The Promoting Resilient Buildings Act of 2024 is a bipartisan bill that aims to give states and local governments more flexibility in adopting building codes. By allowing them to use federal funds for either of the two most recent building code editions, the bill seeks to balance safety with affordability and local control.
What This Bill Does
The Promoting Resilient Buildings Act of 2024 changes how the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) supports building code adoption. Previously, FEMA funds could only be used to adopt the very latest building code edition. This bill allows states and local governments to use federal funds for either of the two most recent editions. This means that if a community finds the second-latest code more suitable or affordable, they can still receive FEMA support.
This change affects two key FEMA programs: the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants, as well as the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund. The bill does not create new building codes or force any jurisdiction to adopt specific codes. Instead, it simply expands the options for which codes can be supported with federal funds.
By making this adjustment, the bill aims to make it easier for communities to adopt codes that improve safety and resilience without imposing undue financial burdens. It also makes permanent a temporary policy that was in place from 2018 until October 2023, which allowed for the use of the two latest code editions.
Why It Matters
This bill has a significant impact on how communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters. By allowing more flexibility in building code adoption, it helps local governments choose codes that best fit their needs and budgets. This is particularly important for smaller or rural communities that may struggle with the costs and logistics of adopting the very latest codes.
For homeowners and builders, this means potentially lower construction costs and more affordable housing. The bill aims to prevent rapid, costly upgrades that may not significantly improve safety, thus keeping housing prices more stable. In disaster-prone areas, having modern but not necessarily the newest codes can still provide substantial safety benefits.
Key Facts
- Cost/Budget Impact: The Congressional Budget Office estimates no significant change in federal spending due to this bill.
- Timeline for Implementation: The bill would take effect upon enactment, with FEMA updating guidance and regulations accordingly.
- Number of People Affected: The bill impacts state and local governments, builders, and homeowners, particularly in disaster-prone areas.
- Key Dates: The previous policy allowing two code editions expired in October 2023; this bill seeks to make that approach permanent.
- Bipartisan Support: Sponsored by members of both parties, indicating a broad consensus on its importance.
- FEMA Programs Involved: Affects the Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grants, as well as the Safeguarding Tomorrow Revolving Loan Fund.
- Real-World Impact: Aims to balance safety and affordability, particularly benefiting smaller or resource-constrained communities.
Arguments in Support
- Preserves Local Control: Supporters argue that the bill allows communities to adopt building codes on their own timeline, without being forced to comply with the latest edition immediately.
- Reduces Costs: By not mandating the newest codes, the bill helps keep construction costs down, which can make housing more affordable.
- Supports Gradual Adoption: It provides smaller communities with the time they need to train staff and implement new codes effectively.
- Bipartisan Support: The bill has backing from both major political parties, indicating broad agreement on its benefits.
- Aligns with Previous Policy: It reinstates a policy that was temporarily in place, providing continuity and avoiding sudden changes.
Arguments in Opposition
- Slows Adoption of Latest Codes: Critics worry that allowing older codes could delay the adoption of the most up-to-date safety measures.
- Outdated Standards: In rapidly changing environments, older codes might not reflect the latest knowledge about risks like climate change.
- Weakens FEMA's Influence: By allowing older codes, FEMA loses some leverage to push for the strongest safety standards.
- Industry-Driven: Some see the bill as catering to builders' interests by limiting regulatory costs, potentially at the expense of safety.
- Creates Inconsistency: Different jurisdictions might adopt different codes, complicating regional planning and disaster response.