H.R. 2428: Wildfire Homeowner Relief Act

This bill, titled the Wildfire Homeowner Relief Act, proposes that the Comptroller General of the United States undertake a study to explore the feasibility of establishing a federal buyout program for homeowners who live in areas prone to catastrophic wildfires. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what the bill entails:

Study of a Federal Buyout Program

The Comptroller General is directed to conduct a comprehensive study that focuses on the following aspects:

• Feasibility Analysis: Determine how federal grants can be utilized to buy properties from homeowners willing to sell, especially in the aftermath of major wildfire disasters.
• Database Development: Compile recommendations for creating a national database that tracks existing buyouts, detailing what grant programs were used for purchases, the agency responsible for maintaining the properties, and any developments on those properties since the buyouts.
• Inter-agency Coordination: Offer insights on how the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) can share information regarding ongoing buyout processes.

New Wildfire Buyout Program Development

The study will also examine how a proposed federal buyout program for properties at risk of catastrophic wildfires could be structured. Key components to analyze include:

• Comparison with Existing Programs: Evaluate how this new buyout program would differ from current programs, such as those for floodplain disasters.
• Agency Responsibility: Recommend which federal agency should oversee the management of the new program.
• Land Use Recommendations: Suggest uses for land acquired through buyouts, focusing on preventing future wildfire risks and accommodating various community needs.

Eligibility and Risk Mapping

The study will propose eligibility requirements for homes in high-risk fire zones and for properties already affected by wildfires. This includes:

• Mapping High-Risk Areas: Create strategies for identifying zones most susceptible to wildfires.
• Evacuation Planning: Recommend areas for the buyout program where implementing the program would significantly help in avoiding loss of life during evacuations.

Definitions and Reporting

To aid the study, the Comptroller General is tasked with defining key terms such as:

• Development
• Disadvantaged community
• High-income community
• Catastrophic wildfire

Finally, a report summarizing the findings, recommendations, economic impacts, and definitions identified in the study must be submitted to Congress within 12 months after the bill’s enactment.

Covered Buyout Definition

The bill defines a covered buyout as a property purchase made by the federal government from homeowners who voluntarily sell their property due to its designation as being in an area at risk of catastrophic wildfires.

Relevant Companies

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