To require the Director to conduct a study on the impact, effectiveness, and feasibility of amending section 1361 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to include widely used and nationally recognized building codes as part of the floodplain management criteria developed under such section.

SA 4711. Mr. DeMINT submitted an amendment intended to be proposed by
him to the bill S. 2284, to amend the National Flood Insurance Act of
1968, to restore the financial solvency of the flood insurance fund,
and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as
follows:

At the end, add the following:

SEC. ____. REPORT ON INCLUSION OF BUILDING CODES IN
FLOODPLAIN MANAGEMENT CRITERIA.

Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of
this Act, the Director of the Federal Emergency Management
Agency shall conduct a study and submit a report to the
Committee on Financial Services of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Banking, Housing, and
Urban Affairs of the Senate regarding the impact,
effectiveness, and feasibility of amending section 1361 of
the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (42 U.S.C. 4102) to
include widely used and nationally recognized building codes
as part of the floodplain management criteria developed under
such section, and shall determine--
(1) the regulatory, financial, and economic impacts of such
a building code requirement on homeowners, States and local
communities, local land use policies, and the Federal
Emergency Management Agency;
(2) the resources required of State and local communities
to administer and enforce such a building code requirement;
(3) the effectiveness of such a building code requirement
in reducing flood-related damage to buildings and contents;
(4) the impact of such a building code requirement on the
actuarial soundness of the National Flood Insurance Program;
(5) the effectiveness of nationally recognized codes in
allowing innovative materials and systems for flood-resistant
construction; and
(6) the feasibility and effectiveness of providing an
incentive in lower premium rates for flood insurance coverage
under such Act for structures meeting whichever of such
widely used and nationally recognized building code or any
applicable local building code provides greater protection
from flood damage.

[[Page S3836]]

______