Promoting Resilient Buildings Act of 2025

The Promoting Resilient Buildings Act of 2025 would modify how local governments can use federal funding from FEMA's disaster resilience programs. Currently, these programs require communities to adopt the latest building codes when receiving federal grants or loans. This bill would allow local governments to use either the current or previous edition of building codes, giving communities more flexibility in how they implement safety standards with federal assistance.

The bill would also establish a new pilot program under FEMA's Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program to help individual homeowners make their homes more resistant to natural disasters. Under this pilot, FEMA could dedicate up to 10 percent of annual program funding to provide grants directly to residents for home resilience improvements, such as reinforcing structures against hurricanes, floods, or other hazards. This pilot program would run through the end of fiscal year 2028.

The bill has been approved by the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and is now eligible for a floor vote in the House. If enacted, these changes could make it easier for communities and homeowners to access federal disaster resilience funding while implementing building improvements at their own pace.