Summary
Establishes a commission to create standards for tools that federal agencies use to prepare for natural disasters, making them more reliable.
What problem does this solve?
Federal agencies use many different tools to predict risks from natural disasters, but these tools are not always consistent or trustworthy. This bill creates a special group to set clear standards, ensuring all government tools are accurate and reliable.
What does this bill do?
Establishes a new commission
Creates the Commission on Hazard Risk Assessment Tools to advise the Under Secretary of Commerce for Standards and Technology.
Sets standards for risk assessment tools
Directs the commission to develop standards and quality control measures for tools like flood maps and hazard scores used by federal agencies.
Includes diverse membership
Requires the commission to have members from federal and state agencies, various industries like insurance and banking, and universities.
Requires federal agencies to use new standards
Mandates that federal agencies use the new standards when buying risk assessment tools, with exceptions for national emergencies.
Implements conflict of interest rules
Requires commission members to disclose any financial interest in the tools being reviewed and to step away from related decisions.
Sets reporting deadlines for Congress
The commission must provide multiple reports to Congress detailing its findings, recommendations, and the effectiveness of the new standards.
Commission ends after five years
The commission is temporary and will be terminated five years after the law is passed.
Who does this affect?
- Federal government agencies
- Private sector technology companies
- State and local emergency managers
What is the real world impact?
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Standardizes government risk assessment
Creates uniform standards for hazard risk tools used by federal agencies. This ensures that decisions about disaster preparedness and response are based on consistent and reliable data, improving overall government efficiency.
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Improves private sector accountability
Requires private companies selling risk assessment tools to the government to prove their products meet new federal standards. This holds vendors accountable for the quality and accuracy of their models.
When does this start?
This bill sets several deadlines for creating a commission and its reports after the bill becomes law.
Commission establishment
The Commission on Hazard Risk Assessment Tools must be created within 180 days of the bill becoming law.
First report to Congress
The commission must submit its first report, cataloging risk assessment tools and data, no later than 9 months after it is formed.
Second report to Congress
A second report detailing the results of the commission's duties must be submitted no later than 9 months after the first report.
Third report to Congress
A third report analyzing the effectiveness of the new standards must be submitted no later than 18 months after the second report.
Commission termination
The commission will automatically end 5 years after the bill becomes law.