,,ii #aaeth ,,congress #ast ,session ,s4 #acfh ,,in ,,the ,,senate ,,of ,,the ,,united ,,states ,june #ae1 #bjag ,mr4 ,menendez 7for himself1 ,mr4 ,kennedy1 ,ms4 ,warren1 ,mr4 ,rubio1 ,mr4 ,van ,hollen1 ,mr4 ,cochran1 ,mr4 ,booker1 and ,mr4 ,nelson7 introduced the following bill2 which was read twice and referred to the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs ,a ,,bill ,to reauthorize the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,sustainable1 ,affordable1 ,fair1 and ,efficient 7,,safe7 ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program ,reauthorization ,act of #bjag4 #b4 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title4 ,sec4 #b4 ,table of contents4 ,sec4 #c4 ,definitions4 ,,title ,i--,reauthorization and affordability ,sec4 #aja4 ,extension of ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program4 ,sec4 #ajb4 ,limitation on increases of premiums1 surcharges1 and mapping fees4 ,sec4 #ajc4 ,means-tested mitigation and affordability assistance4 ,sec4 #ajd4 ,coverage expansion4 ,sec4 #aje4 ,additional coverage for business interruption4 ,,title ,,ii--,mitigation and mapping ,sec4 #bja4 ,,icc expansion4 ,sec4 #bjb4 ,flood mitigation assistance prioritization and authorization4 ,sec4 #bjc4 ,predisaster hazard mitigation program authorization4 ,sec4 #bjd4 ,national ,flood ,mapping ,program4 ,sec4 #bje4 ,reallocation of premium surcharges4 ,sec4 #bjf4 ,multifamily mitigation4 ,sec4 #bjg4 ,sense of ,congress regarding flood mitigation activities4 ,sec4 #bjh4 ,new zone for levee-impacted areas4 ,sec4 #bji4 ,appeals regarding existing flood maps4 ,,title ,,iii--,cost savings ,sec4 #cja4 ,forbearance on ,,nfip interest payments4 ,sec4 #cjb4 ,cap on ,write ,your ,own company compensation4 ,sec4 #cjc4 ,taxpayer protection4 ,sec4 #cjd4 ,vendor costs2 transparency4 ,,title ,,iv--,claims process reform ,sec4 #dja4 ,earth movement clarification4 ,sec4 #djb4 ,treatment of basements4 ,sec4 #djc4 ,mold damage clarification4 ,sec4 #djd4 ,appeal of decisions relating to flood insurance coverage4 ,sec4 #dje4 ,accountability for underpayments by ,write ,your ,own companies4 ,sec4 #djf4 ,policyholder right to know4 ,sec4 #djg4 ,increasing statute of limitations for lawsuits4 ,sec4 #djh4 ,attorney fee shifting4 ,sec4 #dji4 ,,doj defense against policyholder lawsuits4 ,sec4 #daj4 ,study on participation rates4 ,sec4 #daa4 ,federal ,flood ,insurance ,advisory ,committee4 ,sec4 #dab4 ,authority to terminate contractors and vendors4 ,sec4 #dac4 ,easing proof of loss requirements4 ,sec4 #dad4 ,elevation certificates4 ,sec4 #dae4 ,monthly installment payment for premiums4 ,sec4 #daf4 ,pilot program for pre-existing structural conditions4 ,sec4 #dag4 ,deadline for claim processing4 ,sec4 #dah4 ,engineer oversight and certification4 ,sec4 #dai4 ,engineer reports4 ,sec4 #dbj4 ,improved training of agents and adjusters4 ,sec4 #dba4 ,agent ,advisory ,council4 ,sec4 #dbb4 ,efficient use of mitigation dollars4 ,sec4 #dbc4 ,improved disclosure requirements4 ,sec4 #dbd4 ,amendments to ,financial ,assistance_/,subsidy ,arrangement4 ,sec4 #dbe4 ,technical and conforming amendments4 #c4 ,definitions ,in this ,act-- 7#a7 the term ,administrator means the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7#b7 the term ,national ,flood ,insurance ,fund means the fund established under section #acaj of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djag72 7#c7 the term ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program means the program established under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djja et seq472 7#d7 the term ,national ,flood ,mitigation ,fund means the fund established under section #acfg of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dajd;d72 7#e7 the term ,standard ,flood ,insurance ,policy means the policy set forth in ,appendix ,a to part #fa of title #dd1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations2 7#f7 the term ,write ,your ,own company means a company that participates in the ,write ,your ,own ,program2 and 7#g7 the term ,write ,your ,own ,program means the cooperative undertaking between the insurance industry and the ,federal ,insurance and ,mitigation ,administration that allows participating property and casualty insurance companies to write and service standard flood insurance policies4 ,i ,reauthorization and affordability #aja4 ,extension of ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program 7a7 ,financing ,section #acji7;a7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaf7;a77 is amended1 in the first sentence1 by striking ,september #cj1 #bjag and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjbc4 7b7 ,program expiration ,section #acai of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djbf7 is amended by striking ,september #cj1 #bjag and inserting ,september #cj1 #bjbc4 #ajb4 ,limitation on increases of premiums1 surcharges1 and mapping fees 7a7 ,definition ,in this section1 the term covered cost means-- 7#a7 the amount of an annual premium with respect to any policy for flood insurance under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program2 7#b7 any surcharge imposed with respect to a policy described in paragraph 7#a71 including a surcharge imposed under-- 7,a7 section #acjd7;b7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaa7;b771 as amended by section #bja7;b72 or 7,b7 section #acjh;,a7a7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djae;a7a772 and 7#c7 a fee described in paragraph 7#a77;,b77iii7 or 7#b7 of section #acjg7;a7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djad7;a774 7b7 ,limitation on increases ,during the #f-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this ,act1 and notwithstanding section #acjh7;e7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djae7;e771 the ,administrator may not1 in any year1 increase the amount of any covered cost by an amount that is more than #aj percent1 as compared with the amount of the covered cost during the previous year4 7c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in subsection 7b7 may be construed as prohibiting the ,administrator from reducing1 in any year1 the amount of any covered cost1 as compared with the amount of the covered cost during the previous year4 7d7 ,average historical loss year ,section #acjh of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djae7 is amended by striking subsection 7h7 and inserting the following3 7h7 ,rule of construction ,for purposes of this section1 the calculation of an average historical loss year shall be computed in accordance with generally accepted actuarial principles4 4 #ajc4 ,means-tested mitigation and affordability assistance ,chapter ,i of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaa et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #acbf4 ,affordability assistance 7a7 ,affordability assistance fund 7#a7 ,establishment ,the ,administrator shall establish in the ,treasury of the ,united ,states an ,affordability ,assistance ,fund 7referred to in this section as the ,fund71 which shall be-- 7,a7 an account separate from any other accounts or funds available to the ,administrator2 and 7,b7 available without fiscal year limitation4 7#b7 ,use of funds ,amounts from the ,fund shall be available to provide financial assistance under subsection 7b74 7#c7 ,source of funds ,the ,fund shall be credited with any surcharges imposed and collected by the ,administrator under section #acjh;,a7a74 7b7 ,financial assistance 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term adjusted gross income has the meaning given the term in section #fb of the ,internal ,revenue ,code of #aihf2 7,b7 the term covered project means a mitigation project with respect to a household that reduces the total amount of actuarial risk during a #ej-year period by an amount that is greater than the total cost of the project1 subject to paragraph 7#d72 7,c7 the term eligible household means a household for which-- 7i7 housing expenses exceed #cj percent of the adjusted gross income of the household in a year2 and 7ii7 the total assets owned by the household are not greater than #a1jjj1jjj2 and 7,d7 the term housing expenses means1 with respect to a household1 the total amount that the household spends in a year on-- 7i7 mortgage payments2 7ii7 property taxes2 7iii7 homeowners insurance2 7iv7 premiums for flood insurance under the national flood insurance program2 and 7v7 principal and interest payments for a loan provided under this section4 7#b7 ,authority 7,a7 ,loans for covered projects ,the ,administrator shall provide a low- or zero-interest loan to an eligible household to fund a covered project4 7,b7 ,other financial assistance ,the ,administrator shall provide a voucher1 grant1 or premium credit to an eligible household for a year in an amount that is equal to the lesser of-- 7i7 the difference between-- 7,i7 the housing expenses of the household for the year2 and 7,,ii7 #cj percent of the adjusted gross income of the household for the year2 and 7ii7 the sum of-- 7,i7 the cost of premiums for the household for flood insurance under the national flood insurance program for the year2 and 7,,ii7 principal and interest payments for the household for the year for a loan provided under this section4 7#c7 ,relationships with other agencies ,the ,administrator may enter into a memorandum of understanding with the head of any other ,federal agency to administer the provision of loans under paragraph 7#b77;,a74 7#d7 ,use of discount rate in calculation ,the ,administrator shall calculate the amounts under paragraph 7#a77;,b7 using a discount rate of #c percent4 4 #ajd4 ,coverage expansion 7a7 ,in general ,section #acjf7;b7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djac7;b77 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#b71 by striking #bej1jjj and inserting #ejj1jjj2 and 7#b7 in paragraph 7#d71 by striking applicable7 of #ejj1jjj and inserting applicable7 of #a1ejj1jjj4 7b7 ,rule of construction ,notwithstanding section #ajb of the ,flood ,disaster ,protection ,act of #aigc 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djab;a71 nothing in the amendments made by subsection 7a7 may be construed as requiring a person to obtain flood insurance in an amount that is greater than the amount of flood insurance held by that person on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act4 #aje4 ,additional coverage for business interruption 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall conduct a study on the feasibility and soundness of offering coverage for interruption business losses caused by a flood under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program 7referred to in this section as business interruption coverage74 7b7 ,contents ,in conducting the study under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall1 at a minimum-- 7#a7 evaluate insurance industry best practices for offering business interruption coverage1 including the types of coverage provided and the utilization rate2 7#b7 estimate the potential risk premium rates for business interruption coverage based on the flood risk reflected in the flood insurance rate map or other risk metrics in effect at the time of purchase2 7#c7 analyze the operational and administrative expenses associated with providing business interruption coverage and adjusting claims2 7#d7 identify potential obstacles that may prevent the ,administrator from offering business interruption coverage2 7#e7 evaluate the benefits of providing business interruption coverage2 7#f7 analyze any potential impacts on the financial position of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program2 and 7#g7 develop a feasibility implementation plan and projected timelines for offering business interruption coverage4 7c7 ,availability of experts ,in conducting the study under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator may accept and utilize the personnel and services of any other ,federal agency1 and appoint and fix the compensation of temporary personnel without regard to the provisions of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 governing appointments in the competitive service1 or employ experts and consultants in accordance with the provisions of section #caji of such title1 without regard to the provisions of chapter #ea and subchapter ,,iii of chapter #ec of such title relating to classification and ,general ,schedule pay rates4 7d7 ,deadline ,the ,administrator shall complete the study required under subsection 7a7 not later than ,september #cj of the second full fiscal year after the date of enactment of this ,act4 ,,ii ,mitigation and mapping #bja4 ,,icc expansion 7a7 ,increase of limitation on liability ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall amend the ,standard ,flood ,insurance ,policy to increase the limitation on liability relating to ,coverage ,d--,increased ,cost of ,compliance from #cj1jjj to #ajj1jjj4 7b7 ,expansion of eligibility2 clarification with respect to coverage limits2 non-,federal match 7#a7 ,in general ,section #acjd7;b7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaa7;b77 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#d71 by redesignating subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d7 as clauses 7i7 through 7iv71 respectively1 and adjusting the margins accordingly2 7,b7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#d7 as subparagraphs 7,a7 through 7,d71 respectively1 and adjusting the margins accordingly2 7,c7 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 as so redesignated1 by striking ,the national and inserting the following3 7#a7 ,in general ,the national 2 7,d7 in paragraph 7#a71 as so designated-- 7i7 in subparagraph 7,a71 as so redesignated1 by inserting 1 without regard to whether the property is in an area having special flood hazards after loss structures2 7ii7 in subparagraph 7,c71 as so redesignated1 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7iii7 in subparagraph 7,d71 as so redesignated-- 7,i7 in the matter preceding clause 7ii71 as so redesignated1 by inserting subject to paragraph 7#b71 before properties for which2 7,,ii7 in clause 7iii71 as so redesignated1 by striking and at the end2 7,,iii7 in clause 7iv71 as so redesignated1 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,,iv7 by adding at the end the following3 7v7 a property outside an area having special flood hazards if the community1 under section #acfa1 has established land use and control measures for the area in which the property is located4 2 7,e7 in the flush text following paragraph 7#a77;,d77v71 as added by subparagraph 7,d7 of this paragraph1 by striking ,the ,administrator and inserting the following3 7#c7 ,surcharges ,the ,administrator 2 and 7,f7 by inserting after paragraph 7#a71 as so designated by subparagraph 7,a7 of this paragraph1 the following3 7#b7 ,use of funds for mitigation projects ,the ,administrator shall allow a policyholder to use insurance purchased under this subsection for any eligible project costs under a program described in clause 7i71 7ii71 or 7iii7 of paragraph 7#a77;,d7 of an acquisition1 demolition1 elevation1 relocation1 or small structural project funded under that program1 including-- 7,a7 asbestos remediation2 7,b7 the demolition of a driveway or sidewalk when a structure is acquired2 and 7,c7 the addition of a lift1 ramp1 or other device that is necessary for a homeowner or occupant with a physical limitation or disability to safely access a home that has been elevated4 4 7#b7 ,mandatory nature of ,,icc statute 7,a7 ,finding ,congress finds that1 although section #acjd7;b7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaa7;b771 as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this ,act1 requires the ,administrator to offer increased cost of compliance 7commonly known as ,,icc7 coverage to each type of property described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#d7 of that section1 the ,administrator has implemented that section by effectively only offering ,,icc coverage to properties described in paragraph 7#b7 of that section4 7,b7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in section #acjd7;b7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaa7;b771 as amended by paragraph 7#a71 shall be construed to permit the ,administrator to choose which types of properties described in paragraphs 7#a7 through 7#e7 of such section #acjd7;b7 should be eligible for ,,icc insurance rather than offering ,,icc insurance to all such types of properties as required under such section #acjd7;b74 #bjb4 ,flood mitigation assistance prioritization and authorization 7a7 ,flood ,mitigation ,assistance ,grant ,program priority ,section #acff7;a7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dajd;c7a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraphs 7#a71 7#b71 and 7#c7 as subparagraphs 7,a71 7,b71 and 7,c71 respectively1 and adjusting the margins accordingly2 7#b7 in the second sentence of the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 as so redesignated1 by striking assistance shall be and inserting the following3 8assistance shall-- 7#a7 be 2 7#c7 in paragraph 7#a77;,c71 as so redesignated1 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7#d7 by adding at the end the following3 7#b7 in addition to the requirement under paragraph 7#a77;,c71 give priority to properties-- 7,a7 that are repetitive loss structures2 7,b7 with respect to which flood insurance premiums are unaffordable1 as determined by the ,administrator2 and 7,c7 for which losses exceed the replacement value of the properties4 4 7b7 ,additional mitigation assistance 7#a7 ,authorization of appropriations 7,a7 ,appropriations from general fund of ,treasury ,for each of the first #f full fiscal years after the date of enactment of this ,act1 there is authorized to be appropriated #a1jjj1jjj1jjj to the ,national ,flood ,mitigation ,fund to provide mitigation assistance under this subsection4 7,b7 ,rule of construction ,the authorization of appropriations under subparagraph 7,a7 shall not be construed to authorize the transfer or crediting to the ,national ,flood ,mitigation ,fund of any amounts from the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,fund4 7#b7 ,community-wide mitigation projects ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 including section #acff of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dajd;c7 and section #bjc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eacc71 in providing mitigation assistance under this subsection1 in order to lessen disaster losses and enhance the financial stability and effectiveness of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program1 the ,administrator shall give priority to utilizing flood mitigation activities that-- 7,a7 provide benefits to an entire floodplain or community1 or to a portion of such a community2 7,b7 consider all available and practicable approaches2 and 7,c7 the ,administrator determines-- 7i7 are technically feasible2 7ii7 have the highest net benefits2 and 7iii7 are consistent with mitigation plans approved by the ,administrator4 #bjc4 ,predisaster hazard mitigation program authorization ,for each of the first #f full fiscal years following the date of enactment of this ,act1 there is authorized to be appropriated #ejj1jjj1jjj to carry out the predisaster hazard mitigation program under section #bjc of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,assistance and ,emergency ,relief ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eacc74 #bjd4 ,national ,flood ,mapping ,program ,section #ajjbaf of the ,biggert-,waters ,flood ,insurance ,reform ,act of #bjab 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daja;b7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7b77#a7-- 7,a7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking to-- and all that follows through the end of clause 7vi7 and inserting to all areas of the ,united ,states22 7,b7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking and at the end2 7,c7 in subparagraph 7,c71 by striking accurate topography and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting current and best remote sensing technology2 and2 and 7,d7 by adding at the end the following3 7,d7 when appropriate1 partner with other ,federal agencies and private entities in order to meet the objectives of the program4 2 7#b7 by redesignating subsection 7f7 as subsection 7g72 7#c7 by inserting after subsection 7e7 the following3 7f7 ,incorporating building-,specific flood risk information 7#a7 ,establishment 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #e years after the date of enactment of the ,sustainable1 ,affordable1 ,fair1 and ,efficient 7,,safe7 ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program ,reauthorization ,act of #bjag1 the ,administrator1 in coordination with1 and as recommended by1 the ,technical ,mapping ,advisory ,council1 shall establish a dynamic1 database-derived digital display environment for flood hazard risk production and dissemination4 7,b7 ,consultation with ,states and communities ,in designing and constructing the environment under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7i7 leverage and partner with ,states and communities that have successfully implemented the same approach2 and 7ii7 consider adopting the techniques and technologies used by ,states and communities described in clause 7i7 and applying them nationwide4 7#b7 ,digital display 7,a7 ,in general ,in carrying out paragraph 7#a71 the ,administrator shall create a digital display prompted through dynamic querying of a spatial1 relational building database that may not be publically disseminated and that includes-- 7i7 special flood hazard areas and base flood elevations for purposes of lender compliance with the requirements under section #ajb of the ,flood ,disaster ,protection ,act of #aigc 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djab;a72 and 7ii7 structure-specific flood risk information1 including1 for each property address-- 7,i7 the spatial footprint and elevation of the structure relative to special flood hazard areas and base flood elevations2 7,,ii7 the most current elevation certificate applicable to the property2 7,,iii7 any letter of map changes2 7,,iv7 the full risk premium rate estimated for the structure under section #acjg7;a77#a7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djad7;a77#a77 based on elevation data2 7,v7 the disclosure described in section #acjh7l7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djae7l771 which shall include-- 7aa7 the extent to which1 if any1 the chargeable premium rate applicable to the property is less than the full risk premium rate under section #acjg7;a77#a7 of that ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djad7;a77#a772 and 7bb7 an explanation of the difference described in item 7aa7 and the methodology used to rate the property2 7,,vi7 the estimated cost to repair the structure in the case of damage from floods with recurrence intervals ranging from the #aj percent annual chance event to the #j4b percent annual chance event2 7,,vii7 the cost-effectiveness of mitigating the structure using common methods and how the chargeable premium rate would change based on each mitigation method2 and 7,,viii7 the claims history of the structure1 including the amount and date of each loss4 7,b7 ,privacy requirements ,with respect to the database described in subparagraph 7,a71 including any data used to create that database1 the ,administrator may not disseminate the database to-- 7i7 the public2 or 7ii7 a private company for use by the private company4 7#c7 ,database 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall-- 7i7 develop a spatial1 relational database of buildings in the national flood insurance program2 and 7ii7 obtain the data necessary to support the digital display created under paragraph 7#b74 7,b7 ,data ,the data obtained under subparagraph 7,a7 shall include1 at a minimum-- 7i7 footprints and elevations 7including lowest adjacent grade and first floor7 from ,light ,detection and ,ranging 7commonly known as ,li,d,a,r7 data collections or other data collection methods that meet or exceed the standards for buildings1 as determined by the ,administrator2 7ii7 elevation certificates2 7iii7 parcel1 address1 and imagery data necessary for the identification1 assessment1 and reduction of flood hazards for individual properties2 7iv7 flood insurance rate maps1 studies1 and supporting data2 7v7 letters of map change2 and 7vi7 any other data that the ,administrator determines necessary to collect to meet the objectives of this section4 7#d7 ,data procurement ,the ,administrator shall obtain any data necessary to establish the environment under paragraph 7#a71 including by-- 7,a7 directing communities participating in the national flood insurance program1 by regulation1 to collect and supply information1 including elevation data1 for each structure that obtains a construction or other development permit within-- 7i7 a special flood hazard area2 or 7ii7 an advisory special flood hazard area adopted by the community2 7,b7 issuing guidelines and standards1 as determined by the ,administrator2 7,c7 partnering with other ,federal1 ,state1 local1 and private stakeholders to the greatest extent possible to obtain and share existing data that meets or exceeds the standards determined by the ,administrator under subparagraph 7,b72 and 7,d7 contracting with private companies to obtain new ,li,d,a,r data collections or elevation certificates4 7#e7 ,,nfip premium credit ,the ,administrator shall provide a #a-time premium credit of not more than #ejj to a policyholder for the purchase of an elevation certificate4 7#f7 ,mass letters of map change ,in coordination with ,states and communities that have successfully implemented a dynamic1 database-derived digital display environment for flood hazard risk production and dissemination1 the ,administrator shall issue guidelines for the adoption and integration into the ,national ,flood ,mapping ,program of ,li,d,a,r-based letter of map amendment approaches4 7#g7 ,annual report ,the ,administrator shall submit to the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate and the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives an annual progress report on the implementation of this subsection1 which shall include recommendations to reduce the cost and improve the implementation of this subsection4 2 and 7#d7 in subsection 7g71 as so redesignated-- 7,a7 by striking this section #djj1jjj1jjj and inserting the following3 this section-- 7#a7 #djj1jjj1jjj 2 and 7,b7 by striking the period at the end and inserting the following3 2 and 7#b7 #hjj1jjj1jjj for each of fiscal years #bjah through #bjbc4 4 #bje4 ,reallocation of premium surcharges ,chapter ,i of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaa et seq47 is amended-- 7#a7 in section #acjh;,a 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djae;a7-- 7,a7 by redesignating subsection 7c7 as subsection 7d72 7,b7 by inserting after subsection 7b7 the following3 7c7 ,use of surcharges ,the ,administrator shall deposit any surcharge imposed and collected under subsection 7a7 in the ,affordability ,assistance ,fund established under subsection 7a7 of section #acbf in order to provide financial assistance under subsection 7b7 of that section4 2 and 7,c7 in subsection 7d71 as so redesignated1 by striking ,subsections 7a7 and 7b7 and inserting ,subsections 7a7 through 7c72 and 7#b7 in section #acaj;,a7c7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djag;,a7c771 by striking paragraph 7#d74 #bjf4 ,multifamily mitigation 7a7 ,in general ,section #acfa7;d77#a7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dajb7;d77#a77 is amended1 in the matter preceding subparagraph 7,a71 by inserting 7including multifamily buildings in urban areas7 after residential buildings4 7b7 ,premium credit ,section #acjh7k7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djae7k77 is amended by striking the ,administrator shall and all that follows through the period at the end and inserting the following3 8the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 take into account the implementation of any mitigation method identified by the ,administrator in the guidance issued under section #acfa7;d7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dajb7;d772 and 7#b7 offer a premium credit to a property owner for the implementation of any alternative mitigation method with respect to a multifamily building in an urban area1 as described in paragraph 7#a7 of such section #acfa7;d74 4 7c7 ,land use controls 7#a7 ,in general ,section #acae7;a7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djbb7;a77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,land use controls for certain multifamily buildings in urban areas 7,a7 ,definition ,in this paragraph1 the term covered area means an area that-- 7i7 is an urban area2 and 7ii7 has been identified as having special flood hazards4 7,b7 ,adoption of land use controls ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,administrator1 under paragraph 7#a71 may require an appropriate public body1 with respect to a covered area that is seeking to obtain flood insurance under this title1 to adopt land use and control measures for the repair1 restoration1 or substantial improvement of any mid- or high-rise building that is located in the covered area4 7,c7 ,community strategy ,with respect to a covered area described in subparagraph 7,b71 the ,administrator shall encourage the covered area to develop1 and assist the covered area in developing1 a comprehensive strategy that-- 7i7 reduces flood damage to mid- and high-rise multifamily buildings in the covered area that-- 7,i7 will be repaired1 restored1 or substantially improved2 and 7,,ii7 cannot be elevated2 7ii7 identifies technical mitigation activities that may be applied to the buildings described in clause 7i71 including considerations for mechanical1 electrical1 and utility components1 that will protect life and property2 7iii7 documents that the covered area has established procedures for-- 7,i7 the implementation of performance standards2 7,,ii7 requiring evacuation plans2 and 7,,iii7 developing a maintenance strategy for any mitigation activity that is applied under clause 7ii72 and 7iv7 establishes guidelines for performance standards that will-- 7,i7 allow for a combination of partial mitigation activities1 other than elevation1 for areas 7other than residential areas7 in the covered area2 and 7,,ii7 be applied to mid- and high-rise multifamily buildings in the areas described in subclause 7,i74 4 7#b7 ,land management investigations ,section #acfa7;b7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #dajb7;b77 is amended by inserting 1 including whether a ,state or local government1 as applicable1 has enacted the requirements described in section #acbg7;b7 after other building restrictions4 7d7 ,calculation of risk premium rates ,section #acjh of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djae7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7n7 ,consideration of alternative mitigation methods ,with respect to a chargeable rate prescribed for a building described in section #acae7;a77#c77;,b71 the ,administrator shall ensure that the rate properly reflects the reduction in flood risk after adopting the land use and control measures described in that section1 if applicable4 4 #bjg4 ,sense of ,congress regarding flood mitigation activities ,it is the sense of ,congress that the ,administrator should consider flood mitigation activities that-- 7#a7 provide benefits to an entire floodplain or community1 or to a portion of such a community2 7#b7 consider all available and practicable approaches2 and 7#c7 the ,administrator determines-- 7,a7 are technically feasible2 7,b7 have the highest net benefits2 and 7,c7 are consistent with mitigation plans approved by the ,administrator4 #bjh4 ,new zone for levee-impacted areas ,section #acfj of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daja7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7k7 ,levee-,impacted areas 7#a7 ,in general ,subject to full implementation of subparagraphs 7,a77iii7 and 7,b7 of section #ajjbaf7;b77#a7 of the ,biggert-,waters ,flood ,insurance ,reform ,act of #bjab 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daja;b7b77#a77 and notwithstanding any other provision of law1 if a community applies to the ,administrator for the remapping of a levee-impacted area in which the pertinent levee system fails to meet the minimum design1 operation1 and maintenance standards of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program required for levee accreditation on a flood insurance rate map in accordance with the ,levee ,analysis ,mapping ,procedure initiated by the ,administrator to replace the without levees approach to a ,flood ,insurance ,study1 the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 establish flood risk zones for those levee-impacted areas on such maps1 to be known as ,,al-,e zones1 that have an established elevation for community floodplain management2 and 7,b7 make flood insurance available to properties located within those levee-impacted areas4 7#b7 ,transition ,during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this subsection and ending on the date on which the ,administrator develops rates for the various ,,al-,e zones1 a structure located in a portion of a community that is located within a levee-impacted area described in paragraph 7#a7 shall be eligible for rates associated with areas of moderate flood hazards4 4 #bji4 ,appeals regarding existing flood maps 7a7 ,in general 7#a7 ,right to appeal ,section #acfj of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daja71 as amended by section #bjh1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7l7 ,appeals of existing maps 7#a7 ,right to appeal ,subject to paragraph 7#f71 a ,state or local government1 or the owner or lessee of real property1 that makes a formal request to the ,administrator to update a flood insurance rate map that the ,administrator denies may at any time appeal the denial in accordance with this subsection4 7#b7 ,basis for appeal ,the basis for an appeal under this subsection shall be the possession of knowledge or information that-- 7,a7 the base flood elevation level or designation of any aspect of a flood insurance rate map is scientifically or technically inaccurate2 or 7,b7 factors exist that mitigate the risk of flooding1 including ditches1 banks1 walls1 vegetation1 levees1 lakes1 dams1 reservoirs1 basin1 retention ponds1 and other natural or manmade topographical features4 7#c7 ,appeals process 7,a7 ,administrative adjudication ,the ,administrator shall determine an appeal under this subsection by making a final adjudication on the record1 after providing an opportunity for an administrative hearing4 7,b7 ,rights upon adverse decision 7i7 ,optional arbitration ,if an appeal determined under subparagraph 7,a7 does not result in a decision in favor of the ,state1 local government1 owner1 or lessee1 that party may request that an appeal of the adverse decision be heard through independent1 non-binding arbitration4 7ii7 ,process ,the ,administrator shall establish a process for arbitration under clause 7i7 under which the arbitrator provides a non-binding recommendation to the ,administrator4 7#d7 ,relief 7,a7 ,wholly successful appeals ,if the ,administrator determines1 in an appeal under this subsection1 that the property of a policyholder that had been included in a special flood hazard area under the flood insurance rate map is actually not in a special flood hazard area-- 7i7 the policyholder may cancel the policy at any time during the year in which the ,administrator makes the determination2 and 7ii7 the ,administrator shall provide the policyholder a refund equal to the amount of-- 7,i7 any premiums that the policyholder paid during the year described in clause 7i72 and 7,,ii7 any premiums that the policyholder paid for flood insurance coverage that the policyholder was required to purchase or maintain during the #b-year period preceding the year described in clause 7i74 7,b7 ,partially successful appeals ,if the ,administrator determines in an appeal under this subsection that mitigating factors have reduced1 but not eliminated1 the risk of flooding to a property1 the ,administrator shall-- 7i7 reduce the amount of flood insurance coverage required to be maintained for the property by the ratio of the successful portion of the appeal as compared to the entire appeal2 and 7ii7 provide the policyholder a refund equal to the difference between-- 7,i7 the amount of any premiums that the policyholder paid during the period-- 7aa7 beginning on the later of-- 7,,aa7 the date on which the mitigating factor was created2 or 7,,bb7 ,january #a of the second year preceding the date on which the determination is made2 and 7bb7 ending on the date on which the reduction in the amount of flood insurance required1 as described in clause 7i71 takes effect2 and 7,,ii7 the amount of premiums that the policyholder would have been required to pay if the reduced amount of flood insurance coverage required1 as described in clause 7i71 had been in effect during the period described in subclause 7,i7 of this clause4 7,c7 ,additional relief ,the ,administrator may provide additional refunds in excess of the amounts required under subparagraphs 7,a7 and 7,b7 if the ,administrator determines that such additional refunds are warranted4 7#e7 ,recovery of costs 7,a7 ,appeal expenses ,if a ,state or local government1 or the owner or lessee of real property1 incurs any expense in connection with an appeal under this subsection that is based on a scientific or technical error made by the ,administrator and that is successful in whole or part regarding the designation of the base flood elevation or any aspect of a flood insurance rate map1 including elevation or designation of a special flood hazard area1 the ,administrator shall reimburse the ,state1 local government1 owner1 or lessee in accordance with subparagraph 7,b74 7,b7 ,reimbursable expenses ,the ,administrator-- 7i7 may reimburse a party under subparagraph 7,a7 for reasonable expenses described in that subparagraph-- 7,i7 including for a service provided by a surveyor1 engineer1 or scientific expert2 and 7,,ii7 to the extent measured by the ratio of the successful portion of the appeal as compared to the entire appeal2 and 7ii7 may not reimburse a party under subparagraph 7,a7 for-- 7,i7 the cost of legal services2 or 7,,ii7 the payment of any fee or expense1 the payment of which was agreed to be contingent upon the result of the appeal4 7#f7 ,guidance ,the ,administrator shall issue guidance to implement this subsection1 which shall not be subject to the notice and comment requirements under section #eec of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code4 4 7#b7 ,technical and conforming amendments ,section #acaj7;a7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djag7;a77 is amended-- 7,a7 in paragraph 7#g71 by striking and at the end2 7,b7 in paragraph 7#h71 by striking the period at the end and inserting 2 and2 and 7,c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#i7 for providing reimbursements of expenses of flood insurance rate map appeals under section #acfj7k77#e74 4 7b7 ,deadline ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall issue the guidance required under subsection 7l77#f7 of section #acfj of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daja71 as added by subsection 7a7 of this section4 ,,iii ,cost savings #cja4 ,forbearance on ,,nfip interest payments 7a7 ,in general ,during the #f-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,secretary of the ,treasury may not charge the ,administrator interest on amounts borrowed by the ,administrator under section #acji7;a7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaf7;a77 that were outstanding as of that date of enactment4 7b7 ,no retroactive accrual ,after the #f-year period described in subsection 7a71 the ,secretary of the ,treasury shall not require the ,administrator to repay any interest that1 but for that subsection1 would have accrued on the borrowed amounts described in that subsection during that #f-year period4 #cjb4 ,cap on ,write ,your ,own company compensation 7a7 ,in general ,section #acaa of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djah7 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating subsection 7b7 as subsection 7c72 and 7#b7 by inserting after subsection 7a7 the following3 7b7 ,limitation on compensation2 minimum agent commissions ,in negotiating with appropriate representatives of the insurance industry under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall ensure that-- 7#a7 any reimbursement paid to a property and casualty insurance company for selling1 writing1 and servicing flood insurance policies is not more than #bb4df percent of the aggregate amount of premiums charged by the insurance company2 and 7#b7 an insurance company pays a portion of the reimbursement described in paragraph 7#a7 to agents of the company as a commission1 in an amount that is not less than #ae percent of the aggregate amount of the premiums sold by the agent4 4 7b7 ,technical and conforming amendments ,section #acaa of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djah71 as amended by subsection 7a71 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking ,the ,administrator and inserting ,in general4--,the ,administrator2 and 7#b7 in subsection 7c71 by striking ,for purposes of subsection 7a7 and inserting ,definitions4--,for purposes of this section4 #cjc4 ,taxpayer protection ,section #acfj7;g7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daja7;g77 is amended-- 7#a7 in the first sentence1 by inserting 1 subject to the following sentence1 after at a reasonable cost2 and 7#b7 by inserting after the first sentence the following3 ,the ,administrator shall develop a fee schedule based on recovering the actual costs of providing flood insurance rate maps to such other persons1 and shall charge a fee based on the schedule to any private entity for the use of such a map44 #cjd4 ,vendor costs2 transparency 7a7 ,in general ,section #ajjbbd7;d7 of the ,biggert-,waters ,flood ,insurance ,reform ,act of #bjab 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djha note7 is amended-- 7#a7 by striking ,not later than #ab months after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator and inserting the following3 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator 2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following3 7,b7 ,vendor costs2 transparency ,in issuing the rule under subparagraph 7,a71 the ,administrator shall-- 7i7 develop a schedule to determine the actual costs of ,write ,your ,own vendors1 including claims adjusters and engineering companies2 7ii7 provide that if a ,write ,your ,own company requests reimbursement for the costs of a service or product provided to the company by a vendor1 the ,administrator only reimburses the company for the actual costs of the service or products2 and 7iii7 require that all reimbursements to ,write ,your ,own companies be made public1 including a description of the product or service provided to which the reimbursement pertains4 4 7b7 ,deadline for revised rule ,not later than #ij days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall issue a revised rule under section #ajjbbd7;d7 of the ,biggert-,waters ,flood ,insurance ,reform ,act of #bjab 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djha note71 as amended by subsection 7a74 ,,iv ,claims process reform #dja4 ,earth movement clarification ,section #acjf of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djac7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7e7 ,earth movement ,a flood insurance claim filed under this title for damage to or loss of property may not be denied based on the earth movement exclusion in the standard flood insurance policy under the national flood insurance program if the claim is filed as the result of a flood1 including a claim for damage to or loss or property caused by earth movement that was caused by a flood4 4 #djb4 ,treatment of basements 7a7 ,basement clarification 7#a7 ,definition ,in this subsection1 the term pre-,,firm condominium building means a condominium building that was not constructed or substantially improved after the later of-- 7,a7 ,december #ca1 #aigd2 or 7,b7 the effective date of the initial flood insurance rate map published by the ,administrator under section #acfj of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daja7 for the area in which the building is located4 7#b7 ,amendment to regulations ,the ,administrator shall amend section #ei4a of title #dd1 ,code of ,federal ,regulations1 to exclude from the definition of the term basement any pre-,,firm condominium building1 the lowest floor of which is not more than #d feet below the lowest adjacent grade4 7b7 ,study on consequences of street-,raising 7#a7 ,definition ,in this subsection1 the term affected property means a property containing an area-- 7,a7 the floor of which was located at or above grade before the community raised the street adjacent to the property2 and 7,b7 after the street-raising described in subparagraph 7,a71 that was designated as a basement because of the street-raising4 7#b7 ,study2 report ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall study and submit to ,congress a report on the consequences of street-raising on flood insurance coverage for an affected property under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program1 including the cost implications for the property owner4 #djc4 ,mold damage clarification ,the ,administrator shall amend the ,standard ,flood ,insurance ,policy to provide that-- 7#a7 as a general rule1 loss caused by water1 moisture1 mildew1 or mold caused by a flood is covered by flood insurance under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program2 7#b7 the exemption from coverage for water1 moisture1 mildew1 or mold damage caused by a policyholder who is truly derelict in inspecting or maintaining a property after a flood recedes is a limited exemption2 7#c7 in the case of water1 moisture1 mildew1 or mold damage described in paragraph 7#b71 only the amount of water1 moisture1 mildew1 or mold that built up because of the dereliction of duty1 and only during the time when the water1 moisture1 mildew1 or mold build-up reasonably could have been mitigated1 shall not be covered2 7#d7 the determination that a policyholder was truly derelict as described in paragraph 7#b7 is a high bar to meet2 and 7#e7 the evaluation of whether a policyholder was truly derelict as described in paragraph 7#b7 shall be made in light of the behavior that could reasonably be expected from a survivor in the aftermath of a particular flood event1 which may include a natural disaster1 given the challenges facing a policyholder in that situation1 including-- 7,a7 difficulty in inspecting or maintaining the property2 7,b7 the need to address other1 more immediate priorities1 including the health and well-being of the policyholder and his or her family1 preservation of basic items1 displacement1 shock1 and other issues that make inspection and mitigation a near-term challenge2 and 7,c7 difficulty in finding qualified experts during the surge of demand following a flood4 #djd4 ,appeal of decisions relating to flood insurance coverage 7a7 ,extension of deadline ,to file appeal2 enforcing deadline for ,,fema ,to resolve appeal2 optional arbitration for appeals ,section #acab of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djai7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7d7 ,appeal of decisions relating to flood insurance coverage 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall1 by regulation1 establish an appeals process through which holders of a flood insurance policy may appeal the decisions1 with respect to claims1 proofs of loss1 and loss estimates relating to such flood insurance policy1 of any-- 7,a7 insurance agent or adjuster1 or insurance company2 or 7,b7 employee or contractor of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7#b7 ,deadline to file appeal ,the ,administrator shall establish a deadline for filing an appeal under this subsection that is not less than #a year after the date on which the decision being appealed was made4 7#c7 ,notification upon initial denial of claim ,the ,administrator shall ensure that a claimant is provided with the rules1 forms1 and deadlines for an appeal under this subsection at the time a claim is first denied in full or in part1 including-- 7,a7 the effective date of the denial2 7,b7 a justification for the denial1 including supporting documentation2 7,c7 the date on which the period of limitation for instituting an action against the ,administrator on the claim under section #accc or #acda1 as applicable1 will end2 and 7,d7 a point of contact through which the claimant can directly discuss an appeal with a representative of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency4 7#d7 ,deadline to resolve appeal 7,a7 ,in general ,not later than #ij days after the date as of which a policyholder has submitted all necessary information relating to an appeal under this subsection1 the ,administrator shall provide an appeal decision in writing to the policyholder and insurer1 including specific information for the resolution of the appeal4 7,b7 ,enforcement ,if the ,administrator does not comply with the deadline under subparagraph 7,a7-- 7i7 the appeal shall be deemed granted2 and 7ii7 the ,administrator shall award the policyholder the full amount of the claim4 7,c7 ,notification upon denial of appeal ,if the ,administrator denies an appeal filed by a policyholder under this subsection1 the ,administrator shall include with the notice of denial-- 7i7 an explanation of the legal options of the policyholder for further challenging the denial2 and 7ii7 the date on which the period of limitation for instituting an action against the ,administrator on the claim under section #accc or #acda1 as applicable1 will end4 7e7 ,optional arbitration ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this subsection1 the ,administrator shall by regulation establish a process through which a flood insurance policyholder1 instead of submitting an appeal under subsection 7d7 to the ,administrator1 may request that the appeal be heard through independent1 binding arbitration4 4 7b7 ,relation to regulations and other law ,nothing in the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall be construed to require the ,administrator to repeal the regulations promulgated under section #bje of the ,bunning-,bereuter-,blumenauer ,flood ,insurance ,reform ,act of #bjjd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaa note71 or to promulgate new regulations1 except as necessary to implement that amendment4 #dje4 ,accountability for underpayments by ,write ,your ,own companies ,section #acdh of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djhd7 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7c7 ,accountability for underpayments ,the ,administrator shall require that1 if the ,administrator determines through an audit that the pool or an insurance company or other private organization described in subsection 7a7 has underpaid a claim of a policyholder-- 7#a7 the pool1 insurance company1 or other private organization1 as applicable1 shall pay the amount of the difference to the ,administrator2 and 7#b7 the ,administrator shall deposit the amount paid under paragraph 7#a7 in the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,fund4 4 #djf4 ,policyholder right to know ,section #acab of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djai71 as amended by section #djd1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7f7 ,availability of claim-,related documents 7#a7 ,definition ,in this subsection1 the term claim-related document means any document that is prepared for the purposes of assessing a claim for losses covered by flood insurance made available under this title4 7#b7 ,availability of documents ,any entity servicing a claim under the national flood insurance program-- 7,a7 shall retain each claim-related document prepared by or for the entity2 7,b7 not later than #g days after receiving a request from a claimant or an authorized representative of a claimant for a copy of a claim-related document described in subparagraph 7,a7 that pertains to the claimant1 shall provide the copy to the claimant or representative2 and 7,c7 not later than #cj days after receiving notice of a claim1 shall notify the claimant that the claimant or an authorized representative of the claimant may obtain1 upon request1 a copy of any claim-related document described in subparagraph 7,a7 that pertains to the claimant4 4 #djg4 ,increasing statute of limitations for lawsuits 7a7 ,government program with industry assistance ,section #acda of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djgb7 is amended to read as follows3 #acda4 ,adjustment and payment of claims and judicial review 7a7 ,adjustment and payment of claims ,if the program is carried out as provided in section #acdj1 the ,administrator may adjust and make payment of any claims for proved and approved losses covered by flood insurance4 7b7 ,judicial review 7#a7 ,right of action ,upon the disallowance or partial disallowance by the ,administrator of a claim described in subsection 7a71 or upon the refusal of the claimant to accept the amount allowed upon a claim described in that subsection1 the claimant may institute an action against the ,administrator on the claim in the ,united ,states district court for the district in which the insured property or the major part thereof shall have been situated not later than #b years after the later of-- 7,a7 the date on which the claimant receives notice of disallowance or partial disallowance of the claim2 or 7,b7 in the case of a denial of a claim for losses that is appealed to the ,administrator1 the date on which the claimant receives notice of a final determination upon appeal denying the claim in whole or in part4 7#b7 ,jurisdiction ,a court described in paragraph 7#a7 shall have original exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine an action under that paragraph without regard to the amount in controversy4 4 7b7 ,industry program with ,federal financial assistance ,section #accc of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djec7 is amended to read as follows3 #accc4 ,adjustment and payment of claims and judicial review 7a7 ,adjustment and payment of claims ,the insurance companies and other insurers that form1 associate1 or otherwise join together in the pool under this part may adjust and pay all claims for proved and approved losses covered by flood insurance in accordance with the provisions of this title4 7b7 ,judicial review 7#a7 ,right of action ,upon the disallowance or partial disallowance by any company or other insurer described in subsection 7a7 of a claim described in that subsection1 or upon the refusal of the claimant to accept the amount allowed upon a claim described in that subsection1 the claimant may institute an action on the claim against the company or other insurer in the ,united ,states district court for the district in which the insured property or the major part thereof shall have been situated not later than #b years after the later of-- 7,a7 the date on which the claimant receives notice of disallowance or partial disallowance of the claim2 or 7,b7 in the case of a denial of a claim for losses that is appealed to the ,administrator1 the date on which the claimant receives notice of a final determination upon appeal denying the claim in whole or in part4 7#b7 ,jurisdiction ,a court described in paragraph 7#a7 shall have original exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine an action under that paragraph without regard to the amount in controversy4 4 #djh4 ,attorney fee shifting 7a7 ,administrative appeals ,subsection 7d7 of section #acab of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djai71 as amended by section #djd1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,awards for costs in administrative proceedings 7,a7 ,in general ,if the claimant prevails in any appeal to the ,administrator of the disallowance or partial disallowance of a claim for losses covered by flood insurance made available under this title1 the ,administrator shall award costs of the appeal1 including attorney fees1 any proceeding expenses1 and engineering and other expert expenses1 to the claimant4 7,b7 ,definition ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the term prevail means to be awarded a greater amount by the ,administrator than the amount of the last1 best offer from the ,administrator with respect to the claim of the claimant4 4 7b7 ,judicial review 7#a7 ,government program with industry assistance ,subsection 7b7 of section #acda of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djgb71 as added by section #djg1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,attorney fees and other litigation costs 7,a7 ,in general ,if the claimant prevails in an action under this subsection1 the court shall award reasonable costs of litigation1 including attorney fees1 litigation expenses1 and engineering and other expert expenses1 to the claimant4 7,b7 ,subrogation ,any award under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be paid by the ,administrator and1 upon such payment1 the ,administrator shall be subrogated to the rights of the claimant to recover such costs for which the ,administrator has compensated the claimant from any insurance company or other insurer or insurance adjustment organization that may be responsible for the disallowance or partial disallowance of the claim4 7,c7 ,definition ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the term prevail means to be awarded a greater amount by the court than the amount of the last1 best offer from the ,administrator with respect to the claim of the claimant4 4 7#b7 ,industry program with ,federal financial assistance ,subsection 7b7 of section #accc of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djec71 as amended by section #djg1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#c7 ,attorney fees and other litigation costs 7,a7 ,in general ,if the claimant prevails in an action under this subsection1 the court shall award reasonable costs of litigation1 including attorney fees1 litigation expenses1 and engineering and other expert expenses1 to the claimant4 7,b7 ,subrogation ,any award under subparagraph 7,a7 shall be paid by the ,administrator and1 upon such payment1 the ,administrator shall be subrogated to the rights of the claimant to recover such costs for which the ,administrator has compensated the claimant from any company or other insurer responsible for the disallowance or partial disallowance of the claim4 7,c7 ,definition ,for purposes of this paragraph1 the term prevail means to be awarded a greater amount by the court than the amount of the last1 best offer from the insurer or ,administrator with respect to the claim of the claimant4 4 #dji4 ,,doj defense against policyholder lawsuits ,subsection 7b7 of section #acda of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djgb71 as amended by section #djh1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#d7 ,representation by ,department of ,justice ,if a claimant institutes an action under this subsection-- 7,a7 the ,administrator shall refer the matter to the ,attorney ,general2 and 7,b7 the ,attorney ,general-- 7i7 shall represent the ,administrator or the ,write ,your ,own company1 as applicable1 in the action2 and 7ii7 may not seek to have the court dismiss an action with potential meritorious claims based on good faith errors or omissions by the claimant in the claimant's proof of loss4 4 #daj4 ,study on participation rates 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term #ejj-year floodplain has the meaning given the term in section #ajjbjb7;a7 of the ,biggert-,waters ,flood ,insurance ,reform ,act of #bjab 7#dj ,u4,s4,c4 #djjd7;a772 7#b7 the terms ,federal agency lender1 improved real estate1 and regulated lending institution have the meanings given those terms in section #c7;a7 of the ,flood ,disaster ,protection ,act of #aigc 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djjc7;a772 and 7#c7 the term property with a federally backed mortgage means improved real estate or a mobile home securing a loan that was-- 7,a7 made by a regulated lending institution or ,federal agency lender2 or 7,b7 purchased by the ,federal ,national ,mortgage ,association or the ,federal ,home ,loan ,mortgage ,corporation4 7b7 ,study ,not later than #a year after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall study and submit to ,congress a report that describes-- 7#a7 the percentage of properties with federally backed mortgages located in an area having special flood hazards that are covered by flood insurance that satisfies the requirement under section #ajb7;b7 of the ,flood ,disaster ,protection ,act of #aigc 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djab;a7b772 and 7#b7 the percentage of properties with federally backed mortgages located in the #ejj-year floodplain that are covered by flood insurance that would satisfy the requirement described in paragraph 7#a7 if that requirement applied to such properties4 #daa4 ,federal ,flood ,insurance ,advisory ,committee ,part ,c of chapter ,,ii of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djha et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #acdi4 ,federal ,flood ,insurance ,advisory ,committee 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established an advisory committee to be known as the ,federal ,flood ,insurance ,advisory ,committee 7in this section referred to as the ,committee74 7b7 ,membership 7#a7 ,members ,the ,committee shall consist of-- 7,a7 the ,administrator1 or the designee thereof2 7,b7 the ,secretary of the ,treasury1 or the designee thereof2 and 7,c7 additional members appointed by the ,administrator or the designee thereof1 who shall be-- 7i7 #b representatives of the property and casualty insurance sector2 7ii7 #a individual who served in the past1 or is currently serving1 as an insurance regulator of a ,state1 the ,district of ,columbia1 the ,commonwealth of ,puerto ,rico1 ,guam1 the ,commonwealth of the ,northern ,mariana ,islands1 the ,virgin ,islands1 ,american ,samoa1 or any federally-recognized ,indian tribe2 7iii7 #a representative of the financial sector or insurance sector who is involved in risk transfers1 including reinsurance1 resilience bonds1 and other insurance-linked securities2 7iv7 #a actuary with demonstrated high-level knowledge of catastrophic risk insurance2 7v7 #b insurance professionals with demonstrated experience with the sale of flood insurance under the national flood insurance program2 7vi7 #b representatives of catastrophic risk insurance programs2 7vii7 #a insurance claims specialist2 7viii7 #a representative of a recognized consumer advocacy organization2 7ix7 #a individual having demonstrated expertise in the challenges in insuring low-income communities2 7x7 #a representative from an academic institution who has demonstrated expertise in insurance2 and 7xi7 any other recognized experts in the field of insurance that the ,administrator considers necessary4 7#b7 ,qualifications ,in appointing members under paragraph 7#a77;,c71 the ,administrator shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 ensure the membership of the ,committee has a balance of members reflecting geographic diversity1 including representation from areas inland or with coastline identified by the ,administrator as at high risk for flooding or as areas having special flood hazards4 7c7 ,duties ,the ,committee shall review1 and make recommendations to the ,administrator1 upon request1 on matters related to the insurance aspects of the national flood insurance program1 including ratemaking1 technology to administer insurance1 risk assessment1 actuarial practices1 claims practices1 sales and insurance delivery1 compensation and allowances1 generally and based on the complexities of the program1 and best insurance practices4 7d7 ,chairperson ,the members of the ,committee shall elect #a member to serve as the chairperson of the ,committee 7in this subsection referred to as the ,chairperson74 7e7 ,compensation ,members of the ,committee shall receive no additional compensation by reason of their service on the ,committee4 7f7 ,meetings and actions 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,committee-- 7,a7 shall meet not less frequently than twice each year at the request of the ,chairperson or a majority of the members of the ,committee2 and 7,b7 may take action by a vote of the majority of the members in accordance with the charter of the ,committee4 7#b7 ,initial meeting ,the ,administrator1 or a designee thereof1 shall request and coordinate the initial meeting of the ,committee4 7g7 ,staff of ,,fema ,upon the request of the ,chairperson1 the ,administrator may detail1 on a nonreimbursable basis1 personnel of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency to assist the ,committee in carrying out the duties of the ,committee4 7h7 ,powers ,in carrying out this section1 the ,committee may hold hearings1 receive evidence and assistance1 provide information1 and conduct research1 as the ,committee considers appropriate4 7i7 ,reports to ,congress ,the ,administrator1 on an annual basis1 shall report to the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives1 the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate1 and the ,office of ,management and ,budget on-- 7#a7 the recommendations made by the ,committee2 7#b7 actions taken by the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency to address the recommendations described in paragraph 7#a7 to improve the insurance aspects of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program2 and 7#c7 any recommendations described in paragraph 7#a7 that have been deferred or not acted upon1 together with an explanatory statement with respect to those recommendations4 7j7 ,applicability of the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act ,section #ad of the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to the ,committee4 4 #dab4 ,authority to terminate contractors and vendors 7a7 ,in general ,part ,c of chapter ,,ii of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djha et seq471 as amended by section #daa1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #acej4 ,termination of contracts 7a7 ,definition ,in this section1 the term covered entity means any attorney1 law firm1 consultant1 or third-party company that provides services to a ,write ,your ,own company4 7b7 ,termination 7#a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding any other provision of law1 the ,administrator may terminate a contract or other agreement between a covered entity and a ,write ,your ,own company if the ,administrator-- 7,a7 determines that the covered entity has engaged in conduct that is detrimental to the national flood insurance program2 and 7,b7 not later than #ad days before terminating the contract or other agreement1 provided notice to the covered entity of the termination4 7#b7 ,appeal ,the ,administrator shall establish a process for a covered entity to appeal the termination of a contract or other agreement under paragraph 7#a74 7#c7 ,early termination payouts ,the ,administrator or a ,write ,your ,own company is not required to make any early termination payout to a covered entity with respect to a contract or agreement with the ,write ,your ,own company that the ,administrator terminates under paragraph 7#a74 4 7b7 ,effective date2 applicability ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply to any contract or other agreement between a covered entity1 as defined in section #acej7;a7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh1 as added by subsection 7a71 and a ,write ,your ,own company that is entered into on or after the date of enactment of this ,act4 #dac4 ,easing proof of loss requirements 7a7 ,in general ,section #acab of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djai71 as amended by section #djf1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7g7 ,proof of loss 7#a7 ,required notice ,not later than #a year after the date on which damage to or loss of a property that is covered by flood insurance made available under this title occurs1 the policyholder with respect to the covered property may submit a proof of loss notice that contains only such information as is necessary to document the damage or loss1 including-- 7,a7 the amount claimed for the damage to or loss of the property2 and 7,b7 the signature of the policyholder attesting to the accuracy of the amount claimed and the information supplied to document the damage or loss4 7#b7 ,supplemental proof ,not later than #a year after the date on which a policyholder submits a proof of loss notice under paragraph 7#a7 with respect to a property that is covered by flood insurance made available under this title1 the policyholder may submit supplemental information to support an increase in the amount claimed in the proof of loss notice if the policyholder discovers further damage to the property or otherwise determines that the amount claimed was insufficient4 7#c7 ,errors or omissions ,an error or honest omission in a proof of loss notice or in supplemental information submitted by a policyholder under paragraph 7#a7 or 7#b71 respectively1 with respect to a property that is covered by flood insurance made available under this title may not be used to deny the right of the policyholder-- 7,a7 to receive a payment for the damage to or loss of the property2 or 7,b7 to appeal or otherwise challenge the amount received for the damage to or loss of the property4 4 7b7 ,applicability ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply to any claim for damage to or loss of property that is covered by flood insurance under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program that is pending on1 or made after1 the date of enactment of this ,act4 #dad4 ,elevation certificates ,chapter ,i of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaa et seq471 as amended by section #ajc1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #acbg4 ,elevation certificates 7a7 ,no expiration date ,surveyed elevation data and other information relating to a building that is recorded on a ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program ,elevation ,certificate by an individual licensed to record that information shall continue to be in effect1 and the ,elevation ,certificate shall not expire1 until the date on which there is an alteration in the building or to the topography surrounding the perimeter of the building4 7b7 ,elevation datum ,with respect to a ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program ,elevation ,certificate for a building1 if the elevation datum used to determine the base flood elevation at the building is different than the elevation datum used to calculate the building elevation1 a datum conversion shall be performed to ensure that the same elevation datum is used to calculate the base flood elevation and the building elevation4 4 #dae4 ,monthly installment payment for premiums ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 implement the requirement for monthly installment payments of premiums provided under section #acjh7;g7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djae7;g772 or 7#b7 submit to ,congress an explanation of the reasons why the ,administrator cannot implement the requirement described in paragraph 7#a7 during that #ahj-;day period4 #daf4 ,pilot program for pre-existing structural conditions 7a7 ,definitions ,in this section-- 7#a7 the term covered property means a property that is or may be covered by flood insurance under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program2 and 7#b7 the term covered policyholder means a policyholder or potential policyholder of flood insurance under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program for a covered property4 7b7 ,pilot program ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this ,act1 the ,administrator shall establish a pilot program under which ,write ,your ,own companies and ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program direct servicers shall1 at the request of a covered policyholder and before providing or renewing insurance coverage with respect to a covered property under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program1 investigate the pre-existing structural condition of the covered property for any issues that could result in the denial of a claim under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program for damage to or loss of the covered property4 #dag4 ,deadline for claim processing 7a7 ,in general ,section #acab of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djai71 as amended by section #dac1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7h7 ,deadline for approval of claims 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall provide that1 in the case of a claim for damage to or loss of property that is covered by flood insurance made available under this title-- 7,a7 except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 not later than #cj days after the date on which the claim is made-- 7i7 a final determination regarding approval of the claim for payment or disapproval of the claim shall be made2 and 7ii7 notification of the determination shall be provided to the insured making the claim2 and 7,b7 payment of an approved claim shall be made as soon as possible after that approval4 7#b7 ,extension of deadline ,the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 provide that the period described in paragraph 7#a77;,a7 may be extended by a single additional period of #ae days under extraordinary circumstances2 and 7,b7 by regulation1 establish criteria for-- 7i7 demonstrating the extraordinary circumstances described in subparagraph 7,a72 and 7ii7 determining to which claims the extraordinary circumstances described in subparagraph 7,a7 apply4 4 7b7 ,applicability ,the amendment made by subsection 7a7 shall apply to any claim for damage to or loss of property that is covered by flood insurance made available under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program that is pending on1 or made after1 the date of enactment of this ,act4 #dah4 ,engineer oversight and certification ,part ,c of chapter ,,ii of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djha et seq471 as amended by section #dab1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #acea4 ,oversight and certification of engineers 7a7 ,definition ,in this section1 the term covered engineering services means engineering services provided in connection with insurance coverage provided under this title4 7b7 ,qualifications ,the ,administrator shall require that any individual who provides covered engineering services1 including services in connection with assessing any claim for losses covered by a policy for that coverage1 shall-- 7#a7 have registered with and certified to the ,administrator that the engineer is professionally licensed to practice as an engineer in the ,state in which the engineer is providing the covered engineering services2 7#b7 have expertise in a particular discipline of engineer or act within the area of the competency of the engineer1 as the ,administrator shall require2 and 7#c7 be certified by the ,administrator pursuant to subsection 7c74 7c7 ,certification by ,,fema 7#a7 ,requirement ,the ,administrator shall carry out a program to certify engineers as qualified to provide covered engineering services4 7#b7 ,contents ,the program carried out under paragraph 7#a7 shall-- 7,a7 include an initial training seminar2 7,b7 provide such standards and testing requirements as the ,administrator shall establish2 and 7,c7 require an annual renewal of certification through continuing education4 7d7 ,fees 7#a7 ,standardized schedule ,the ,administrator shall establish a standardized fee schedule for all covered engineering services1 which shall be similar to the fee schedule of the ,administrator used for companies adjusting claims under insurance coverage provided under this title4 7#b7 ,reimbursement ,any reimbursement or other allowance1 payment1 or compensation provided by the ,administrator to a ,write ,your ,own company with respect to covered engineered services may not exceed the applicable standardized fees for those services established under paragraph 7#a74 7e7 ,identification numbers ,the ,administrator shall establish a system to provide a unique numerical identifier for each engineer who provides covered engineering services to assist in tracking past performance in the provision of those services4 7f7 ,submission of documentation ,with respect to a ,write ,your ,own company1 the ,administrator shall-- 7#a7 require the ,write ,your ,own company to obtain from each provider of covered engineering services for the ,write ,your ,own company1 including any subcontractor-- 7,a7 documentation sufficient to itemize and disaggregate the costs and fees for those services1 including the costs and fees for any subcontractor2 and 7,b7 all photos1 notes1 draft reports1 and other documentation relating to providing those services in connection with a claim under insurance coverage provided under this title2 7#b7 make available to the ,write ,your ,own company-- 7,a7 the fee schedule established under subsection 7d77#a72 and 7,b7 such other information as may be necessary to enable the ,write ,your ,own company to determine whether the costs and fees charged by providers of covered engineering services are reasonable in relation to the services provided2 and 7#c7 require the ,write ,your ,own company to make available to the ,administrator1 before any reimbursement or other allowance1 payment1 or compensation is provided to the ,write ,your ,own company in connection with covered engineering services provided1 all supporting documentation relating to those services4 4 #dai4 ,engineer reports ,section #acab of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djai71 as amended by section #dag1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7i7 ,final engineering reports 7#a7 ,definitions ,in this subsection-- 7,a7 the term covered claim means any claim for losses covered by a policy for flood insurance coverage provided under this title2 and 7,b7 the term final engineering report means an engineering report1 survey1 or other document in connection with a covered claim that-- 7i7 is based on the on-site inspection2 7ii7 contains final conclusions with respect to an engineering issue or issues involved in the claim2 and 7iii7 is signed by the responsible in charge or affixed with the seal of the responsible in charge1 or both4 7#b7 ,prohibition on manipulation and transmission to third parties ,the ,administrator shall require that1 in the case of any on-site inspection of a property by an engineer for the purpose of assessing any covered claim1 the final engineering report-- 7,a7 may not-- 7i7 include alterations by1 or at the request of1 anyone other than the responsible in charge for the report2 or 7ii7 be transmitted to any other person before the final engineering report is transmitted to the policyholder who submitted the covered claim2 and 7,b7 shall include a certification1 signed by the responsible in charge for the final engineering report1 that the final engineering report does not contain any alterations described in subparagraph 7,a74 7#c7 ,transmission of report without approval ,a ,write ,your ,own company or a national flood insurance program direct servicer may1 without obtaining further review or approval by the ,administrator1 transmit to a policyholder a final engineering report in the possession of the ,write ,your ,own company or the direct servicer in connection with a covered claim submitted by the policyholder4 4 #dbj4 ,improved training of agents and adjusters 7a7 ,agent training 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall require each insurance agent that issues standard flood insurance policies on behalf of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program 7under the ,write ,your ,own ,program7 or directly from the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program to take-- 7,a7 an introductory course that instructs insurance agents on how to fill out an application for a flood insurance policy2 and 7,b7 annual continuing education courses on-- 7i7 any changes in the flood insurance manual or the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program ,elevation ,certificate-- 7ii7 any increased costs of compliance2 7iii7 flood insurance mapping2 and 7iv7 any other modifications to the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program that influence the rating of a flood insurance policy4 7#b7 ,record of training ,the ,administrator shall maintain a record of each insurance agent that takes a course described in subparagraph 7,a7 or 7,b7 of paragraph 7#a74 7b7 ,certification of adjusters 7#a7 ,in general ,each insurance claims adjuster acting as an insurance agent for a ,write ,your ,own company shall-- 7,a7 by certified by the ,administrator to act as an insurance agent2 or 7,b7 act under the direct supervision of an insurance claims adjuster certified under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program4 7#b7 ,online course 7,a7 ,in general ,each insurance claims adjuster responding to a major disaster declared by the ,president under section #dja of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eagj7 shall1 if determined appropriate by the ,federal coordinating officer operating in the affected area1 take an online refresher course provided by the ,administrator to prepare the insurance claims adjuster for the unique circumstances of the major disaster4 7,b7 ,record of training ,the ,administrator shall maintain a record of each insurance claims adjuster that takes an online refresher course described in subparagraph 7,a74 7c7 ,local floodplain managers ,each regional office of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall-- 7#a7 provide training to local floodplain managers in the region on the responsibilities and procedures of local floodplain managers with respect to conducting substantial damage and substantial improvement determinations2 and 7#b7 work with applicable ,state agencies to provide the training described in paragraph 7#a7 and verify that local floodplain managers are completing the training4 #dba4 ,agent ,advisory ,council ,part ,c of chapter ,,ii of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djha et seq471 as amended by section #dah1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #aceb4 ,agent ,advisory ,council 7a7 ,establishment ,there is established a council to be known as the ,agent ,advisory ,council 7in this section referred to as the ,council74 7b7 ,membership 7#a7 ,members ,the ,council shall consist of-- 7,a7 the ,administrator1 or the designee of the ,administrator2 and 7,b7 #ab additional members appointed by the ,administrator or the designee of the ,administrator1 of whom-- 7i7 #a shall be a member of the ,national ,association of ,insurance ,commissioners2 7ii7 #a shall be a member of the ,independent ,insurance ,agents and ,brokers of ,america2 7iii7 #a shall be a member of ,united ,policyholders2 7iv7 #a shall be a representative of the ,emergency ,management ,institute of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7v7 #a shall be a representative of the ,office of the ,flood ,insurance ,advocate of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7vi7 #a shall be a representative of a national flood insurance program direct servicer2 7vii7 #a shall be a representative of a recognized professional association or organization representing homebuilders or land developers2 7viii7 #a shall be a representative of a recognized professional association or organization representing the real estate industry2 7ix7 #b shall be representatives of ,write ,your ,own companies that are in good standing with the ,administrator2 and 7x7 #b shall be at-large members4 7#b7 ,qualifications 7,a7 ,in general ,each member of the ,council shall have experience with-- 7i7 contacting policyholders under the national flood insurance program1 including with respect to applying for flood insurance and processing a claim for damage to or loss of property that is covered by flood insurance2 and 7ii7 riverine and coastal flood insurance policies4 7,b7 ,considerations ,the ,administrator shall1 to the maximum extent practicable1 ensure that the membership of the ,council has a balance of governmental and private members1 and includes geographic diversity4 7,c7 ,conflicts of interest ,a member of the ,council-- 7i7 may not1 while serving on the ,council1 be employed or retained-- 7,i7 by a ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency contractor or consultant2 or 7,,ii7 by a nongovernmental entity that was awarded a ,federal grant during the #e-year period preceding the date on which the member was appointed to the ,council2 and 7ii7 may not have been employed by a ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency contractor or consultant during the #e-year period preceding the date on which the member was appointed to the ,council4 7#c7 ,consultation ,in appointing a member of the ,council from an entity described in clauses 7i7 through 7viii7 of paragraph 7#a77;,b71 the ,administrator or the designee of the ,administrator1 as applicable1 shall consult with the entity4 7#d7 ,chairperson ,the members of the ,council shall elect #a member to serve as the chairperson of the ,council 7in this section referred to as the ,chairperson74 7c7 ,duties ,the ,council shall-- 7#a7 provide recommendations to the ,administrator on-- 7,a7 improving the customer experience for policyholders under the national flood insurance program2 7,b7 training insurance agents that issue flood insurance policies2 and 7,c7 improving the processing and handling of claims for damage to or loss of property that is covered by flood insurance2 and 7#b7 submit an annual report to the ,administrator that includes-- 7,a7 a description of the activities of the ,council2 and 7,b7 a summary of recommendations made by the ,council to the ,administrator4 7d7 ,compensation 7#a7 ,in general ,except as provided in paragraph 7#b71 a member of the ,council shall receive no additional compensation for serving on the ,council4 7#b7 ,travel expenses ,each member of the ,council may be allowed travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 in accordance with sections #egjb and #egjc of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 while away from their homes or regular places of business in performance of services for the ,council4 7e7 ,meetings and actions 7#a7 ,meetings 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,council shall meet not less frequently than twice each year at the request of the ,chairperson or a majority of the members of the ,council4 7,b7 ,initial meeting ,the ,administrator1 or a designee of the ,administrator1 shall request and coordinate the initial meeting of the ,council4 7#b7 ,action by majority vote ,the ,council may take action by a vote of the majority of the members4 7f7 ,officers ,the ,chairperson may appoint officers to assist in carrying out the duties of the ,council under subsection 7c74 7g7 ,staff ,upon the request of the ,chairperson1 the ,administrator may detail1 on a nonreimbursable basis1 personnel of the ,office of the ,flood ,insurance ,advocate of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency to assist the ,council in carrying out the duties of the ,council4 7h7 ,powers ,in carrying out this section1 the ,council may hold hearings1 receive evidence and assistance1 provide information1 and conduct research as the ,council considers appropriate4 7i7 ,report to ,congress and ,,omb ,the ,administrator shall1 on an annual basis1 submit to the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate1 the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives1 and the ,director of the ,office of ,management and ,budget a report on-- 7#a7 the recommendations made by the ,council2 and 7#b7 any recommendations made by the ,council during the year covered by the report that1 as of the date on which the report is submitted1 have been deferred or not acted upon1 together with an explanatory statement with respect to those recommendations4 7j7 ,applicability of the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act ,section #ad of the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act 7#e ,u4,s4,c4 ,app47 shall not apply to the ,council4 4 #dbb4 ,efficient use of mitigation dollars ,section #acae7;b7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djbb7;b77 is amended by adding at the end the following3 7#e7 ,regional coordinator 7,a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall appoint a regional coordinator in each region served by a ,regional ,office 7as defined in section #eja of the ,homeland ,security ,act of #bjjb 7#f ,u4,s4,c4 #caa77 to provide technical assistance to small communities to enable those communities to effectively participate in and benefit from the community rating system program4 7,b7 ,authorization of appropriations ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to carry out this paragraph1 which shall remain available until expended4 4 #dbc4 ,improved disclosure requirements ,chapter ,i of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaa et seq471 as amended by section #dad1 is amended by adding at the end the following3 #acbh4 ,disclosure in lease of property 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #ahj days after the date of enactment of this section1 the ,administrator1 in consultation with relevant ,federal agencies1 shall promulgate regulations requiring the disclosure of information relating to the flood risk and flood insurance coverage of any property that is offered for lease in accordance with subsection 7b74 7b7 ,information disclosed ,the regulations promulgated under subsection 7a7 shall require that1 before the lessee is obligated under any contract to lease property1 the lessor shall provide a written disclosure to the lessee that describes-- 7#a7 the flood zone classification of the property2 7#b7 whether the property is covered by flood insurance2 and 7#c7 the availability of contents coverage under the national flood insurance program4 4 #dbd4 ,amendments to ,financial ,assistance_/,subsidy ,arrangement ,the ,administrator shall amend the ,write ,your ,own company ,financial ,assistance_/,subsidy ,arrangement to implement the requirements of sections #dje1 #djf1 #dji1 #dab1 #dac1 #dae1 #daf1 #dag1 #dah1 #dai1 and #dbj of this ,act1 and any amendments made by those sections4 #dbe4 ,technical and conforming amendments ,section #acgj of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daba7 is amended-- 7#a7 in paragraph 7#ad71 by striking and at the end2 7#b7 in paragraph 7#ae71 by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon2 and 7#c7 by adding at the end the following3 7#af7 the term ,write ,your ,own company means a company that participates in the ,write ,your ,own ,program2 and 7#ag7 the term ,write ,your ,own ,program means the cooperative undertaking between the insurance industry and the ,federal ,insurance and ,mitigation ,administration that allows participating property and casualty insurance companies to write and service standard flood insurance policies4 4