S.388 - Promoting Resilient Buildings Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The Promoting Resilient Buildings Act amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. It aims to improve building codes and resilience measures against natural disasters. The bill introduces definitions for 'latest published editions' of building codes and establishes a residential retrofit and resilience pilot program.
Expected Effects
This act will likely lead to increased resilience of homes and infrastructure against natural disasters. It will also provide financial assistance to states and local governments for residential retrofits. The pilot program will run until September 30, 2030, and its effectiveness will be evaluated through a report to Congress.
Potential Benefits
- Increased resilience of homes to natural disasters.
- Financial assistance for retrofitting homes.
- Reduced disaster impacts and federal disaster payments.
- Support for states and local governments in implementing resilience measures.
- Use of the latest building codes and standards.
Potential Disadvantages
- The pilot program is limited to 10% of the assistance available under section 203 of the Stafford Act.
- The pilot program terminates on September 30, 2030.
- Implementation challenges may arise.
- The act's effectiveness depends on the Administrator's determinations and the quality of retrofits.
- Potential for bureaucratic delays in establishing and running the pilot program.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill aligns with the general welfare clause of the Constitution, as it aims to protect citizens from natural disasters. Specifically, it could be argued to align with the preamble's goal to "insure domestic Tranquility" and "promote the general Welfare." The act falls under Congress's power to legislate for the general welfare, as outlined in Article I, Section 8.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).