July 16, 2025
Mr. Bresnahan (for himself and Mr. Garamendi) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure
To direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct a study to evaluate the effectiveness, long-term cost savings, and strategic impact of Federal Emergency Management Agency-funded hazard mitigation activities across the United States, and for other purposes.
Section 1. Short title
This Act may be cited as the Studying Mitigation And Reporting Transparently Act
or the SMART Act
.
Sec. 2. Study and report on mitigation benefits
(a) In general
The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall conduct a comprehensive study to evaluate the effectiveness, long-term cost savings, and strategic impact of Federal Emergency Management Agency-funded hazard mitigation activities across the United States.
(b) Objectives
In conducting the study required under subsection (a), the Administrator shall assess how the mitigation programs of the Federal Emergency Management Agency—
(1)
reduce Federal and non-Federal expenditures for disaster response and recovery;
(2)
enhance community preparedness for natural hazards;
(3)
improve the availability and affordability of hazard-related insurance;
(4)
support continuity of operations for critical services and infrastructure; and
(5)
generate long-term cost savings and measurable returns on investment.
(c) Methodology
The study under subsection (a) shall include—
(1)
quantitative and qualitative analysis of avoided losses;
(2)
evaluations of the effect of hazard mitigation on community-level risk ratings, actuarial assessments, and insurance penetration;
(3)
case studies from diverse geographic regions and hazard types; and
(4)
examinations of the role of mitigation activities in reducing Federal disaster response and recovery costs.
(d) Data sources
In carrying out the study under subsection (a), the Administrator shall use data from—
(1)
Federal, State, local, and Tribal agencies;
(2)
independent third-party assessments and academic studies; and
(3)
internal program evaluations and disaster recovery records.
(e) Consultation
In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Administrator may consult with—
(1)
the Government Accountability Office;
(2)
the National Institute of Standards and Technology;
(3)
State, local, Tribal, and territorial governments; and
(4)
relevant academic and research institutions.
(f) Report to Congress
Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act and annually thereafter, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs and the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate a report detailing—
(1)
the findings of the study;
(2)
recommendations for improving program design, targeting, and oversight; and
(3)
recommendations for legislative and administrative actions.
Sec. 3. Public availability and ongoing review
(a) Public access
Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make the results of the initial study required under section 2 publicly available in a searchable, user-friendly format on the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
(b) Contents
The published data under subsection (a) shall include—
(1)
summarized findings and datasets, excluding any information that would compromise national security or privacy;
(2)
visualizations and geographic mappings of mitigation outcomes; and
(3)
clear explanations of methodology, data sources, and limitations.
(c) Annual updates
The Administrator shall conduct the study described in section 2 on an annual basis, incorporating the most recent available data, updates to methodology, and stakeholder feedback.
(d) Availability
Each annual report under section 2(e) shall be made publicly available on the website of the Federal Emergency Management Agency not later than 60 days after the submission of such report to Congress.