S 372119th CongressIn Committee

Investing in Community Resilience Act of 2025

Introduced: Feb 3, 2025

Standard Summary

Comprehensive overview in 1-2 paragraphs

The Investing in Community Resilience Act of 2025 would amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to broaden and incentivize federal support for preparedness and resilience activities at the local level. Specifically, it expands the scope of eligible efforts under Stafford Act programs to include preparedness measures, and programs designated by FEMA that demonstrably improve resilience through science-based building standards and land-use practices for hazards such as storms, floods, tsunamis, and wildfires. It also explicitly authorizes, and requires, support for community emergency response teams (CERTs) and other equivalent non-governmental organizations, including ongoing training, outreach, and participation in preparedness exercises. The bill requires FEMA to issue comprehensive guidance to states and tribes within one year to implement these measures. It takes effect one year after enactment, uses only funds appropriated to FEMA after enactment, and does not authorize new funding. In short, the bill aims to strengthen local disaster preparedness and resilience by broadening eligible activities, formalizing support for CERTs and similar groups, and clarifying guidance for states and tribes—while relying on existing or future FEMA appropriations rather than creating new funding.

Key Points

1Expands eligibility and emphasis on preparedness and resilience in Stafford Act programs, including adding preparedness to the scope of disaster relief/connections and recognizing programs that raise resilience through building standards and land-use practices for multiple hazards.
2Adds explicit support for community emergency response teams (CERTs) and equivalent non-governmental organizations, including regular training, outreach, and participation in preparedness exercises.
3Requires the President, via FEMA, to issue comprehensive guidance to state and tribal governments within one year detailing the measures and investments described in the amended statute and how they should be implemented.
4Sets an effective date: the Act and its amendments take effect one year after enactment.
5Financing limitations: any implementation must be carried out with funds appropriated to FEMA after enactment; no new funds are authorized specifically by this Act.

Impact Areas

Primary group/area affected: State and Tribal governments responsible for disaster planning and mitigation, local communities in hazard-prone areas, and organizations like CERTs that engage in disaster preparedness and response.Secondary group/area affected: FEMA and other federal agencies managing disaster relief and mitigation programs; builders, planners, and land-use professionals implementing resilience standards; non-governmental organizations involved in disaster assistance and preparedness.Additional impacts: Could increase emphasis on science-based resilience in local planning (building codes, land-use practices); may shift how communities engage with FEMA programs and CRS-like initiatives; relies on future FEMA funding and the timely issuance of guidance to be effective; no new federal funds are created by the bill, so expansion depends on existing or future appropriations.

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