SMART Act

This bill tells FEMA to study how well its projects that reduce harm from natural hazards work, how much money they save over time, and how they affect communities and insurance across the country. The study must look at avoided losses, community preparedness, insurance availability and cost, keeping critical services running, and overall return on investment.

The study must use data from federal, state, local, and Tribal agencies, independent and academic studies, and FEMA’s own records, and FEMA may consult with groups like GAO, NIST, and governments and researchers. FEMA must send findings to Congress within 18 months of enactment and every year after, including recommendations to improve programs and any needed actions. Within two years, FEMA must post the first results online in a searchable, easy-to-use format, with summaries, datasets (without private or security-sensitive info), maps, and clear methods. The study continues every year, and each annual report must be posted online within 60 days after it’s sent to Congress .

• Who is affected: FEMA; state, local, and Tribal governments; communities across the United States.
• What changes: FEMA must run a nationwide study, use broad data sources, may consult experts, and publish user-friendly results with visual maps; reports must include ways to improve programs and possible policy changes .
• When: First report due 18 months after enactment; public posting within 2 years; updates and reports every year; each annual report posted online within 60 days after submission .