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HR3177119th CongressWALLET

To require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to ensure that cost estimates, acquisition of proper materials, and any other activity related to certain projects under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act are performed by professionals licensed in the relevant State, and for other purposes.

Sponsored By: Representative Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]

In Committee

Summary

Requires FEMA to use appropriately licensed professionals for cost estimates, material purchases, and project management on disaster repairs eligible under sections 406 or 428 of the Stafford Act. The bill would make plans, material choices, and contracts put forward by those licensed professionals harder for FEMA to reject except in cases of clear, traceable fraud.

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  • Families and disaster survivors: Projects and cost estimates for FEMA-funded repairs would be prepared or approved by licensed engineers, architects, builders, or tradespeople, so plans and material choices come from credentialed professionals.
  • State and local governments: States must hire an appropriately licensed professional to develop the scope of work for covered activities and can propose contracts that FEMA may not block or hinder.
  • Licensed professionals and contractors: Professionals licensed in the project State would gain enforceable protections so their purchase suggestions must be approved and their plans cannot be stalled or rescinded without evident fraud.
  • FEMA workforce: Any FEMA employee directly managing a rebuilding project would have to be an appropriately licensed professional, changing who can staff project management roles within FEMA.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

FEMA limits on blocking rebuild plans

For projects under sections 406 or 428, FEMA would not be able to block or delay plans, material choices, or contracts without approval from a licensed professional. FEMA would not be able to hinder State- or local‑suggested contracts with licensed pros. FEMA could still act if fraud is clear and traceable. These protections would take effect upon enactment.

Licensed pros for FEMA rebuilds

This bill would require licensed professionals to do key work on FEMA projects under sections 406 or 428. Cost estimates and buying materials would need a pro licensed in the State. Any FEMA staff who directly manage a rebuild would also need the right license. States would need to hire a licensed pro to write the scope of work. FEMA would update its rules to carry this out. These changes would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Ezell, Mike [R-MS-4]

MS • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Carbajal, Salud O. [D-CA-24]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 5/5/2025

  • Rep. Buchanan, Vern [R-FL-16]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 5/5/2025

  • Rep. Steube, W. Gregory [R-FL-17]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 5/6/2025

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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