraph (1), the producers on the farm shall be deemed to have elected price loss coverage under section 1116 for all acres allocated on the farm to seed cotton.. (h)

Effective price

Section 1116 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9016(b)) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (h)

Effective price for seed cotton

(1)

In general

The effective price for seed cotton under subsection (b) shall be equal to the marketing year average price for seed cotton, as calculated under paragraph (2). (2)

Calculation

The marketing year average price for seed cotton for a crop year shall be equal to the quotient of— (A)a dividend that is equal to the sum of— (i)the product obtained when the upland cotton lint marketing year average price is multiplied by total United States upland cotton lint production measured in pounds; and (ii)the product obtained when the cottonseed marketing year average price is multiplied by total United States cottonseed production measured in pounds; and (B)a divisor that is equal to the sum of— (i)total United States upland cotton lint production measured in pounds; and (ii)total United States cottonseed production measured in pounds.. (i)

Deemed loan rate for seed cotton

Section 1202 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9032) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection: (c)

Rule for seed cotton

(1)

In general

For purposes of section 1116(b)(2) and paragraphs (1)(B)(ii) and (2)(A)(ii)(II) of section 1117(b) only, seed cotton shall be deemed to have a loan rate equal to $0.25 per pound. (2)

Rule of construction

Nothing in this subsection shall be construed to authorize nonrecourse marketing assistance loans under this part for seed cotton.. (j)

Limitation on stacked income protection plan for producers of upland cotton

Section 508B of the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1938 (7 U.S.C. 1508b) is amended by adding the following new subsection: (f)

Limitation

Beginning with the 2018 crop year, in the case of a farm that is enrolled for a crop year in price loss coverage under section 1116 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9016) or agriculture risk coverage under section 1117 of such Act (7 U.S.C. 9017) and the coverage on the farm includes seed cotton, the farm shall not be eligible for a Stacked Income Protection Plan for upland cotton for that crop year.. (k)

Technical correction

Section 1114(b)(2) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9014(b)(2)) is amended by striking paragraphs (1)(B) and (2)(B) and inserting paragraphs (1) and (2). (l)

Administration

The Secretary of Agriculture shall carry out the amendments made by this section in the manner provided under section 1601 of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 9091). (m)

Application

The amendments made by this section shall apply beginning with the 2018 crop year.

3002.

Limitation on crop insurance livestock-related expenditures

(a)

In general

Paragraph (10) of section 523(b) of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1523) is repealed. (b)

Conforming amendments

Section 516 of the Federal Crop Insurance Act (7 U.S.C. 1516) is amended in subsections (a)(2)(C) and (b)(1)(D) by striking subsections (a)(3)(E)(ii) and (b)(10) of section 523 and inserting subsection (a)(3)(E)(ii) of such section.

3003.

National accuracy clearinghouse

The Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 (7 U.S.C. 2011 et seq.) is amended at the end by adding the following:

30.

National accuracy clearinghouse

(a)

In general

The Secretary shall establish an interstate database, or system of databases, of supplemental nutrition assistance program information to be known as the National Accuracy Clearinghouse. (b)

Purpose

Any database or system of databases established pursuant to subsection (a) shall be used by States when making eligibility determinations to prevent supplemental nutrition assistance program participants from receiving duplicative benefits in multiple States. (c)

Implementation

(1)

Issuance of interim final regulations

Not later than 18 months after the effective date of this section, the Secretary shall issue interim final regulations to carry out this section that— (A)incorporate best practices and lessons learned from the regional pilot project referenced in section 4032(c) of the Agricultural Act of 2014 (7 U.S.C. 2036c(c)); (B)safeguard the security of the data stored in the National Accuracy Clearinghouse and protect the privacy of supplemental nutrition assistance program participants and applicants; and (C)detail the process States will be required to follow for— (i)conducting initial and ongoing matches of participant and applicant data; (ii)identifying and acting on all apparent instances of duplicative participation by participants or applicants in multiple States; and (iii)complying with such other rules and standards the Secretary determines appropriate to carry out this section. (2)

Timing

The initial match and corresponding actions required by paragraph (1)(C) shall occur within 3 years after the effective date of this section.

.

D

Budgetary Effects

4001.

Budgetary effects

(a)

In general

The budgetary effects of division B and each succeeding division shall not be entered on either PAYGO scorecard maintained pursuant to section 4(d) of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010. (b)

Senate PAYGO scorecards

The budgetary effects of division B and each succeeding division shall not be entered on any PAYGO scorecard maintained for purposes of section 4106 of H. Con. Res. 71 (115th Congress). (c)

Classification of budgetary effects

Notwithstanding Rule 3 of the Budget Scorekeeping Guidelines set forth in the joint explanatory statement of the committee of conference accompanying Conference Report 105–217 and section 250(c)(8) of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, the budgetary effects of division B and each succeeding division shall not be estimated— (1)for purposes of section 251 of such Act; and (2)for purposes of paragraph (4)(C) of section 3 of the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010 as being included in an appropriation Act.