Summary

Requires FEMA to change how it treats and evaluates wildfire response, recovery, and mitigation. The Administrator must (1) propose rules or guidance so assessments and emergency stabilization are eligible under the Fire Management Assistance Program regardless of the incident period, (2) add wildfire‑specific recovery guidance to the Public Assistance Program & Policy Guide, and (3) review and update how wildfire mitigation cost‑effectiveness is measured — including defensible space, nature‑based infrastructure, vegetation management, smoke and water impacts — and issue prioritization guidance, all within one year of enactment.

Key Points

• FEMA must recommend rules so assessments and emergency stabilization can be eligible under the Fire Management Assistance Program regardless of incident period.
• FEMA must add wildfire‑specific recovery guidance to its Public Assistance Program & Policy Guide, including debris removal and drinking‑water contamination steps.
• FEMA must review and update how wildfire mitigation cost‑effectiveness is measured, covering defensible space, nature‑based infrastructure, vegetation management, smoke, and water impacts.
• The Administrator must issue updated evaluation criteria and prioritization guidance for mitigation projects within one year of enactment.
• The law directs administrative and program guidance changes rather than new appropriations.
• Changes aim to align federal assistance and mitigation prioritization with public‑health and water‑infrastructure impacts from wildfires.
• State, local, Tribal, and federal land managers — and applicants for FEMA assistance — are the primary implementers and beneficiaries.
• No specific funding is authorized in the text; implementation relies on FEMA rulemaking and guide updates.

Categories & Tags