Sponsors (6)
Directs the Government Accountability Office to study whether and how the federal government could use existing or new grant programs to voluntarily buy homes from willing homeowners in areas at high risk of catastrophic wildfires. The study must review existing buyout efforts, propose how to track and share buyout information, recommend which federal agency should run a wildfire buyout program, offer land‑use and eligibility guidance, and deliver a report to Congress within 12 months. It does not create a buyout program or spend new funds; it only requires a study and recommendations.
The Comptroller General of the United States must conduct a study to analyze the feasibility of using Federal grant programs to purchase property from homeowners who voluntarily sell before or after a catastrophic wildfire disaster.
In the study, the Comptroller General must compile recommendations on how to develop a national database of 'covered buyouts' existing on the date of enactment, including for each buyout: which grant program was used, which entity is responsible for maintaining the property, and any development on the property following the buyout.
The Comptroller General must compile recommendations on how FEMA and HUD can exchange information about any covered buyout that is in process as of the date of enactment.
As part of the study, analyze how a buyout program for properties endangered or impacted by catastrophic wildfire disasters would compare to existing covered buyout programs in effect on the date of enactment, including floodplain disaster buyout programs.
Provide recommendations on which department, agency, or program should house a Federal buyout program for properties endangered or impacted by catastrophic wildfire disasters.
Last progress March 27, 2025 (10 months ago)
Introduced on March 27, 2025 by Laura Friedman
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.