United States 119th Congress Status: In Committee Bipartisan · 1 R · 1 D cosponsors

S 388 — Promoting Resilient Buildings Act

Last action — Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. 2
    In Committee
  3. 3
    Passed Senate
  4. 4
    Passed House
  5. 5
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced February 04, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.

Next likely step: a committee vote, then a floor vote in the Senate.

Odds of enactment

Low chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a low chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Advancing 34% · moderate confidence

  • In Committee

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 2 sponsors

    1 primary, 1 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Bipartisan support

    Sponsored across 2 parties (1 R · 1 D) — cross-party backing.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

In plain language

The bill modifies disaster mitigation assistance and creates a pilot program for residential resilience retrofits.

This legislation increases flexibility for FEMA’s disaster mitigation assistance related to building codes and prohibits certain loans for those activities. It also establishes a pilot program for grants aimed at funding home resilience projects for individuals in need.

What this means for you
  • Families: This bill may help families access funds for home updates that can better protect against disasters.

Summary

Promoting Resilient Buildings ActThis bill increases flexibility for predisaster mitigation assistance for building code activities, prohibits using certain loan funds for building code activities, and establishes a pilot program to fund residential resilience retrofits.Under current law, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide predisaster hazard mitigation assistance to government entities for implementing the latest published editions of relevant building codes and standards. Also, FEMA must consider a government entity’s adoption of such building codes when determining whether to award it predisaster hazard mitigation assistance. The bill specifies that the building codes applicable in such instances are the two most recently published editions (i.e., either the current edition or the previous one).Also, currently, under FEMA's Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (STRLF) program, states and Indian tribal governments may provide loans to local governments for establishing and carrying out building codes and standards. The bill removes this authority, so STRLF loans may not be used for such building code-related activities.Additionally, the bill establishes a pilot program for FEMA to provide grants to government entities that then provide the funding to individuals for residential resilience retrofits. The retrofit projects must reduce risk to homes from local natural hazards and individuals must demonstrate financial need. To implement the pilot program, FEMA may use up to 10% of the funds FEMA provides annually for predisaster hazard mitigation assistance. The pilot program terminates at the end of FY2030.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

158 added · 116 removed

Plain-language change summary

The amendments to the bill change the structure and wording of certain sections related to predisaster hazard mitigation. Specifically, the term "Definitions" is now used as a subsection heading, and the wording for the definition of "small impoverished community" is simplified. Additionally, a new introductory clause is added to clarify the definitions section, including a definition for "latest published editions," which specifies it refers to the two most recent editions of relevant codes and standards. These changes provide clearer definitions that could impact how communities prepare for disasters by referencing up-to-date standards.

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388 Introduced in Senate (IS)] <DOC> 119th CONGRESS 1st Session S.
388 Reported in Senate (RS)] <DOC> Calendar No.
616 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S.
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To amend the Robert T.
which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs September 15, 2026 Reported by Mr.
Paul, with an amendment [Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic] _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To amend the Robert T.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, SECTION 1.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, <DELETED>SECTION 1.
SHORT TITLE.
SHORT TITLE.</DELETED> <DELETED> This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting Resilient Buildings Act''.</DELETED> <DELETED>SEC.
This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting Resilient Buildings Act''.
SEC.
PREDISASTER HAZARD MITIGATION.
PREDISASTER HAZARD MITIGATION.</DELETED> <DELETED> Section 203(a) of the Robert T.
Section 203(a) of the Robert T.
5133) is amended-- (1) by striking the subsection heading and inserting ``Definitions'';
5133) is amended--</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) by striking the subsection heading and inserting ``Definitions'';</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) by striking ``In this section, the term'' and inserting the following:</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(2) Small impoverished community.--The term'';
(2) by striking ``In this section, the term'' and inserting the following:
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (3) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so designated, ``In this section:</DELETED> <DELETED> ``(1) Latest published editions.--The term `latest public editions' means the 2 most recently published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards.''.</DELETED> <DELETED>SEC.
``(2) Small impoverished community.--The term'';
and (3) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so designated, ``In this section:
``(1) Latest published editions.--The term `latest public editions' means the 2 most recently published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards.''.
SEC.
HAZARD MITIGATION REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM.
HAZARD MITIGATION REVOLVING LOAN FUND PROGRAM.</DELETED> <DELETED> Section 205(f) of the Robert T.
Section 205(f) of the Robert T.
5135(f)) is amended-- (1) by striking paragraph (5);
5135(f)) is amended--</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) by striking paragraph (5);
and (2) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively.
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) by redesignating paragraphs (6), (7), and (8) as paragraphs (5), (6), and (7), respectively.</DELETED> <DELETED>SEC.
SEC.
RESIDENTIAL RETROFIT AND RESILIENCE PILOT PROGRAM.
RESIDENTIAL RETROFIT AND RESILIENCE PILOT PROGRAM.</DELETED> <DELETED> (a) Definitions.--In this section:</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) Residential resilient retrofit.--The term ``residential resilient retrofit''--</DELETED> <DELETED> (A) means a project that--</DELETED> <DELETED> (i) is designed to increase the resilience of an existing home or residence using mitigation measures that the Administrator determines reduce damage and impacts from natural disaster hazards and risks that are most likely to occur in the area where the home is located;
(a) Definitions.--In this section:
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (ii) to the extent applicable, are consistent with--</DELETED> <DELETED> (I) the 2 most recently published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards, including any amendments made to those codes by State, local, or Indian tribal governments;
(1) Administrator.--The term ``Administrator'' means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (II) specifications and standards that, for the purpose of protecting health, safety, and general welfare of users of buildings against disasters--</DELETED> <DELETED> (aa) incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs;
(2) Residential resilient retrofit.--The term ``residential resilient retrofit''-- (A) means a project that-- (i) is designed to increase the resilience of an existing home or residence using mitigation measures that the Administrator determines reduce damage and impacts from natural disaster hazards and risks that are most likely to occur in the area where the home is located;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (bb) establish criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under the Robert T.
and (ii) to the extent applicable, are consistent with-- (I) the 2 most recently published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards, including any amendments made to those codes by State, local, or Indian tribal governments;
and (II) specifications and standards that, for the purpose of protecting health, safety, and general welfare of users of buildings against disasters-- (aa) incorporate the latest hazard-resistant designs;
and (bb) establish criteria for the design, construction, and maintenance of residential structures and facilities that may be eligible for assistance under the Robert T.
and (B) includes-- (i) elevations of homes and utilities within and around structures to mitigate damages;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (B) includes--</DELETED> <DELETED> (i) elevations of homes and utilities within and around structures to mitigate damages;</DELETED> <DELETED> (ii) floodproofing measures;</DELETED> <DELETED> (iii) the construction of tornado safe rooms;</DELETED> <DELETED> (iv) seismic retrofits;</DELETED> <DELETED> (v) wildfire retrofit and mitigation measures;</DELETED> <DELETED> (vi) wind retrofits, including roof replacements, hurricane straps, and tie- downs;
(ii) floodproofing measures;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (vii) any other measure that meet the requirements of subparagraph (A), as determined by the Administrator.</DELETED> <DELETED> (b) Establishment.--The Administrator shall carry out a residential resilience pilot program through the program established under section 203 of the Robert T.
(iii) the construction of tornado safe rooms;
(iv) seismic retrofits;
(v) wildfire retrofit and mitigation measures;
(vi) wind retrofits, including roof replacements, hurricane straps, and tie-downs;
and (vii) any other measure that meet the requirements of subparagraph (A), as determined by the Administrator.
(b) Establishment.--The Administrator shall carry out a residential resilience pilot program through the program established under section of the Robert T.
5133) to make available assistance to States and local governments for the purpose of providing grants to individuals for residential resilience retrofits.
5133) to make available assistance to States and local governments for the purpose of providing grants to individuals for residential resilience retrofits.</DELETED> <DELETED> (c) Amount of Funds.--The Administrator may use not more than 10 percent of the assistance made available to applicants on an annual basis under section 203 of the Robert T.
(c) Amount of Funds.--The Administrator may use not more than 10 percent of the assistance made available to applicants on an annual basis under section 203 of the Robert T.
5133) to provide assistance under this section.
5133) to provide assistance under this section.</DELETED> <DELETED> (d) Timeline.--With respect to the pilot program carried out under subsection (b), the Administrator shall--</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) establish the pilot program not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act;
(d) Timeline.--With respect to the pilot program carried out under subsection (b), the Administrator shall-- (1) establish the pilot program not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act;
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) terminate the pilot program on September 30, 2030.</DELETED> <DELETED> (e) Priority.--In carrying out the pilot program under this section, the Administrator shall ensure that a State or local government receiving assistance under the pilot program provides grants to individuals that demonstrate financial need.</DELETED> <DELETED> (f) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that includes--</DELETED> <DELETED> (1) a summary of the grant awards and projects carried out under this section;</DELETED> <DELETED> (2) a detailed compilation of results achieved by the grant awards and projects carried out under this section, including the number of homes receiving retrofits, the types and average costs of retrofits, and demographic information for participants in the pilot program;</DELETED> <DELETED> (3) an estimate of avoidance in disaster impacts and Federal disaster payments as a result of the grant investments carried out under this section, and whether that avoidance is different than other mitigation projects funded under section 203 of the Robert T.
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and (2) terminate the pilot program on September 30, 2030.
(e) Priority.--In carrying out the pilot program under this section, the Administrator shall ensure that a State or local government receiving assistance under the pilot program provides grants to individuals that demonstrate financial need.
(f) Report.--Not later than 4 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives a report that includes-- (1) a summary of the grant awards and projects carried out under this section;
(2) a detailed compilation of results achieved by the grant awards and projects carried out under this section, including the number of homes receiving retrofits, the types and average costs of retrofits, and demographic information for participants in the pilot program;
(3) an estimate of avoidance in disaster impacts and Federal disaster payments as a result of the grant investments carried out under this section, and whether that avoidance is different than other mitigation projects funded under section of the Robert T.
and (4) any identified implementation challenges and recommendations for improvements to the pilot program established under this section.
and</DELETED> <DELETED> (4) any identified implementation challenges and recommendations for improvements to the pilot program established under this section.</DELETED> <DELETED> (g) Applicability.--This section shall only apply with respect to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act.</DELETED> <DELETED>SEC.
(g) Applicability.--This section shall only apply with respect to amounts appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act.
SEC.
RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.
RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.</DELETED> <DELETED> Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to affect any program other than the predisaster hazard mitigation program or the hazard mitigation revolving loan fund program established under section 203 or 205, respectively, of the Robert T.
Nothing in this Act or the amendments made by this Act shall be construed to affect any program other than the predisaster hazard mitigation program or the hazard mitigation revolving loan fund program established under section 203 or 205, respectively, of the Robert T.
5133, 5135).
5133, 5135).</DELETED> SECTION 1.
<all>
SHORT TITLE.
This Act may be cited as the ``Promoting Resilient Buildings Act''.
SEC.
2.
PROMOTING RESILIENT BUILDINGS.
(a) Predisaster Hazard Mitigation.--Section 203(a) of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
5133(a)) is amended-- (1) by striking the subsection heading and inserting ``Definitions'';
(2) by striking ``In this section, the term'' and inserting the following:
``(2) Small impoverished community.--The term'';
and (3) by inserting before paragraph (2), as so designated, ``In this section:
``(1) Latest published editions.--The term `latest published editions' means the 2 most recently published editions of relevant consensus-based codes, specifications, and standards.''.
(b) Rule of Construction.--Nothing in this section or the amendments made by this section shall be construed to affect any program other than the predisaster hazard mitigation program established under section 203 of the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C.
5133).
Calendar No.
616 119th CONGRESS 2d Session S.
388 _______________________________________________________________________ A BILL To amend the Robert T.
Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act with respect to the implementation of building codes, and for other purposes.
_______________________________________________________________________ September 15, 2026 Reported with an amendment
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Action History

  1. Introduced in Senate

  2. Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

  3. Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported with an amendment in the nature of a substitute favorably.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 1 co-sponsors · 545 not signed on

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (1)

Not signed on (545)

545 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 545 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Subjects

public-safety housing environment
Cross-referencing the record. Reading this bill against every other bill in the corpus by meaning, not keywords. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Matching · Ranking · Engrossing

Frequently asked questions

What does S 388 do?
Promoting Resilient Buildings ActThis bill increases flexibility for predisaster mitigation assistance for building code activities, prohibits using certain loan funds for building code activities, and establishes a pilot program to fund residential resilience retrofits.Under current law, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) may provide predisaster hazard mitigation assistance to government entities for implementing the latest published editions of relevant building codes and standards. Also, FEMA must consider a government entity’s adoption of such building codes when determining whether to award it predisaster hazard mitigation assistance. The bill specifies that the building codes applicable in such instances are the two most recently published editions (i.e., either the current edition or the previous one).Also, currently, under FEMA's Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund (STRLF) program, states and Indian tribal governments may provide loans to local governments for establishing and carrying out building codes and standards. The bill removes this authority, so STRLF loans may not be used for such building code-related activities.Additionally, the bill establishes a pilot program for FEMA to provide grants to government entities that then provide the funding to individuals for residential resilience retrofits. The retrofit projects must reduce risk to homes from local natural hazards and individuals must demonstrate financial need. To implement the pilot program, FEMA may use up to 10% of the funds FEMA provides annually for predisaster hazard mitigation assistance. The pilot program terminates at the end of FY2030.
Who sponsors S 388?
S 388 is sponsored by Fetterman, John (Democratic) and Cornyn, John (Republican).
What is the current status of S 388?
This bill is in committee in the Senate. Introduced February 04, 2025. It must pass committee before a floor vote.
Where can I track S 388?
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