Sponsors (3)
The bill secures a standardized primary data source and a USDA-backed backup so farmers can obtain HIP–WI indemnity payments even when NOAA data are incomplete, but it creates risks of payment delays/disputes and modest administrative and academic costs.
Farmers in affected counties will be able to receive HIP–WI indemnity payments using a clear, standardized data source (NOAA IBTrACS) beginning in crop year 2027, improving predictability of eligibility.
When IBTrACS is incomplete, farmers can still qualify for HIP–WI payouts using an alternative dataset compiled and certified by USDA, preserving access to payments despite data gaps.
USDA must publish the alternative dataset and issue implementing rules within 180 days, increasing transparency about how eligibility is determined and making the process more accountable.
Farmers may face delays or disputes over 'incomplete' determinations of IBTrACS data, creating uncertainty and potential interruptions in timely indemnity payments.
Taxpayers could incur additional administrative costs for USDA to compile, certify, publish the alternative dataset, and update RMA guidance and systems.
Land‑grant universities whose stations are used as alternative data sources may face costs to maintain NWS‑compliant certification and data submission standards.
Based on analysis of 2 sections of legislative text.
Requires USDA to use NOAA IBTrACS (or a Secretary‑compiled alternative) to determine HIP–WI county eligibility starting in crop year 2027, and to publish the alternative data and rules.
Introduced February 10, 2026 by Buddy Carter · Last progress February 10, 2026
Requires the Department of Agriculture to use the NOAA IBTrACS hurricane/ tropical cyclone dataset to decide which counties qualify for Hurricane Insurance Protection–Wind Index (HIP–WI) indemnity payments starting in crop year 2027. If IBTrACS is incomplete because of damaged or missing National Weather Service (NWS) station data or other covered conditions, the Secretary may use an alternative dataset compiled by USDA; that dataset must match IBTrACS fields, be publicly posted on the HIP–WI web page, and be based on certified land‑grant college/university weather stations that meet NWS standards. The Secretary must issue implementing rules and update Risk Management Agency guidance within 180 days of enactment.