Summary

Adds algal blooms to the list of incidents covered by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act so harmful algal bloom events are explicitly recognized for purposes of disaster and emergency assistance. The change is purely definitional and does not appropriate funds or create new federal programs in itself. By inserting "algal blooms" into the Stafford Act’s incident list, the bill could make it clearer that federal response and recovery authorities under the Act can apply to harmful algal bloom events when conditions meet statutory thresholds, potentially enabling FEMA and other federal assistance to be used in those situations.

Key Points

• Adds "algal blooms" to the list of incidents named in the Stafford Act, making them explicitly recognized under that law.
• The amendment is definitional only and does not provide new funding or create new federal programs.
• Could enable or clarify eligibility for FEMA and other federal disaster/emergency assistance for harmful algal bloom events when statutory thresholds are met.
• Primarily affects state, local, and tribal governments, public water systems, and public health agencies that respond to water-quality emergencies.
• Does not change the procedural requirements of the Stafford Act (e.g., declaration processes, eligibility rules).
• No specific implementation timeline or effective-date language is included in the text provided.
• Simple, narrow bill — only two sections and focused solely on statutory language change.
• Practical impact depends on future determinations and use of existing Stafford Act authorities by agencies and governors.

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