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

This bill aims to establish a Federal standard. The stated purpose of the bill is to improve the Nation's resilience to current and future flood risk.

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 key terms used throughout the Act. The term 'Administrator' refers to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency or any successor agency. An 'agency' is defined as an Executive agency under Title 5 of the U.S. Code, excluding those that do not take actions in floodplains. An '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 a 1% or greater chance of occurring annually. A 'critical action' is one where the agency head determines a slight chance of flooding presents an unacceptable risk. An 'emergency' involves unacceptable hazards to life, significant property loss, or immediate economic hardship. “Executive Order 11988” refers to the specific Executive Order regarding floodplain management. A 'federally funded project' involves the use of Federal funds for new construction, substantial improvements, or addressing substantial damage. The 'floodplain' is defined as lowland 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 established in specific guidelines. The '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 flooding impacts will increase due to future risk and floodplain development. Flooding losses affect the environment, economic prosperity, public health and safety, and national security. The Federal Government should take action, based on science, to improve preparedness and resilience to 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 created a new flood risk reduction standard. The development of this standard considered the views of governors, mayors, and the public. The resulting 'Standard' is a flexible framework to increase resilience and preserve natural floodplain values. Enacting the Standard will require agencies to expand management beyond the base flood level 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 federal agencies to manage floodplains. Agencies must reduce flood risk, minimize impacts on human safety, 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 involves using elevation data, a 0.2 percent 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 applications for licenses, permits, loans, or grants. The Mitigation Framework Leadership Group will annually reassess implementation and provide recommendations for updates based on science and climate change. Agencies must indicate compliance with this Act when requesting authorizations or appropriations.

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 the National Flood Insurance Program, unless those regulations are demonstrably inappropriate. Floodproofing measures are required for structures and facilities in floodplains. When practicable, structures should be elevated above floodplains instead of filling land. Agencies must delineate past and probable flood heights on structures and property used by the public or located in flood hazard areas to enhance public awareness. When federal property in a floodplain is proposed for lease or disposal, restrictions related to floodplains must be referenced, and additional restrictions may be attached or the property withheld. Agency heads can exempt projects from the standard for national security reasons or emergencies. Exemptions due to emergencies must be published in the Federal Register with supporting factual findings. The Water Resources Council must update the Standard at least once every 5 years.

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

This section outlines responsibilities for agencies involved in financial transactions in flood-prone areas. Agencies guaranteeing, approving, regulating, or insuring financial transactions in areas subject to a base flood must inform private parties. This requirement occurs before completing any action related to the transaction. The responsibilities outlined in this section are in addition to those under 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 clarifies that it does not apply to emergency work performed 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 contingent upon 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. To assume these responsibilities, the applicant must also assume all responsibilities for environmental review, decision making, and action under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.

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Federal Flood Risk Management Act of 2026

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

Author: Chris Van Hollen (D-MD)

TL;DR (AI)

This bill establishes a Federal Flood Risk Management Standard requiring federal agencies to consider current and future flood risks when managing floodplains and undertaking federally funded projects.
Federal agencies must evaluate potential effects of actions in floodplains, utilizing climate-informed science and flood hazard data, and prioritize alternatives that reduce flood risk and preserve natural floodplain values.
Federally funded projects must adhere to floodproofing measures, with elevation above floodplains preferred when practicable, to enhance resilience and ensure project longevity.
Agencies involved in financial transactions in flood-prone areas are required to inform private parties about flood risks before completing any related actions.
The Water Resources Council will update the Federal Flood Risk Management Standard at least once every five years and evaluate agency implementation to ensure ongoing effectiveness.

119th Congressin committeeOfficial page

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