,,ib ,union ,calendar ,no4 #bji #aafth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #caaa ,report ,no4 #aaf-bfa ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,june #e1 #bjai ,ms4 ,velzquez introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,financial ,services ,october #bh1 #bjai ,reported with an amendment1 committed to the ,committee of the ,whole ,house on the ,state of the ,union1 and ordered to be printed ,strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic ,for text of introduced bill1 see copy of bill as introduced on ,june #e1 #bjai ,a ,,bill ,to make administrative reforms to the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program to increase fairness and accuracy and protect the taxpayer from program fraud and abuse1 and for other purposes4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents 7a7 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program ,administrative ,reform ,act of #bjai4 7b7 ,table of contents ,the table of contents for this ,act is as follows3 ,sec4 #a4 ,short title2 table of contents4 ,sec4 #b4 ,pilot program for properties with preexisting conditions4 ,sec4 #c4 ,penalties for fraud and false statements in the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program4 ,sec4 #d4 ,enhanced policyholder appeals process rights4 ,sec4 #e4 ,deadline for approval of claims4 ,sec4 #f4 ,litigation process oversight and reform4 ,sec4 #g4 ,prohibition on hiring disbarred attorneys4 ,sec4 #h4 ,technical assistance reports4 ,sec4 #i4 ,improved disclosure requirement for standard flood insurance policies4 ,sec4 #aj4 ,reserve ,fund amounts4 ,sec4 #aa4 ,sufficient staffing for ,office of ,flood ,insurance ,advocate4 ,sec4 #ab4 ,federal ,flood ,insurance ,advisory ,committee4 ,sec4 #ac4 ,interagency guidance on compliance4 ,sec4 #ad4 ,,gao study of claims adjustment practices4 ,sec4 #ae4 ,,gao study of flood insurance coverage treatment of earth movement4 ,sec4 #af4 ,definitions4 #b4 ,pilot program for properties with preexisting conditions ,section #acaa of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djah7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,pilot program for investigation of preexisting structural conditions 7#a7 ,voluntary program ,the ,administrator shall carry out a pilot program under this subsection to provide for companies participating in the ,write ,your ,own program 7as such term is defined in section #acgj7;a7 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daba7;a777 to investigate preexisting structural conditions of insured properties and potentially insured properties that could result in the denial of a claim under a policy for flood insurance coverage under this title in the event of a flood loss to such property4 ,participation in the pilot program shall be voluntary on the part of ,write ,your ,own companies4 7#b7 ,investigation of properties ,under the pilot program under this subsection1 a ,write ,your ,own company participating in the program shall-- 7,a7 provide in policies for flood insurance coverage under this title covered by the program that1 upon the request of the policyholder1 the company shall provide for-- 7i7 an investigation of the property covered by such policy1 using common methods1 to determine whether preexisting structural conditions are present that could result in the denial of a claim under such policy for flood losses2 and 7ii7 if such investigation is not determinative1 an on-site inspection of the property to determine whether such preexisting structural conditions are present2 7,b7 upon completion of an investigation or inspection pursuant to subparagraph 7,a7 that determines that such a preexisting structural condition is present or absent1 submit a report to the policyholder and ,administrator describing the condition2 and 7,c7 impose a surcharge on each policy described in subparagraph 7,a7 in such amount that the ,administrator determines is appropriate to cover the costs of investigations and inspections performed pursuant to such policies and reimburse ,write ,your ,own companies participating in the program under this subsection for such costs4 7#c7 ,interim report ,not later than ,december #ca1 #bjbc1 the ,administrator shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate describing the operation of the pilot program to that date4 7#d7 ,sunset ,the ,administrator may not provide any policy for flood insurance described in paragraph 7#b77;,a7 after ,december #ca1 #bjbd4 7#e7 ,final report ,not later than ,march #ca1 #bjbe1 the ,administrator shall submit a final report regarding the pilot program under this section to the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate4 ,the report shall include any findings and recommendations of the ,administrator regarding the pilot program4 4 #c4 ,penalties for fraud and false statements in the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program ,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 following new section3 #acdi4 ,penalties for fraud and false statements in the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program 7a7 ,prohibited acts ,a person shall not knowingly make a false1 fictitious1 or fraudulent statement1 production1 or submission in connection with the proving or adjusting of a claim for flood insurance coverage made available under this ,act4 ,such prohibited acts include-- 7#a7 knowingly forging an engineering report1 claims adjustment report or technical assistance report used to support a claim determination2 7#b7 knowingly making any materially false1 fictitious1 or fraudulent statement or representation in an engineering report1 claims adjustment report1 or technical assistance report to support a claim determination that results in a wrongful denial or substantial payment error of flood insurance coverage2 and 7#c7 knowingly submitting a materially false1 fictitious1 or fraudulent claim that results in wrongful payment of flood insurance coverage4 7b7 ,definition ,for purposes of this section1 the term knowingly means having actual awareness of the prohibitions under this part and acting deliberately in violation of such prohibitions4 7c7 ,administrative remedy ,prior to any legal action being taken related to this section1 all administrative remedies shall be exhausted4 7d7 ,rule of construction ,this section shall not be construed-- 7#a7 to prevent the ,federal ,government from bringing action against a company or individual under applicable statutes1 including the ,false ,claims ,act2 and 7#b7 as creating any action1 private right of action1 or remedy not otherwise provided by this title or under ,federal law4 7e7 ,state action ,any person found to have violated subsection 7a7 shall be referred to the appropriate and relevant ,state licensing agency by the ,attorney ,general4 4 #d4 ,enhanced policyholder appeals process rights 7a7 ,establishment ,part ,c of chapter ,,ii of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djha et seq471 as amended by the preceding provisions of this ,act1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #acej4 ,approval of decisions relating to flood insurance coverage 7a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall establish an appeals process to enable holders of a flood insurance policy provided under this title to appeal decisions1 with respect to the disallowance1 in whole or in part1 of any claims for losses covered by flood insurance4 ,such appeals shall be limited to the claim or portion of the claim disallowed4 7b7 ,appeal decision ,upon a decision in an appeal under subsection 7a71 the ,administrator shall provide the policyholder with a written appeal decision4 ,the appeal decision shall explain the ,administrator's determination to uphold1 modify1 or overturn the decision4 ,the ,administrator may direct the ,write ,your ,own company to take action necessary to resolve the appeal1 to include re-inspection1 re-adjustment1 or payment1 as appropriate4 7c7 ,deadline for appeals decision ,the ,administrator shall issue an appeals decision pursuant to subsection 7b7 not later than the expiration of the #abj-;day period beginning upon the day on which the ,administrator acknowledges receipt of a request by the policyholder to pursue an appeal of the initial determination regarding approval1 disapproval1 or amount of payment by the ,administrator4 ,in cases where extraordinary circumstances1 as established by regulation1 are demonstrated1 the #abj-;day period may be extended by additional successive periods of #cj days4 7d7 ,administrative remedy ,a policyholder shall exhaust all administrative remedies1 including submission of disputed claims to appeal under subsection 7a71 prior to commencing legal action on a disputed claim4 7e7 ,rules of construction ,this section shall not be construed as-- 7#a7 making the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency or the ,administrator a party to the flood insurance contract2 or 7#b7 creating any action or remedy not otherwise provided by this title4 7f7 ,policyholder litigation ,this section shall not be construed to prevent a policyholder from bringing legal action against the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency or a ,write ,your ,own company following the exhaustion of all administrative remedies and pursuant to applicable statute4 4 7b7 ,maintenance of litigation rights ,section #acda of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djgb7 is amended by adding after the period at the end the following3 ,for purposes of this section1 the time from which the ,administrator has acknowledged receipt of a request by the policyholder to pursue an appeal of the initial determination regarding approval1 disapproval1 or amount of payment by the ,administrator until the ,administrator mails a final determination of such appeal shall not be considered towards the one year statute of limitation under this ,act4 ,however1 this section shall not be construed as creating any action or remedy not otherwise provided by this title44 7c7 ,repeal ,section #bje of the ,bunning-,bereuter-,blumenauer ,flood ,insurance ,reform ,act of #bjjd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaa note7 is hereby repealed4 #e4 ,deadline for approval of claims 7a7 ,in general ,section #acab of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djai7 is amended-- 7#a7 in subsection 7a71 by striking ,the ,administrator and inserting ,subject to other provisions of this section1 the ,administrator2 and 7#b7 by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7d7 ,deadline for approval of claims 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,administrator shall provide that1 in the case of any claim for damage to or loss of property under flood insurance coverage made available under this title1 an initial determination regarding approval of a claim for payment or disapproval of the claim be made1 and notification of such determination be provided to the insured making such claim1 not later than the expiration of the #abj-;day period 7as such period may be extended pursuant to paragraph 7#b77 beginning upon the day on which the policyholder submits a signed proof of loss detailing the damage and amount of the loss4 ,payment of approved claims shall be made as soon as possible after such approval4 7#b7 ,extension of deadline ,the ,administrator shall-- 7,a7 provide that the period referred to in paragraph 7#a7 may be extended by additional successive periods of #cj days in cases where extraordinary circumstances are demonstrated2 and 7,b7 establish1 by regulation1 criteria for demonstrating such extraordinary circumstances4 4 7b7 ,applicability ,the amendments made by subsection 7a7 shall apply to any claim under flood insurance coverage made available under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djja et seq47 pending on the date of the enactment of this ,act and any claims made after such date of enactment4 #f4 ,litigation process oversight and reform 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 the preceding provisions of this ,act1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #acea4 ,oversight of litigation 7a7 ,oversight ,the ,administrator shall monitor and oversee litigation conducted by ,write ,your ,own companies arising under contracts for flood insurance sold pursuant to this title1 to ensure that-- 7#a7 litigation expenses are reasonable1 appropriate1 and cost-effective2 and 7#b7 ,write ,your ,own companies comply with guidance and procedures established by the ,administrator regarding the conduct of litigation4 7b7 ,denial of reimbursement for expenses ,the ,administrator may deny reimbursement for litigation expenses that are determined to be unreasonable1 excessive1 contrary to guidance issued by the ,administrator1 or outside the scope of any arrangement entered into with a ,write ,your ,own company4 7c7 ,joint defense 7#a7 ,authority ,the ,administrator and the ,write ,your ,own companies may enter into1 and operate under1 a joint defense agreement for any claim or lawsuit1 or multiple claims or lawsuits1 arising under a contract of flood insurance4 7#b7 ,free flow of information ,under such joint defense agreement1 there may be the free flow of information between the ,write ,your ,own companies1 the ,administrator1 the ,united ,states ,department of ,justice1 and legal counsel for the ,write ,your ,own companies for the purpose of litigation coordination and to allow the ,administrator to perform oversight responsibility of such litigation4 7#c7 ,arrangement ,such joint defense agreement may be included in the ,arrangement between the ,administrator and the ,write ,your ,own companies4 7#d7 ,regulations ,the ,administrator may issue rules or regulations or provide such formal guidance as the ,administrator considers necessary and appropriate in order to further such joint defense agreement with the ,write ,your ,own companies4 4 7b7 ,implementation ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall initiate compliance with section #acea7;c7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh1 as added by the amendment made by subsection 7a7 of this section1 not later than the expiration of the #ab-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #g4 ,prohibition on hiring disbarred attorneys ,part ,c of chapter ,,ii of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djha et seq471 as amended by the preceding provisions of this ,act1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new section3 #aceb4 ,prohibition on hiring disbarred attorneys ,the ,administrator may not at any time newly employ in connection with the flood insurance program under this title any attorney who has been suspended or disbarred by any court1 bar1 or ,federal or ,state agency to which the individual was previously admitted to practice4 4 #h4 ,technical assistance reports 7a7 ,use ,section #acab of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djai71 as amended by the preceding provisions of this ,act1 is further amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7e7 ,use of technical assistance reports ,when adjusting claims for any damage to or loss of property which is covered by flood insurance made available under this title1 the ,administrator may rely upon technical assistance reports1 as such term is defined in section #acab;,a1 only if such reports are final and are prepared in compliance with applicable ,state and ,federal laws regarding professional licensure and conduct4 4 7b7 ,disclosure ,the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh is amended by inserting after section #acab 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djai7 the following new section3 #acab;,a4 ,disclosure of technical assistance reports 7a7 ,in general ,notwithstanding section #eeb;a of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 upon request by a policyholder1 the ,administrator shall provide a true1 complete1 and unredacted copy of any technical assistance report that the ,administrator relied upon in adjusting and paying for any damage to or loss of property insured by the policyholder and covered by flood insurance made available under this title4 ,such disclosures shall be in addition to any other right of disclosure otherwise made available pursuant such section #eeb;a or any other provision of law4 7b7 ,direct disclosure by ,write ,your ,own companies and direct servicing agents ,a ,write ,your ,own company or direct servicing agent in possession of a technical assistance report subject to disclosure under subsection 7a7 may disclose such technical assistance report without further review or approval by the ,administrator4 7c7 ,definitions ,for purposes of this section1 the following definitions shall apply3 7#a7 ,policyholder ,the term policyholder means a person or persons shown as an insured on the declarations page of a policy for flood insurance coverage sold pursuant to this title4 7#b7 ,technical assistance report ,the term technical assistance report means a report created for the purpose of furnishing technical assistance to an insurance claims adjuster assigned by the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program1 including by engineers1 surveyors1 salvors1 architects1 and certified public accounts4 4 #i4 ,improved disclosure requirement for standard flood insurance policies 7a7 ,in general ,section #ajjbcd of the ,biggert-,waters ,flood ,insurance ,reform ,act of #bjab 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djac;a7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsections3 7c7 ,disclosure of coverage 7#a7 ,disclosure sheet ,each policy under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program shall include a standard disclosure sheet that is produced by the ,administrator that sets forth1 in plain language-- 7,a7 the definition of the term flood for purposes of coverage under the policy2 7,b7 a description of what type of flood forces are necessary so that losses from an event are covered under the policy1 including overflow of inland or tidal waves1 unusual and rapid accumulation or runoff of a surface any source1 and mudflow2 7,c7 a statement acknowledging that a standard flood insurance policy does not cover basement improvements1 such as finished walls1 floors1 and ceilings1 or personal property kept in a basement2 7,d7 a statement acknowledging a standard flood insurance policy does not include coverage for personal property1 but such coverage may be purchased1 for some personal property contained in a basement1 as well as personal belongings contained elsewhere in the dwelling2 7,e7 a statement of the other types and characteristics of losses that are not covered under the policy2 7,f7 a statement that the disclosure sheet provides general information about the policyholder's standard flood insurance policy2 7,g7 a statement that the standard flood insurance policy1 together with the endorsements and declarations page1 make up the official contract and are controlling in the event that there is any difference between the information on the disclosure sheet and the information in the policy2 7,h7 a statement that1 if the policyholder has any questions regarding information in the disclosure sheet or policy1 the policyholder should contact the entity selling the policy on behalf of the ,program1 together with contact information sufficient to allow the policyholder to contact such entity2 and 7,i7 any other information that the ,administrator determines will be helpful to policyholder in understanding flood insurance coverage4 7#b7 ,acknowledgment sheet ,each policy application under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program shall include an acknowledgment sheet on which the policyholder shall affirmatively-- 7,a7 acknowledge that the policyholder received the disclosure sheet required under paragraph 7#a72 7,b7 accept or decline coverage for personal property2 7,c7 accept or decline other optional coverage that may be available2 7,d7 acknowledge the policyholder's understanding that the standard flood insurance policy1 together with the endorsements and declarations page1 make up the official contract and are controlling in the event that there is any difference between the information on the acknowledgment sheet and the information in the policy2 and 7,e7 acknowledge that the policyholder has been provided and has reviewed a summary1 which may be the policy declarations page1 of the total cost1 amount and extent of insurance coverage provided under the policy4 7d7 ,rule of construction ,this section shall not be construed to void or alter the coverage terms of the underlying standard flood insurance policy and the corresponding endorsements4 ,in the event that the customer does not affirmatively acknowledge the requirements under subsection 7c77#b71 a ,write ,your ,own company may still issue the policy on behalf of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program under such terms4 4 7b7 ,repeals ,sections #bjb and #bjc of the ,bunning-,bereuter-,blumenauer ,flood ,insurance ,reform ,act of #bjjd 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djaa note7 are hereby repealed4 #aj4 ,reserve ,fund amounts ,section #acaj of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djag7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7g7 ,crediting of ,reserve ,fund amounts ,funds collected pursuant to section #acaj;,a may be credited to the ,fund under this section to be available for the purpose described in subsection 7d77#a74 4 #aa4 ,sufficient staffing for ,office of ,flood ,insurance ,advocate 7a7 ,in general ,section #bd of the ,homeowner ,flood ,insurance ,affordability ,act of #bjad 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djcc7 is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection3 7c7 ,staff ,the ,administrator shall ensure that the ,flood ,insurance ,advocate has sufficient staff to carry out all of the duties and responsibilities of the ,advocate under this section4 4 7b7 ,timing ,the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency shall take such actions as may be necessary to provide for full compliance with section #bd7;c7 of the ,homeowner ,flood ,insurance ,affordability ,act of #bjad1 as added by the amendment made by subsection 7a7 of this section1 not later than the expiration of the #ahj-;day period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act4 #ab4 ,federal ,flood ,insurance ,advisory ,committee ,section #acah of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djbe7 is amended to read as follows3 #acah4 ,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 ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency 7in this section referred to as the ,administrator71 or the designee thereof2 and 7,b7 additional members appointed by the ,administrator or the designee of the ,administrator1 who shall include-- 7i7 three representatives of ,write ,your ,own companies2 7ii7 one 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 one representative of the financial or insurance sectors who is involved in risk transfers1 including reinsurance1 resilience bonds1 and other insurance-linked securities2 7iv7 one actuary with demonstrated high-level knowledge of catastrophic risk insurance2 7v7 two insurance agents or brokers with demonstrated experience with the sale of flood insurance under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program1 one of whom shall have demonstrated expertise in the challenges in insuring low-income communities2 7vi7 one insurance claims specialist2 7vii7 one representative of a recognized consumer advocacy organization2 and 7viii7 one representative from an academic institution who has demonstrated expertise in insurance4 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 ,administrator shall submit1 and the ,committee shall review and make recommendations on1 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 the public-private partnership under the ,write ,your ,own arrangement1 general best insurance practices1 and any significant changes proposed to be made regarding the operation of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program4 7d7 ,chairperson ,the members of the ,committee shall elect one member to serve as the chairperson of the ,committee 7in this section referred to as the ,chairperson74 7e7 ,compensation ,members of the ,committee shall receive no additional compensation by reason of their service on the ,committee4 ,members may be reimbursed by the ,federal ,government for travel expenses1 including per diem in lieu of subsistence1 at rates consistent with rates authorized for employees of ,federal agencies under subchapter #a of chapter #eg of title #e1 ,united ,states ,code1 while away from home or regular places of business in performance of service for the ,committee4 7f7 ,meetings and actions 7#a7 ,in general ,the ,committee shall meet not less frequently than twice each year at the request of the ,chairperson or a majority of its members1 and may take action by a vote of the majority of the members in accordance with the ,committee's charter4 7#b7 ,initial meeting ,the ,administrator1 or a person designated by the ,administrator1 shall request and coordinate the initial meeting of the ,committee4 7g7 ,transparency2 ,,faca ,to the greatest extent possible1 the ,committee shall operate in a transparent manner that adheres to the requirements of the ,federal ,advisory ,committee ,act1 with the exception that the ,committee shall be permitted to freely communicate both during and between meetings under paragraph 7f7 in a confidential manner to discuss non-public information regarding the operations of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program and other sensitive and non-public issues4 ,if such communication occurs1 the ,committee shall1 to the greatest extent possible1 report a summary of such discussions in an appropriate public manner4 7h7 ,staff of ,,fema ,upon the request of the ,chairperson1 the ,administrator may detail1 on a non-reimbursable basis1 personnel of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency to assist the ,committee in carrying out its duties4 7i7 ,powers ,in carrying out this section1 the ,committee may hold hearings1 receive evidence and assistance1 provide information1 and conduct research1 as it considers appropriate4 7j7 ,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 such recommendations to improve the insurance aspects of the national flood insurance program2 and 7#c7 any recommendations made by the ,committee that have been deferred or not acted upon1 together with an explanatory statement4 7k7 ,rule of construction ,this section shall not be construed to eliminate or alter any requirement on the ,administrator associated with the notification or consultation of specified individuals or groups of individuals as required elsewhere by statute4 4 #ac4 ,interagency guidance on compliance ,the ,federal entities for lending regulation 7as such term is defined in section #c7;a7 of the ,flood ,disaster ,protection ,act of #aigc 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djjc7;a7771 in consultation with the ,administrator of the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency1 shall update and reissue the document entitled ,interagency ,questions and ,answers ,regarding ,flood ,insurance not later than the expiration of the #ab-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act and not less frequently than biennially thereafter4 #ad4 ,,gao study of claims adjustment practices ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study of the policies and practices for adjustment of claims for losses under flood insurance coverage made available under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act1 which shall include-- 7#a7 a comparison of such policies and practices with the policies and practices for adjustment of claims for losses under other insurance coverage2 7#b7 an assessment of the quality of the adjustments conducted and the effects of such policies and practices on such quality2 7#c7 identification of any incentives under such policies and practices that affect the speed with which such adjustments are conducted2 and 7#d7 identification of the affects of such policies and practices on insureds submitting such claims for losses4 ,not later than the expiration of the #ah-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate regarding the findings and conclusions of the study conducted pursuant to this section4 #ae4 ,,gao study of flood insurance coverage treatment of earth movement ,the ,comptroller ,general of the ,united ,states shall conduct a study of the treatment1 under flood insurance coverage made available under the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act1 of earth movement and subsidence1 including earth movement and subsidence caused by flooding1 which shall include-- 7#a7 identification and analysis of the effects of such treatment on the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program and insureds under the program2 7#b7 an assessment of the availability and affordability of coverage in the private insurance market for earth movement and subsidence caused by flooding2 7#c7 an assessment of the effects on the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program of covering earth movement and subsidence caused by flooding2 and 7#d7 a projection of the increased premiums that would be required to make coverage for earth movement losses actuarially sound and not fiscally detrimental to the continuation of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,program4 ,not later than the expiration of the #ah-month period beginning on the date of the enactment of this ,act1 the ,comptroller ,general shall submit a report to the ,committee on ,financial ,services of the ,house of ,representatives and the ,committee on ,banking1 ,housing1 and ,urban ,affairs of the ,senate regarding the findings and conclusions of the study conducted pursuant to this section4 #af4 ,definitions 7a7 ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh ,subsection 7a7 of section #acgj of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daba7;a77 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 following new paragraphs3 7#af7 the term ,write ,your ,own ,program means the program under which the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency enters into a standard arrangement with private property insurance companies to sell contracts for flood insurance coverage under this title under their own business lines of insurance1 and to adjust and pay claims arising under such contracts2 and 7#ag7 the term ,write ,your ,own company means a private property insurance company that participates in the ,write ,your ,own ,program4 4 7b7 ,biggert-,waters ,flood ,insurance ,reform ,act of #bjab ,subsection 7a7 of section #ajjbjb of the ,biggert-,waters ,flood ,insurance ,reform ,act of #bjab 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #djjd7;a77 is amended by striking paragraph 7#e7 and inserting the following new paragraph3 7#e7 ,write ,your ,own ,the terms ,write ,your ,own ,program and ,write ,your ,own company have the meanings given such terms in section #acgj7;a7 of the ,national ,flood ,insurance ,act of #aifh 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #daba7;a774 4 ,october #bh1 #bjai ,reported with an amendment1 committed to the ,committee of the ,whole ,house on the ,state of the ,union1 and ordered to be printed