HR 1786119th CongressIn Committee

Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief Act

Introduced: Mar 3, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

H.R. 1786, the Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief Act, would amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include algal blooms in the definition of a major disaster. By inserting “algal blooms” alongside drought as qualifying events, the bill would allow federal disaster relief mechanisms under the Stafford Act to be activated for algal bloom-related emergencies. This change does not create new funding or programs by itself; rather, it expands the categories of events that can trigger federal assistance through the existing disaster relief framework, subject to presidential declarations and FEMA processes. In practical terms, if a community experiences a harmful algal bloom (HAB) that meets the act’s disaster criteria, it could become eligible for federal aid and assistance that help with response, recovery, infrastructure support, and mitigation—similar to what is available when drought or other declared disasters occur. The measure was introduced on March 3, 2025, by Rep. Donalds and Rep. Wasserman Schultz and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.

Key Points

1Amends Section 102(2) of the Stafford Act to add “algal blooms” to the list of events that constitute a major disaster, alongside drought.
2Expands eligibility for federal disaster relief to include algal bloom events, enabling access to the Stafford Act’s disaster response tools when HABs are declared major disasters.
3Keeps the existing disaster-relief framework intact (declarations by the President, FEMA coordination, and assistance to individuals, households, and public infrastructure) but broadens the triggering event.
4Does not authorize new funding or establish new programs; any relief would come from existing Stafford Act authorities and appropriations, subject to standard declaration procedures.
5Relies on the standard presidential declaration and FEMA-led processes to determine eligibility and extent of federal assistance for HAB-related impacts.

Impact Areas

Primary- States and local governments affected by harmful algal blooms, including impacts to drinking water supplies, recreation and tourism, fisheries, and waterfront infrastructure.- Individuals and households who suffer losses due to HAB-related disruptions (water safety, property damage, etc.) and small businesses tied to affected sectors (e.g., tourism, hospitality, fisheries).Secondary- Private utilities and water systems facing HAB-related challenges (tunding for treatment, closure costs, and infrastructure repair).- Businesses and industries dependent on healthy water bodies (fisheries, tourism, aquaculture, hospitality).Additional impacts- Federal coordination by FEMA (and potential involvement of related agencies) to administer relief and mitigation funding under the expanded eligibility.- Potential implications for monitoring, response planning, and mitigation efforts focused on HABs as part of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.

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