Last progress February 19, 2025 (9 months ago)
Introduced on February 19, 2025 by Debra Fischer
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.
This bill makes it easier for farmers and private forest landowners to get help after disasters. It lets them receive part of the money upfront to fix, replace, or restore damaged land and equipment, instead of waiting until after the work is done. For farm conservation work, producers can get 75% of replacement costs upfront, or 50% of repair or restoration costs upfront. It also gives people more time by extending a key deadline from 60 days to 180 days.
The bill also clarifies that help can cover damage from wildfires that spread due to natural forces, even if the fire didn’t start naturally, and from wildfires caused by the federal government. Private forest owners can receive up to 75% of emergency restoration costs upfront, but if the funds aren’t used within 180 days, they must return the money within a reasonable time.