What does Preamble of Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026 do?

This bill, formally titled 'To establish a Federal standard in order to improve the Nation's resilience to current and future flood risk,' aims to establish a federal standard to enhance the nation's resilience to flood risks. The bill was introduced by Mr. Mullin, Ms. McCollum, and Mr. Garamendi.

What does SHORT TITLE. of Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026 do?

This bill is formally titled the Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026 do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. “Administrator” refers to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency or a successor agency. “Agency” is defined as an Executive agency under Title 5 of the U.S. Code, excluding agencies that do not take actions in floodplains. “Agency action” includes acquiring, managing, and disposing of Federal lands, providing construction, and conducting Federal activities affecting land use, but excludes military construction projects. A “base flood” is defined as a flood with at least a 1% chance of occurring annually. “Critical action” is an agency action where the agency head determines a slight chance of flooding presents unacceptable risk. An “emergency” is a situation causing unacceptable hazard to life, significant property loss, or immediate economic hardship. “Executive Order 11988” refers to the specific Executive Order regarding floodplain management. “Federally funded project” involves the use of Federal funds for new construction, substantial improvement, or addressing substantial damage. “Floodplain” is defined as lowland and relatively flat areas adjoining inland and coastal waters. The “National Flood Insurance Program” is the program established under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968. The “Standard” refers to the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard outlined in Appendix G to specific Guidelines. “Water Resources Council” is the Council established under the Water Resources Planning Act.

What does SENSE OF CONGRESS. of Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026 do?

This section expresses the sense of Congress that the United States should improve the resiliency of communities and federal assets against flooding. Congress anticipates that the impacts of flooding will increase due to future risk and floodplain development. Flooding impacts the environment, economic prosperity, public health and safety, and national security. The Federal Government should take action, informed by science, to improve preparedness and resilience regarding flooding. Executive Order 11988 requires agencies to avoid adverse impacts associated with floodplain occupancy and modification. The Federal Government has processes for evaluating the impacts of federal actions in floodplains. An interagency effort initiated in June 2013 aimed to create a new flood risk reduction standard for federally funded projects. The development of this standard considered the views of governors, mayors, and the public. The resulting 'Standard' is a flexible framework to increase resilience against flooding and preserve natural floodplain values. Enacting the Standard would require agencies to expand floodplain management to a higher vertical elevation and horizontal floodplain to address current and future flood risk and ensure the longevity of federally funded projects.

What does FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT. of Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes requirements for floodplain management across federal agencies. Agencies must reduce flood risks, minimize flood impacts on safety and welfare, and preserve natural floodplain values. Agencies are required to evaluate potential effects of actions in floodplains, considering climate-informed science and flood hazard data. Determining floodplains requires using elevation data, a 0.2% annual chance of flooding, and the Flood Insurance Rate Map. Before taking action in a floodplain, agencies must consider alternatives, prioritize natural systems, and provide notice to state, local, and tribal governments. Agencies must consider floodplain management when formulating water and land use plans and evaluating applicants for permits and loans. The Mitigation Framework Leadership Group will annually reassess implementation and provide recommendations for updates based on science and climate change impacts.

What does FEDERAL FLOOD RISK MANAGEMENT STANDARD. of Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026 do?

This section establishes a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard that federal agencies must comply with for federally funded projects. Agencies responsible for federal real property and facilities must require construction to adhere to regulations issued under section 4(b)(6) and relevant National Flood Insurance Program regulations, unless demonstrably inappropriate. Floodproofing measures are required for structures in floodplains, and elevation above the floodplain is preferred over filling in land when practicable. Agencies must delineate past and probable flood heights on structures used by the public or located in flood hazard areas to enhance public awareness. When federal property in a floodplain is conveyed, restrictions related to floodplains must be referenced, and additional restrictions may be attached or the property withheld. Agencies can exempt projects from the standard for national security reasons or emergency situations. Any exemptions based on emergency situations must be published in the Federal Register with supporting factual findings. The Water Resources Council must update the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard at least once every five years.

What does FINANCIAL TRANSACTIONS IN AREAS SUBJECT TO FLOODING. of Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines responsibilities for agency heads regarding financial transactions in flood-prone areas. Agency heads must inform private parties participating in financial transactions about the hazards of building in areas subject to a base flood. These responsibilities are in addition to existing obligations under this Act and the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973.

What does REPORTS. of Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026 do?

Agencies must submit a report to the Council on Environmental Quality within one year of the Act's enactment detailing how the Act impacts their procedures and operations. Each agency report must include a separate analysis of the impact of section 5(a)(1). The Water Resources Council must evaluate agency procedures related to the Act at least once every two years. The Water Resources Council must submit a report containing the results of its evaluation to the appropriate committees of Congress.

What does GENERAL PROVISIONS. of Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines general provisions related to the Act's interpretation and implementation. The Act does not apply to assistance provided for emergency work under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, specifically work essential to saving lives, protecting property, and ensuring public health and safety. The Act is not intended to impair the authority of agencies or the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget regarding budgetary matters. The Act's implementation is subject to applicable law and the availability of appropriations. The Water Resources Council is responsible for carrying out the Council's responsibilities under this Act, consulting with the Mitigation Framework Leadership Group unless otherwise specified.

What does ASSUMPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES. of Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026 do?

This section outlines the assumption of responsibilities for projects. If certain conditions apply under section 4(b)(3) and section 104(h) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, an appropriate applicant may assume responsibilities. The applicant must also assume responsibilities for environmental review, decision making, and action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

Back to bills

Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026

Last updated: 6/11/2026 · Introduced: 6/11/2026

Author: Kevin Mullin (D-CA)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard requiring federal agencies to consider climate-informed science and flood hazard data when evaluating actions in floodplains.
Federally funded projects must adhere to floodproofing measures, prioritizing elevation above floodplains to enhance resilience and ensure project longevity.
Agencies are mandated to reduce flood risks, minimize impacts on safety and welfare, and preserve natural floodplain values when undertaking actions.
The Water Resources Council will update the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard at least every five years to reflect evolving science and climate change impacts.
Agency heads must inform private parties about flood hazards before engaging in financial transactions in flood-prone areas, supplementing existing flood protection obligations.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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