Intended to encourage residential property mitigation and stronger building codes, respectively, two bills were filed in the U.S. House of Representatives during June 2011.  Below is a summary of each:

 H.R. 2099 – The Natural Disaster Mitigation Act of 2011      

On June 2, 2011, United States Representatives Tom Rooney (R-Fla.), Bennie Thompson (D-Miss.), Allan West (R-Fla.) and Jo Bonner (R-AL), introduced  H.R. 2099, known as “The Natural Disaster Mitigation Act of 2011.” 

The bill offers a tax credit of up to $5,000 for property owners who prepare their homes against damages from hurricanes and other natural disasters by amending the Internal Revenue Code of 1986.  Purchases by homeowners to improve the strength of a roof, protect openings from penetration by windborne debris, and protect exterior doors and garages are among the list of expenditures that qualify for the tax credit. 

The bill has been referred to the House Committee on Ways and Means.  If passed, the bill becomes effective as of December 31, 2011. 

 H.R. 2069 – The Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2011

H.R. 2069, also called “The Safe Building Code Incentive Act of 2011,” is sponsored by United States Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (R-Fla.) and co-sponsored by United States Representatives Albio Sires (D-N.J.) and Richard Hanna (R-N.Y.), and was introduced on June 1, 2011 to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. 

The bill would provide an additional four percent in funding from grants administered by the Federal Emergency Management Agency after the declaration of a major disaster to states that actively enforce strong statewide building codes.  States would be required to submit nationally recognized building codes to the President of the United States for approval. 

H.R. 2069 has been referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management.