Gallagher Introduces Legislation to Cut Building Costs and Strengthen Disaster Resilience

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Congressman James Gallagher (CA-01) introduced the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act, legislation to reduce costly federal red tape and give communities greater flexibility when adopting building codes to protect homes against natural disasters. The bill would help communities strengthen disaster resilience without imposing unnecessary costs on homebuilders and families already struggling with California's housing affordability crisis.

Under current federal law, FEMA's pre-disaster hazard mitigation program recognizes the latest published editions of relevant building codes and standards. Gallagher's legislation would expand that definition to include the two most recently published editions, allowing communities greater flexibility to qualify under the program while maintaining strong building safety standards.

“California is already one of the most expensive places in the country to build a home, and the last thing we need is Washington making it even harder,” said Congressman Gallagher. “We know firsthand in Northern California how devastating wildfires can be. We need homes that can withstand these disasters, but we also need working families to be able to afford them. This bill is a commonsense solution that gives our communities more flexibility without sacrificing safety.”

For communities throughout Northern California still recovering from devastating wildfires, rebuilding homes remains a major challenge. Rising construction costs and regulatory burdens have made it increasingly difficult for families to rebuild and for communities to expand their housing supply.

The Promoting Resilient Buildings Act would allow communities to use either of the two most recent editions of applicable consensus-based building codes and standards for purposes of FEMA's pre-disaster hazard mitigation program. The legislation preserves state and local authority over building code adoption and does not change requirements for other federal disaster assistance programs.

Gallagher's legislation reflects the amended version of the bipartisan Senate bill, S. 388, which advanced through the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee under Chairman Rand Paul (R-KY). The legislation has earned support from the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB), which represents the interests of America's homebuilding industry.

“NAHB commends Rep. Gallagher for introducing this important legislation to strengthen disaster resilience while keeping housing affordable. By recognizing the two most recent editions of relevant codes and standards for FEMA’s pre-disaster hazard mitigation program, this bill encourages communities to adopt updated building codes that improve resilience while considering costs and local needs. This practical approach preserves state and local control over code adoption and helps communities better protect families and their homes,” said Bill Owens, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders.

“Families in places like Paradise have already paid an enormous price because of devastating wildfires,” Gallagher continued. “We should be making it easier to build safer homes and bring down costs, not forcing communities to choose between affordability and disaster preparedness. That's exactly what this legislation aims to accomplish.”

The Promoting Resilient Buildings Act is part of Gallagher's ongoing efforts to make housing more affordable for California families while supporting disaster preparedness and recovery throughout the North State.

Read the full text of the Promoting Resilient Buildings Act HERE.

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Rep. James Gallagher | 408 Cannon House Office Building | Washington, DC 20515 US

Congressman James Gallagher proudly represents California’s First Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He serves on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology.