H.R. 4774: Fix Our Flooded Basements Act of 2025

The Fix Our Flooded Basements Act of 2025 aims to improve assistance provided for flood-damaged basements under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Here’s a breakdown of the key provisions included in the bill:

1. Assistance for Repairs

The bill allows for broader assistance for repairing flood-damaged basements. Specifically:

• Assistance will not be limited to only those rooms that are necessary for the dwelling's occupancy.
• Assistance can cover mold, mildew, and moisture damage caused by a major disaster, not just instances that might lead to further loss or affect the safety and sanitation of the home.

2. Personal Property Assistance

In terms of personal property affected by flooding:

• Assistance will include coverage for personal property expenses, similar to what is offered under the Standard Flood Insurance Policy, specifically for items located below the lowest floor of any building, including basements.
• The cost of repairs or replacements for damaged personal and building property in a flood-damaged basement will be covered.

3. Group Flood Insurance Policy

The bill mandates changes to the Group Flood Insurance Policy guidelines within six months post-enactment:

• Allows applicants previously required to maintain flood insurance for assistance under the Stafford Act to qualify for the Group Flood Insurance Policy.
• Enables residents outside special flood hazard areas to become eligible for the Group Flood Insurance Policy.
• Expands coverage under the Group Flood Insurance Policy to be at least equivalent to the maximum coverage available in the Standard Flood Insurance Policy.
• Includes coverage for repairs related to water damage, mold, and mildew specifically for basement areas.

4. Maximum Financial Assistance

The bill amends regulations regarding financial assistance by stating that:

• Costs for eligible hazard mitigation measures in flood-damaged basements will not count towards the maximum amount of financial assistance.
• Premium costs for the Group Flood Insurance Policy will also be excluded from the maximum assistance amount.

5. Definitions

The bill includes specific definitions relevant to its provisions:

• Administrator: Refers to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
• Group Flood Insurance Policy: Defines the group flood insurance policy under existing regulations.
• Standard Flood Insurance Policy: Refers to the national flood insurance program's standard policy.

Relevant Companies

• None found