Summary

Creates a FEMA pilot program that lets selected local governments apply directly to FEMA for hazard-mitigation property acquisition and structure demolition or relocation assistance currently provided under federal disaster law. The pilot limits participation by region and state, requires FEMA to publish application criteria within one year, limits community participation to four years and ends the pilot no later than eight years after initial selections, and requires annual reporting to Congress on outcomes and whether the pilot should become permanent. The Administrator must define which local governments are eligible, consult with and get feedback from States before choosing participants, and may receive appropriations as necessary to run the pilot.

• Establishes a FEMA pilot letting select local governments apply directly for federal property-acquisition and demolition/relocation mitigation assistance.
• FEMA must define eligible "covered communities" and obtain State feedback before selecting participants.
• Selection is limited to at most two local governments per FEMA region and no more than one per State within a region.
• FEMA must publish application criteria within 1 year; each community's participation capped at 48 months; pilot ends no later than 8 years after initial selections.
• Administrator must submit annual reports to two congressional committees assessing effectiveness and recommending whether to continue or make permanent.
• Authorizes appropriation of such sums as necessary but does not specify dollar amounts.
• Pilot aims to test whether direct local applications expedite acquisitions without permanently changing program structure unless Congress decides to act.
• The pilot includes procedural safeguards (time limits, State consultation, reporting) to limit scope and gather data.