Policy Impact Analysis - 117/HR/7077

Bill Overview

Title: Empowering the U.S. Fire Administration Act

Description: This act authorizes the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to conduct on-site fire safety investigations of major fires and other fires under other specified circumstances. In the case of a major fire, the USFA may send incident investigators (e.g., safety specialists, fire protection engineers, codes and standards experts, researchers, and fire training specialists) to the site. Any such investigation shall (1) be conducted in coordination and cooperation with appropriate federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities; and (2) examine the previously determined cause and origin of the fire and assess broader systematic matters. Upon concluding any such investigation, the USFA must issue a public report to federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities on the findings of such investigation or collaborate with another investigating federal, state, local, tribal, or territorial agency on that agency's report. The act makes an exception where issuing a report would have a negative impact on a potential or ongoing criminal investigation. Additionally, the USFA may send fire investigators to conduct fire safety investigations at the site of any fire with unusual or remarkable context that results in losses less severe than those occurring as a result of a major fire, in coordination and cooperation with the appropriate federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial authorities.

Sponsors: Rep. Torres, Ritchie [D-NY-15]

Target Audience

Population: People globally affected by enhanced fire safety measures

Estimated Size: 331000000

• The bill empowers the U.S. Fire Administration (USFA) to conduct more extensive fire investigations, which will primarily impact areas in the U.S. experiencing significant fires.
• The investigations target fires of a more severe or unusual nature, potentially improving fire safety standards and practices.
• The key beneficiaries of improved fire investigation would be communities prone to fires and those seeking better fire response mechanisms globally.

Reasoning

• The policy primarily benefits communities prone to significant fires, such as those in California, due to wildfires, and urban centers with high-density housing prone to building fires.
• While the immediate effect of the policy will be on communities with major fire incidents, indirectly it affects broader safety protocols nationally, which could lead to long-term health and safety benefits.
• Given the budget constraints, the policy must prioritize major fire incidents, which may limit how often investigations can occur, affecting the policy's reach.
• Scores are based on perceived safety and response effectiveness, likely rising in affected areas, while remaining stagnant or slightly improved nationally.

Simulated Interviews

Cost Estimates

Key Considerations

• A significant variable is the frequency and scale of fires each year, affecting the number of investigations required.
• Coordination with federal, state, and local authorities may impose additional complexities in conducting and funding investigations.
• Effects on public awareness due to published reports could lead to better fire prevention measures at various government levels.