(October 5, 2018) – On Wednesday, October 3rd, the Senate approved H.R. 302, the FAA Reauthorization Act.  The bill, which authorizes the Federal Aviation Administration for five-years, includes a number of provisions to reform how the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) responds to, and prepares for, disasters.  

The legislation provides incentives for states and localities to adopt building codes to protect their communities and ensures that Pre-Disaster Mitigation (PDM) funds can be used towards building code development and enforcement.  The bill also allows FEMA to provide Hazard Mitigation Assistance to areas affected by wildland fires.

H.R. 302 was approved by the House on September 26th.  The bill will now be sent to the White House for the President’s signature.