Flood Insurance Affordability and Sustainability Act of 2017

To reauthorize the National Flood Insurance Program, and for other purposes. 1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Flood Insurance Affordability and Sustainability Act of 2017 2. Table of contents The table of contents for this Act is as follows: Sec. 1. Short title. Sec. 2. Table of contents. Sec. 3. Definitions. Sec. 4. Extension of national flood insurance program. TITLE I—Enhancing the Solvency and Sustainability of the National Flood Insurance Program Sec. 101. Risk transfer. Sec. 102. Expanded flood insurance participation study. TITLE II—Enhancing Flood Insurance Affordability and Accessibility Sec. 201. Use of premium surcharges. Sec. 202. Disclosure with respect to the affordability standard. Sec. 203. Flood risk disclosure. Sec. 204. Increased cost of compliance. Sec. 205. Property risk data. Sec. 206. Mitigation provisions. Sec. 207. Home structure values. Sec. 208. Affordability vouchers. Sec. 209. Coverage limits. Sec. 210. Monthly installment payment of premiums. TITLE III—Agreed Value Pilot Program Sec. 301. Short title. Sec. 302. Definitions. Sec. 303. Agreed Value Flood Protection Pilot Program. Sec. 304. Use of agreed value flood protection to satisfy requirement to purchase flood insurance to receive a mortgage loan. Sec. 305. Agreed Value Flood Protection Program Reserve Fund. Sec. 306. Rule of construction. TITLE IV—Providing private market access, accountability, and competition Sec. 401. Use of private flood insurance to satisfy mandatory purchase requirement. Sec. 402. Provision of private flood insurance by write your own companies. Sec. 403. Availability of NFIP claims data. Sec. 404. Fees and surcharges for private flood insurance policies. Sec. 405. Write Your Own Risk Sharing Pilot Program. TITLE V—Modernizing flood mapping and flood risk accuracy Sec. 501. Reauthorization of National Flood Mapping Program. Sec. 502. Mapping standards and guidelines for nongovernmental entities. Sec. 503. Use of high-resolution mapping technology. Sec. 504. Protected areas. Sec. 505. Coastal flood models. TITLE VI—Enhancing National Flood Insurance Program transparency and accountability Sec. 601. Deadline for approval of claims. Sec. 602. Flood insurance transparency, accountability, and reform. Sec. 603. Reports to Congress. 3. Definitions (a) Freestanding definitions In this Act— (1) the term Administrator (2) the terms Federal flood insurance private flood insurance 42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(7) (3) the term mandatory purchase requirement 42 U.S.C. 4012a (4) the term National Flood Insurance Program 42 U.S.C. 4001 (5) the term repetitive loss structure 42 U.S.C. 4121(a) (6) the term severe repetitive loss structure 42 U.S.C. 4104c(h) (7) the term Standard Flood Insurance Policy (8) the term target housing (A) is in an area that has been identified by the Administrator as an area having special flood hazards; or (B) has incurred flood damage; (9) the term Write Your Own company (10) the term Write Your Own Program (A) sell contracts for Federal flood insurance under their own business lines of insurance; and (B) adjust and pay claims arising under the contracts described in subparagraph (A). (b) National Flood Insurance Act Section 1370(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4121(a) (1) in paragraph (14), by striking and (2) in paragraph (15), by striking the period at the end and inserting a semicolon; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (16) the term claim report (17) the term private flood insurance 42 U.S.C. 4012a(b) (18) the term Write Your Own company (19) the term Write Your Own Program (A) sell contracts for Federal flood insurance under their own business lines of insurance; and (B) adjust and pay claims arising under the contracts described in subparagraph (A). . (c) Technical and conforming amendment Section 100202(a) of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 ( 42 U.S.C. 4004(a) (5) Write Your Own Program The term Write Your Own Program (A) sell contracts for Federal flood insurance under their own business lines of insurance; and (B) adjust and pay claims arising under the contracts described in subparagraph (A). . 4. Extension of national flood insurance program (a) Financing Section 1309(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4016(a) September 30, 2017 September 30, 2027 (b) Program expiration Section 1319 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4026 September 30, 2017 September 30, 2027 I Enhancing the Solvency and Sustainability of the National Flood Insurance Program 101. Risk transfer Section 1345 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4081 (e) Risk transfer (1) In general The Administrator shall annually transfer a portion of the risk associated with the flood insurance program to the private reinsurance or capital markets— (A) if the Administrator has determined that the rates and terms of the transfer are reasonable and appropriate; and (B) in an amount that is sufficient to— (i) maintain the ability of the program to pay claims; and (ii) limit the exposure of the program to potential catastrophic losses from extreme events. (2) Forms of transfer In carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider all forms of risk transfer, including traditional reinsurance, catastrophe bonds, collateralized reinsurance, resilience bonds, and other insurance-linked securities, in order to— (A) maximize pricing competition and the diversity of sources of capital; and (B) secure the best value for the flood insurance program. . 102. Expanded flood insurance participation study (a) In general The Administrator, in coordination with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, shall conduct a study that proposes to address, through programmatic and regulatory changes, how to increase participation in flood insurance coverage, including flood insurance purchased under the National Flood Insurance Program and private flood insurance. (b) Options In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Administrator shall consider the following options: (1) Expanding participation in flood insurance coverage, beyond areas having special flood hazards, to areas of moderate or minimal flood hazard risk. (2) Automatically enrolling consumers in flood insurance while providing consumers the opportunity to decline enrollment. (3) Bundled flood insurance coverage that diversifies risk across all or multiple-peril forms. (c) Report Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit a report on the study conducted under subsection (a) to— (1) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate; (2) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate; (3) the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives; and (4) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of Representatives. II Enhancing Flood Insurance Affordability and Accessibility 201. Use of premium surcharges Chapter I of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4011 (1) in section 1308A ( 42 U.S.C. 4015a (A) by redesignating subsection (c) as subsection (d); (B) by inserting after subsection (b) the following: (c) Use of surcharges The Administrator shall use any surcharge imposed and collected under subsection (a) to help fund flood mitigation programs, including the program established under section 1366. ; and (C) in subsection (d), as so redesignated, by striking Subsections (a) and (b) Subsections (a) through (c) (2) in section 1310A(c) ( 42 U.S.C. 4017A(c) 202. Disclosure with respect to the affordability standard Section 1308(j) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4015(j) and shall include in the report the number of those exceptions as of the date on which the Administrator submits the report and the location of each policyholder insured under those exceptions, organized by county and State of the Senate 203. Flood risk disclosure (a) In general Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall promulgate regulations for the disclosure of flood risk hazards with respect to any residential or commercial property that is offered for sale or lease. (b) Requirements The regulations promulgated under subsection (a) shall require that, before a purchaser or lessee is obligated under any contract to purchase or lease a property, the seller or lessor, as applicable, shall— (1) provide the purchaser or lessee with a flood risk information pamphlet produced by the Administrator; (2) disclose to the purchaser or lessee the available flood risk profile of the property, including— (A) information available to the seller or lessor regarding any past— (i) flood damage to the property; or (ii) claim for loss with respect to the property under— (I) the National Flood Insurance Program; or (II) private flood insurance; (B) information known to the seller or lessor regarding any designation of the property as— (i) a repetitive loss structure; or (ii) a severe repetitive loss structure; (C) any elevation certificate obtained with respect to the property that is available to the seller or lessor; and (D) any requirement that the property be covered by flood insurance because the property owner, on the date on which the property is sold or leased, or a previous owner, obtained any form of disaster assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 (3) establish a 10-day period (or a period of a different length of time if mutually agreed upon by the parties) during which the purchaser or lessor may review options for managing or mitigating flood risk with respect to the property. (c) Compliance assurance The regulations promulgated under subsection (a) shall require that, when a seller or lessor has entered into a contract with an agent to sell or lease a unit of target housing, the agent shall, on behalf of the seller or lessor, ensure compliance with this section. 204. Increased cost of compliance (a) Increase in limitation on liability Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall amend the Standard Flood Insurance Policy to— (1) increase the limitation on liability relating to Coverage D—Increased Cost of Compliance (2) provide that 50 percent of the amount described in paragraph (1) shall be available to the insured without regard to whether making that amount available to the insured would exceed the overall policy limit of the insured. (b) Premiums; coverage limits Section 1304(b) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4011(b) (1) in paragraph (3), by striking compliance with the land use and control measures. the implementation of such measures; and (2) in paragraph (4), by redesignating subparagraphs (A) through (D) as clauses (i) through (iv), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly; (3) by redesignating paragraphs (1) through (4) as subparagraphs (A) through (D), respectively, and adjusting the margins accordingly; (4) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), as so redesignated, by striking The national (1) In general The national ; and (5) by striking the flush text following paragraph (1)(D)(iv), as so redesignated, and inserting the following: (2) Premiums The Administrator shall charge a premium on each insured of not more than $75 per policy to provide cost of compliance coverage in accordance with the provisions of this subsection. (3) Coverage limits Any amount of coverage that is provided under this subsection with respect to a property is in addition to, and shall not be considered for the purposes of, any limitation on coverage that is applicable to the property under section 1306(b). . 205. Property risk data Chapter I of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4011 1326. Premium credit for submitting property risk data (a) In general Subject to subsection (b), the Administrator may offer a policyholder under the national flood insurance program a premium credit of not more than $500 if the policyholder submits data and information that is necessary for the Administrator to determine the level of risk of flood with respect to the property covered by the policy as of the date on which the policyholder submits the data and information to the Administrator. (b) Limitation The Administrator may offer a premium credit under subsection (a) only once with respect to any building. . 206. Mitigation provisions (a) Mitigation strategies Section 1361(d)(1) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4102(d)(1) (1) in subparagraph (A), by striking and (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking and (3) by inserting after subparagraph (B) the following: (C) with respect to buildings in dense urban environments, methods that can be deployed on a block or neighborhood scale; and (D) elevation of mechanical systems; and . (b) Mitigation credit Section 1308(k) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4015(k) (1) by striking shall take into account (1) take into account ; (2) in paragraph (1), as so designated, by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (2) offer a reduction of the risk premium rate charged to a policyholder in an amount that is not less than 10 percent of that rate if the policyholder implements any mitigation method described in paragraph (1). . (c) Coverage for cooperatives (1) In general Section 1306 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4013 (e) Cooperatives (1) Definition In this subsection, the term cooperative building (2) Equal treatment with condominiums Notwithstanding any other provision of law, an owner of a share of a cooperative building shall be eligible to purchase flood insurance coverage under the national flood insurance program on the same terms as a condominium owner. . (2) Payment of claims Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4019 (A) in subsection (c)— (i) in the subsection heading, by inserting and cooperative condominium (ii) by inserting or owners of a share of a cooperative building condominium owners (iii) by inserting or cooperative association condominium association (B) by adding at the end the following: (d) Definitions In this section, the terms cooperative association cooperative building . 207. Home structure values (a) Study and report (1) Study The Administrator shall conduct a study, the purpose of which shall be to— (A) evaluate best practices in the insurance industry for risk rating and classification, including practices that consider replacement cost value when estimating premium rates; and (B) with respect to the estimates made by the Administrator under section 1307(a)(1) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(1) (i) assess options, methods, and strategies for including replacement cost value in the estimates; (ii) identify recommendations for including replacement cost value in the estimates; (iii) identify an appropriate methodology by which replacement cost value could be incorporated into the estimates; and (iv) develop a feasible implementation plan and projected timeline for including replacement cost value in the estimates. (2) Report Not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that contains— (A) the results of the study conducted under paragraph (1) (referred to in this paragraph as the study (B) an analysis of the recommendations made by the study and the impacts that those recommendations would have on the National Flood Insurance Program, including cost considerations; (C) a description of actions taken by the Administrator to implement the recommendations made by the study; (D) a list of any recommendations made by the study that, as of the date on which the Administrator submits the report, the Administrator has deferred or upon which the Administrator has not acted; and (E) an explanatory statement with respect to each recommendation described in subparagraph (D). (b) Implementation (1) In general Section 1307(a)(1)(A) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(1)(A) (A) in clause (i), by striking and (B) in clause (ii), by striking , and ; and (C) by adding at the end the following: (iii) the replacement cost value of an insured structure when determining underinsurance loading factors, consistent with the requirements of section 1308(e) and taking into account the results of the study conducted under section 206(a)(1) of the Flood Insurance Affordability and Sustainability Act of 2017 . (2) Effective date The amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date that is 1 year after the date on which the Administrator submits the report under subsection (a)(2). 208. Affordability vouchers Chapter I of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4011 1327. Affordability vouchers (a) Definitions In this section— (1) the term area median income (2) the term eligible household (A) that has a total household income that is less than 165 percent of the area median income for the area in which the household is located; (B) for which the cost of flood insurance premiums, surcharges, and fees in a year would result in excess costs for the household for that year; and (C) that— (i) renews an existing flood insurance policy under the national flood insurance program for building coverage for a property that is in an area having special flood hazards; or (ii) purchases a flood insurance policy under the national flood insurance program for building coverage for an existing structure that was owned and occupied by the household before the date on which the building was determined to be located in an area having special flood hazards due to a revision of, or an update to, a floodplain area or flood risk zone that is identified, delineated, or established by the Administrator; (3) the term excess costs (A) for a household that has a total household income that is greater than 80 percent of the area median income for the area in which the household is located, the amount by which— (i) the sum of— (I) the total amount of premiums, surcharges, and fees paid by a household in a year with respect to a flood insurance policy provided under this title; and (II) the housing expenses incurred by the household in that year; exceeds (ii) 40 percent of the total household income for the household in that year; and (B) for a household that has a total household income that is not greater than 80 percent of the area median income for the area in which the household is located, the amount by which the flood insurance premiums, surcharges, and fees for a flood insurance policy provided under this title in a year for the household exceeds 1 percent of the coverage limit of that flood insurance policy under section 1306(b); and (4) the term housing expenses (A) mortgage payments; (B) property taxes; and (C) homeowners insurance. (b) Vouchers The Administrator shall, when the Administrator determines appropriate, provide a voucher to an eligible household in accordance with subsection (c) to use toward the payment of flood insurance premiums, surcharges, and fees incurred by the household in the year for which the voucher is provided. (c) Calculation (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), the Administrator shall provide a voucher to an eligible household as follows: (A) An eligible household that has a total household income that is not greater than 80 percent of area median income shall receive a voucher in an amount that is equal to 100 percent of the excess costs incurred by the household for the year preceding the year in which the eligible household receives the voucher. (B) An eligible household that has a total household income that is greater than 80 percent of area median income and not greater than 120 percent of area median income shall receive a voucher in an amount that is equal to 80 percent of the excess costs incurred by the household for the year preceding the year in which the eligible household receives the voucher. (C) An eligible household that has a total household income that is greater than 120 percent of area median income and less than 165 percent of area median income shall receive a voucher in an amount that is equal to 60 percent of the excess costs for the year preceding the year in which the eligible household receives the voucher. (2) Limitation The Administrator may not provide a voucher to an eligible household in an amount that is more than the total amount that the eligible household paid in premiums, surcharges, and fees for a flood insurance policy provided under this title during the year preceding the year in which the voucher is provided. . 209. Coverage limits (a) In general Section 1306 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4013 (1) in subsection (b)— (A) in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking In addition to any other terms and conditions under subsection (a), such regulations The Administrator (B) in paragraph (2)— (i) by striking shall be made may be made (ii) by striking $250,000 the baseline amount (C) in paragraph (3)— (i) by striking shall be made may be made (ii) by striking $100,000 50 percent of the baseline amount (D) in paragraph (4)— (i) by striking shall be made may be made (ii) by striking $500,000 200 percent of the baseline amount (2) by adding at the end the following: (e) Definition (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), in this section, the term baseline amount 12 U.S.C. 1717(b)(2) (2) Clarification If, after the date of enactment of this subsection, the baseline amount, as defined in paragraph (1), decreases as compared with the baseline amount in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this subsection, the baseline amount that was in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this subsection shall be deemed to be the baseline amount for the purposes of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of subsection (b). . (b) Authority of Administrator To sell policies The Administrator may sell a policy for flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program that meets the requirements of paragraphs (2), (3), and (4) of section 1306(b) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4013(b) (1) section 61.6 of title 44, Code of Federal Regulations, as in effect on the day before the date of enactment of this Act; or (2) any other provision of law. 210. Monthly installment payment of premiums Section 1308(g) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4015(g) (1) by striking With respect to (1) Annual or monthly option Subject to paragraph (2), with respect to ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) Monthly installment With respect to a policyholder that opts under paragraph (1) to pay premiums on a monthly basis, the Administrator may charge the policyholder an annual fee of not more than $15. (3) Exemption from rule making; pilot program During the period beginning on the date of enactment of this paragraph and ending on the date on which the Administrator promulgates regulations carrying out paragraph (1), the Administrator may, notwithstanding any other provision of law— (A) adopt policies and procedures to carry out that paragraph without— (i) undergoing notice and comment rule making under section 553 of title 5, United States Code; or (ii) conducting regulatory analyses otherwise required by statute, regulation, or Executive order; or (B) carry out that paragraph by establishing a pilot program that gradually implements the requirements of that paragraph. . III Agreed Value Pilot Program 301. Short title This title may be cited as the Agreed Value Flood Protection Program Act of 2017 302. Definitions In this title— (1) the term agreed value flood protection policy (2) the term catastrophic loss year (3) the term combined ratio (4) the term covered agent (5) the term covered structure (6) the term eligible participant (7) the term flood height (8) the term Program (9) the term Reserve Fund 303. Agreed Value Flood Protection Pilot Program (a) In general The Administrator may establish and carry out an optional Agreed Value Flood Protection Pilot Program for the 8-year period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act, or during the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act and ending on the date on which authorization for the National Flood Insurance Program expires, whichever is shorter, under which— (1) an eligible participant may purchase an agreed value flood protection policy to protect against losses resulting from physical damage to, or loss of, a covered structure, including any personal property related thereto, owned by the eligible participant arising from a flood occurring in the United States during the period for which the policy is in force; (2) a covered agent may issue an agreed value flood protection policy to an eligible participant; and (3) an eligible participant may not be denied the opportunity to purchase an agreed value flood protection policy solely on the basis of the geographic location of the eligible participant. (b) Eligibility In order to purchase an agreed value flood protection policy, an eligible participant shall demonstrate that the value of the covered structure to be covered under the policy, including any contents within the covered structure, is not less than the coverage amount of the policy. (c) Issuance (1) In general Except as provided in paragraph (2), any covered agent may issue an agreed value flood protection policy to an eligible participant under the Program. (2) Exception A covered agent may not issue a policy under paragraph (1) if the structure with respect to which the policy would apply is insured under the National Flood Insurance Program. (d) Brochure (1) In general The Administrator shall publish a brochure that compares the premium rates charged under the National Flood Insurance Program with the premium rates charged under the Program. (2) Covered agents (A) In general A covered agent shall explain to an eligible participant the risks associated with an agreed value flood protection policy before the eligible participant purchases a policy. (B) Delivery If a covered agent delivers the brochure published under paragraph (1) to an eligible participant before the eligible participant purchases an agreed value flood protection policy, the delivery shall constitute prima facie evidence that the covered agent has satisfied the requirement under subparagraph (A). (e) Report Not later than 1 year after the date on which the Program ends, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report— (1) containing data that was collected during the administration of the Program relating to underinsurance factors, claims statistics, claims disputes (including how such disputes were adjudicated), and actuarial rate reviews; and (2) that compares premium rates charged under the Program with comparable premium rates charged under the standard flood insurance policy, controlling for comparable risk factors. 304. Use of agreed value flood protection to satisfy requirement to purchase flood insurance to receive a mortgage loan An agreed value flood protection policy shall satisfy the mandatory purchase requirement. 305. Agreed Value Flood Protection Program Reserve Fund (a) Establishment of an agreed value flood protection reserve fund In carrying out the Program, the Administrator shall establish in the Treasury of the United States an Agreed Value Flood Protection Program Reserve Fund, which shall be— (1) separate from any other accounts or funds available to the Administrator; and (2) available for meeting the expected future obligations of the Program, including— (A) the payment of claims during catastrophic loss years; and (B) the repayment of amounts outstanding under any note or other obligation issued by the Administrator under section 1309(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4016(a) (b) Reserve ratio Subject to the phase-in requirements under subsection (d), the Reserve Fund shall maintain a balance that, together with any risk financing covering the Program, is an amount that is equal to— (1) 1.5 percent of the sum of the total potential loss exposure of all outstanding agreed value flood protection policies in force during the prior fiscal year; or (2) a higher percentage of the sum described in paragraph (1) that the Administrator determines to be appropriate, taking into consideration any circumstance that may raise a significant risk of substantial future losses to the Reserve Fund. (c) Maintenance of reserve ratio (1) In general The Administrator may establish, increase, or decrease the amount of aggregate annual policy charges to be collected for any fiscal year that are necessary in order to— (A) maintain the amount required under subsection (b); and (B) if the balance of the Reserve Fund is an amount that is less than the amount required under subsection (b), obtain the amount required under subsection (b). (2) Considerations In exercising the authority under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall consider— (A) the expected operating expenses of the Reserve Fund; (B) the covered loss expenditures under the Program; (C) any investment income generated under the Program; and (D) any other factor that the Administrator determines appropriate. (3) Limitation Notwithstanding any other provision of law or any agreement entered into by the Administrator, the Administrator shall ensure that all amounts attributable to the establishment or increase of annual policy charges under paragraph (1) are transferred to the Administrator for deposit into the Reserve Fund to be available for meeting the expected future obligations of the Program, as described in subsection (a)(2). (d) Phase-In requirements The phase-in requirements under this subsection are as follows: (1) In general Beginning in fiscal year 2018, and in each successive fiscal year thereafter until the amount required under subsection (b) is obtained, the Administrator shall deposit in the Reserve Fund an amount that is not less than 10 percent of the amount required under subsection (b). (2) Amount satisfied Except as provided in paragraph (3), beginning on the date on which the amount required under subsection (b) is obtained, the Administrator shall not be required to set aside any amounts for the Reserve Fund. (3) Exception If, at any time during any fiscal year after the amount required under subsection (b) is obtained, the amount in the Reserve Fund is less than the amount required under subsection (b), the Administrator shall deposit in the Reserve Fund during that fiscal year an amount that is not less than the lesser of— (A) the difference between the amount required under subsection (b) and the amount in the Reserve Fund; or (B) 10 percent of the amount required under subsection (b). (e) Limitation on reserve ratio If, in any fiscal year, the Administrator determines that the amount required under subsection (b) cannot be obtained, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that— (1) describes and details the specific concerns of the Administrator regarding the consequences of that amount not being obtained; (2) demonstrates how the consequences described in paragraph (1) would harm the long-term financial soundness of the Program; and (3) indicates the maximum attainable amount for that fiscal year. (f) Investment The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest such amounts of the Reserve Fund as the Secretary determines advisable in obligations issued or guaranteed by the United States. 306. Rule of construction Nothing in this title may be construed to— (1) limit the National Flood Insurance Program, including the ability of a person to purchase flood insurance under the National Flood Insurance Program to satisfy the mandatory purchase requirement; or (2) require a person to participate in the Program. IV Providing private market access, accountability, and competition 401. Use of private flood insurance to satisfy mandatory purchase requirement (a) In general (1) Mandatory purchase requirement (A) Amount and term of coverage Section 102 of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 ( 42 U.S.C. 4012a S 102. (a) Amount and term of coverage (1) In general Subject to paragraph (2), on and after the date that is 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, no Federal officer or agency may approve any financial assistance for acquisition or construction purposes for use in any area that has been identified by the Administrator as an area having special flood hazards and in which the sale of flood insurance has been made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4001 (2) Amount and term (A) Amount generally The amount of flood insurance required under paragraph (1)— (i) in the case of Federal flood insurance, shall be not less than the lesser of— (I) 80 percent of the purchase price of the property; (II) the development or project cost of the building, mobile home, or personal property (less estimated land cost); (III) the maximum limit of Federal flood insurance coverage made available with respect to the particular type of property; or (IV) for multi-unit structures only, the outstanding principal balance of the loan; or (ii) in the case of private flood insurance, shall be not less than the lesser of— (I) 80 percent of the purchase price of the property; (II) the development or project cost of the building, mobile home, or personal property (less estimated land cost); (III) the maximum limit of Federal flood insurance coverage made available with respect to the particular type of property; or (IV) for multi-unit structures only, the outstanding principal balance of the loan. (B) Loans and insured and guaranteed loans If the financial assistance described in paragraph (1) is in the form of a loan or an insurance or guaranty of a loan, flood insurance need not be required beyond the term of the loan. (C) Term generally The requirement of maintaining flood insurance under paragraph (1) shall apply during the life of the property, regardless of transfer of ownership of the property. . (B) Mortgage loans Section 102(b) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 ( 42 U.S.C. 4012a(b) (i) by striking paragraphs (1) through (5) and inserting the following: (1) Regulated lending institutions (A) In general Each Federal entity for lending regulation (after consultation and coordination with the Financial Institutions Examination Council established under section 1004 of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Act of 1974 ( 12 U.S.C. 3303 42 U.S.C. 4001 (B) Amount The amount of flood insurance required under subparagraph (A)— (i) in the case of Federal flood insurance, shall be not less than the lesser of— (I) 80 percent of the purchase price of the property; (II) the maximum limit of Federal flood insurance coverage made available with respect to the particular type of property; or (III) for multi-unit structures only, the outstanding principal balance of the loan; or (ii) in the case of private flood insurance, shall be not less than the lesser of— (I) 80 percent of the purchase price of the property; (II) the maximum limit of Federal flood insurance coverage made available with respect to the particular type of property; or (III) for multi-unit structures only, the outstanding principal balance of the loan. (2) Federal agency lenders (A) In general (i) Insurance required A Federal agency lender may not make, increase, extend, or renew any loan secured by improved real estate or a mobile home located or to be located in an area that has been identified by the Administrator as an area having special flood hazards and in which flood insurance has been made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4001 (ii) Regulations (I) In general Each Federal agency lender may issue any regulations necessary to carry out this paragraph. (II) Consistency Any regulations issued under subclause (I) shall be consistent with and substantially identical to any regulations issued under paragraph (1). (B) Requirement to accept flood insurance Each Federal agency lender shall accept flood insurance as satisfaction of the flood insurance coverage requirement under subparagraph (A)(i) if the flood insurance coverage meets the requirements for coverage under that subparagraph. (3) Government-sponsored enterprises for housing (A) Implementation of procedures (i) Requirement The Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation shall implement procedures reasonably designed to ensure that, for any loan described in clause (ii) that is purchased or guaranteed by such entity, the building or mobile home and any personal property securing the loan is covered for the term of the loan by flood insurance in the amount provided in paragraph (1)(B). (ii) Secured loan A loan described in this clause is a loan secured by improved real estate or a mobile home located in an area— (I) that has been identified, at the time of the origination of the loan or at any time during the term of the loan, by the Administrator as an area having special flood hazards; and (II) in which flood insurance is made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4001 (B) Acceptable insurance Subject to subparagraph (C), the Federal National Mortgage Association and the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation shall accept flood insurance as satisfaction of the flood insurance coverage requirement under paragraph (1) if the flood insurance coverage provided meets the requirements for coverage under that paragraph and any requirements established by the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Federal Home Loan Corporation, respectively, relating to the financial strength of private insurance companies from which the Federal National Mortgage Association or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation will accept private flood insurance. (C) Relation to State law A requirement described in subparagraph (B) may not affect or conflict with any State law, regulation, or procedure concerning the regulation of the business of insurance. (4) Applicability (A) Existing coverage Except as provided in subparagraph (B), paragraph (1) shall apply on the date of enactment of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 ( 12 U.S.C. 4701 (B) New coverage Paragraphs (2) and (3) shall apply only with respect to any loan made, increased, extended, or renewed after the expiration of the 1-year period beginning on the date of enactment of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 ( 12 U.S.C. 4701 (C) Continued effect of regulations Notwithstanding any other provision of this subsection, the regulations to carry out paragraph (1), as in effect immediately before the date of enactment of the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994 ( 12 U.S.C. 4701 (5) Rule of construction (A) In general Subject to subparagraph (B), nothing in this subsection shall be construed to supersede or limit the authority of a Federal entity for lending regulation, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, a Federal agency lender, the Federal National Mortgage Association, or the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation to establish requirements relating to the financial strength of private insurance companies from which the entity or agency will accept private flood insurance. (B) Relation to State law A requirement described in subparagraph (A) may not affect or conflict with any State law, regulation, or procedure concerning the regulation of the business of insurance. ; and (ii) by striking paragraph (7) and inserting the following: (7) Definitions In this section: (A) Federal flood insurance The term Federal flood insurance 42 U.S.C. 4001 (B) Flood insurance The term flood insurance (i) Federal flood insurance; and (ii) private flood insurance. (C) Private flood insurance The term private flood insurance (i) is issued by an insurance company that is— (I) licensed, admitted, or otherwise approved to engage in the business of insurance in the State in which the insured building is located, by the insurance regulator of that State; or (II) eligible as a nonadmitted insurer to provide insurance in the home State of the insured, in accordance with sections 521 through 527 of the Nonadmitted and Reinsurance Reform Act of 2010 ( 15 U.S.C. 8201 (ii) is issued by an insurance company that is not otherwise disapproved as a surplus lines insurer by the insurance regulator of the State in which the property to be insured is located; and (iii) provides flood insurance coverage that complies with the laws and regulations of that State. (D) State The term State . (2) Effect of private flood insurance coverage on continuous coverage requirements Section 1308 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4015 (n) Effect of private flood insurance coverage on continuous coverage requirements For purposes of applying any statutory, regulatory, or administrative continuous coverage requirement, including under section 1307(g)(1), the Administrator shall consider any period during which a property was continuously covered by private flood insurance to be a period of continuous coverage. . (b) Report on level of perceived adverse selection Not later than 2 years after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on the extent to which, of the properties that are required to satisfy the mandatory purchase requirement, the properties for which private flood insurance is purchased tend to be at a lower risk of flooding than the properties for which Federal flood insurance is purchased (commonly referred to as adverse selection 402. Provision of private flood insurance by write your own companies (a) Temporary authority for provision of private flood insurance by Write Your Own companies for certain properties During the first 2 years beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator may not prohibit a Write Your Own company from offering or selling private flood insurance outside of the Write Your Own Program for properties that are described in subparagraphs (A) through (D) of section 1307(a)(2) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(2) (b) Authority for expanded provision of private flood insurance by Write Your Own companies On and after January 1 of the third year beginning after the date of enactment of this Act, if the Administrator determines, based on the report required under subsection (d)(1) and any other independent data available, that the provision of private flood insurance by a Write Your Own company— (1) to properties in addition to the properties described in subsection (a) will not adversely impact the ability of the National Flood Insurance Program to maintain a diverse risk pool, the Administrator may waive any remaining restriction, under a Federal statute or regulation, on the ability of a Write Your Own company to offer or sell private flood insurance outside the Write Your Own Program, if the Administrator promulgates regulations to ensure a diverse risk pool for Write Your Own companies that are competing with the National Flood Insurance Program; or (2) is a deterrent to the National Flood Insurance Program maintaining a diverse risk pool of policies, the Administrator may place further restrictions on the ability of a Write Your Own company to offer or sell private flood insurance. (c) WYO Arrangement The Administrator shall amend article XIII of the WYO Company Financial Assistance/Subsidy Arrangement as necessary to implement subsections (a) and (b). (d) Reports (1) Initial report Not later than the last day of the 2-year period described in subsection (a), the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report detailing the risk classifications of properties for which private flood insurance was sold and underwritten by Write Your Own companies during that 2-year period. (2) Additional report Not later than 5 years after the date on which the report is required to be submitted under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report detailing the risk classifications of properties for which private flood insurance was sold and underwritten by Write Your Own companies during that 5-year period. 403. Availability of NFIP claims data (a) Study required (1) In general The Administrator shall study the feasibility of selling or licensing the use of historical structure-specific National Flood Insurance Program claims data (referred to in this section as covered claims data (2) Contents In conducting the study required under paragraph (1), the Administrator shall, at a minimum— (A) investigate one or more methods of providing the most specific covered claims data possible while reasonably protecting policyholder privacy; (B) review existing means, as of the date of enactment of this Act, by which the Federal Government provides leases or licenses to private persons, and the various regulations, terms, conditions, and guidance employed; (C) identify potential uses for covered claims data, any known risks concerning those uses, and ways to mitigate or eliminate the risks; (D) identify mechanisms for determining the likely market value for access to covered claims data; and (E) recommend actions the Administrator could take, if any, to prevent unintended consequences associated with the sale or licensing for private insurance purposes covered claims data. (b) Report by Administrator (1) Report required Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Financial Services of the House of Representatives a report that contains the results and conclusions of the study conducted under subsection (a) (referred to in this subsection as the study (2) Contents The report submitted under paragraph (1) shall include— (A) an analysis of— (i) the recommendations of the study; and (ii) the potential for covered claims data to increase the number of individuals insured against the peril of flood, to reduce the amount of debt the National Flood Insurance Program is required to service, or both; (B) a description of actions taken by the Administrator to implement any of the recommendations of the study; and (C) any recommendations of the study that, as of the date on which the report is submitted, have been deferred or not acted upon, together with an explanatory statement. (c) Authorization To sell or license claims data (1) Amendments (A) In general Section 1313 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4020 (i) by striking The Administrator (a) In general The Administrator ; and (ii) by adding at the following: (b) Selling or licensing of claims data (1) In general The Administrator may sell or license the use of historical structure-specific claims data obtained and maintained by the National Flood Insurance Program (referred to in this subsection as covered claims data (2) Rules, procedures The Administrator may adopt rules, terms, conditions, policies, and procedures concerning— (A) the selling or licensing of covered claims data; and (B) the use, protection, and maintenance of covered claims data by nongovernmental entities. (3) Proceeds The Administrator shall deposit the proceeds from selling or licensing covered claims data under this subsection in the National Flood Insurance Fund. . (B) Funding Section 1310 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4017 (i) in subsection (a)— (I) in paragraph (7), by striking and (II) in paragraph (8), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (III) by adding at the end the following: (9) for carrying out section 1313. ; and (ii) in subsection (b)— (I) in paragraph (5), by striking and (II) by redesignating paragraph (6) as paragraph (7); and (III) by inserting after paragraph (5) the following: (6) proceeds from the sale or licensing of historical structure-specific claims data, as authorized under section 1313(b); and . (2) Effective date (A) In general Except as provided in subparagraph (B), the amendments made by paragraph (1) shall take effect on the date on which the Administrator publishes in the Federal Register a certification that the Administrator has— (i) submitted the report required under subsection (b); (ii) determined that it is legally and practically feasible to implement a program to sell or license the use of covered claims data to nongovernmental entities; and (iii) determined that a program described in subparagraph (B) would be in the public interest. (B) Credits to Fund The amendment made by clause (ii) of paragraph (1)(B) shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act. 404. Fees and surcharges for private flood insurance policies (a) Surcharges Section 1308A(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4015a(a) (1) by striking The Administrator (1) Collection on nfip policies The Administrator ; and (2) by adding at the end the following: (2) Collection on private policies (A) In general An insurance company that issues a policy for private flood insurance shall impose and collect an annual surcharge, in the amount provided in subsection (b), on a private flood insurance policy. (B) In addition to increased cost of compliance surcharge The surcharge imposed under subparagraph (A) shall be in addition to the surcharge imposed under section 1304(c) and any other assessments and surcharges applied to such coverage. (C) Federal equivalency fee payable to administrator Not later than 180 days after the date on which an insurance company collects a surcharge under subparagraph (A), the insurance company shall transfer the amount of the surcharge to the Administrator, who shall deposit the amount in the National Flood Insurance Fund established under section 1310. (D) Information The Administrator may require the provision of such information as the Administrator decides is necessary to verify that a surcharge imposed and collected under subparagraph (A) has been imposed and collected at the proper time and in the proper amount. (E) Cost of collecting surcharge No portion of the surcharge collected under subparagraph (A) may be retained by the insurance company for the costs of collecting, handling, or remitting the surcharge except for interest accruing to the company after collection and before remittance. . (b) Federal policy fee Section 1307(a) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4014(a) (1) in paragraph (1)(B)(iii), by striking shall be recovered by (I) in the case of a policy under the national flood insurance program, by a fee that— (aa) shall be charged to policyholders; and (bb) shall not be subject to any agents’ commissions, company expense allowances, or State or local premium taxes; and (II) in the case of a private flood insurance policy, by a fee— (aa) that shall be— (AA) charged to policyholders; (BB) collected by the insurance company that issued the policy; and (CC) transferred, not later than 180 days after the date on which the fee is collected, to the Administrator, who shall deposit the amount of the fee in the National Flood Insurance Fund established under section 1310; (bb) that shall not be subject to any agents’ commissions, company expense allowances, or State or local premium taxes; and (cc) with respect to which— (AA) the Administrator may require the provision of such information as the Administrator decides is necessary to verify that the fee has been imposed and collected at the proper time and in the proper amount; and (BB) no portion may be retained by the insurance company that collected the fee for the costs of collecting, handling, or remitting the fee except for interest accruing to the company after collection and before remittance; and ; and (2) in paragraph (2), in the matter preceding subparagraph (A), by inserting , including a fee charged to policyholders of private flood insurance in a manner that is consistent with paragraph (1)(B)(iii)(II), policyholders (c) Increased cost of compliance coverage under private policies Section 102(b)(7)(C) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 ( 42 U.S.C. 4012a(b)(7)(C) (1) in clause (ii), by striking and (2) in clause (iii), by striking the period at the end and inserting ; and (3) by adding at the end the following: (iv) provides ordinance and law coverage that meets or exceeds increased cost of compliance coverage provided under a standard flood insurance policy under the national flood insurance program . (d) Applicability The amendments made by subsections (a), (b), and (c) shall apply with respect to a private flood insurance policy that is newly issued or renewed after the date of enactment of this Act. (e) Technical and conforming amendments (1) Premium surcharge Section 1308A(a)(1) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4015a(a)(1) section 1304(b) section 1304(c) (2) National Flood Insurance Fund Section 1310(b) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4017(b) (A) in paragraph (6), as so designated, by striking and (B) by redesignating paragraph (7) as paragraph (9); and (C) by inserting after paragraph (6) the following: (7) surcharges collected under section 1308A(a)(2); (8) fees collected under section 1307(a)(1)(B)(iii); and . 405. Write Your Own Risk Sharing Pilot Program (a) Definition In this section— (1) the term excess flood insurance policy (2) the term Pilot Program (b) Establishment The Administrator shall establish and conduct a pilot program under the National Flood Insurance Program, to be known as the Write Your Own Risk Sharing Pilot Program (c) Eligibility To participate in Pilot Program The Administrator may establish terms, conditions, and eligibility criteria for Write Your Own companies participating in the Pilot Program. (d) Terms and conditions of excess flood policy (1) Chargeable rates The chargeable rate for an excess flood insurance policy sold in an area (or subdivision thereof) shall be not less than the applicable estimated risk premium rate for the area (or subdivision thereof) under section 1307(a)(1) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(1) (2) Application of surcharges and fees Any surcharge or fee, with respect to an excess flood insurance policy, charged to a policyholder participating in the Pilot Program for a period shall be reduced by the amount of any surcharge for a private flood insurance policy under section 1308A(a)(2) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4015a(a)(2) 42 U.S.C. 4014(a)(1)(B)(iii) (3) Terms and conditions of insurance (A) In general An excess flood insurance policy shall have the same coverages, exclusions, and limitations as the Standard Flood Insurance Policy insofar as the Policy relates to the requirements of this section. (B) Coverage amounts Coverage amounts for an excess flood insurance policy shall not exceed the coverage amounts established under section 1306(b) of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4013(b) (4) Underlying policy requirement An excess flood insurance policy sold under the Pilot Program shall require the insured to carry primary flood insurance that— (A) provides a maximum coverage limit of not less than $50,000; (B) is issued by a Write Your Own company; and (C) complies with any other conditions adopted by the Administrator. (e) Authority The Administrator shall carry out the Pilot Program as authorized by and in accordance with the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4001 (f) Implementation The Administrator shall make policies available for sale to the public under the Pilot Program not later than 18 months after the date of enactment of this Act. (g) Sunset The Administrator may not issue or renew contracts for flood insurance under the Pilot Program— (1) on and after the date is 5 years after the date contracts for flood insurance under this section are made available for purchase; and (2) at any time after the expiration of the National Flood Insurance Program under section 1319 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4026 (h) Report Not later than 180 days after the date on which the authority for the Pilot Program terminates under subsection (g), the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on— (1) the aggregate amount of premiums, surcharges, and fees charged under the Pilot Program; and (2) claims loss data experienced by the Write Your Own companies participating in the Pilot Program and the National Flood Insurance Program on policies sold under the Pilot Program. V Modernizing flood mapping and flood risk accuracy 501. Reauthorization of National Flood Mapping Program Section 100216(f) of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 ( 42 U.S.C. 4101b(f) (1) by striking to carry out this section $400,000,000 to carry out this section— (1) $400,000,000 ; and (2) by striking the period at the end and inserting the following: ; and (2) $500,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2018 through 2027. . 502. Mapping standards and guidelines for nongovernmental entities Section 100215 of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 ( 42 U.S.C. 4101a (m) Private or community flood maps (1) Standards and procedures In addition to the other duties of the Council under this section, not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Council shall develop and establish a set of standards, guidelines, and procedures for— (A) State and local governments, federally or State-recognized metropolitan planning organizations (commonly known as MPOs (B) certification, by the Administrator not later than 90 days after the date on which a map developed under subparagraph (A) is submitted to the Administrator, for use under the National Flood Insurance Program in the case of any area covered by a flood insurance rate map developed or approved by the Administrator that has not been updated or reissued during the preceding 3-year period. (2) Treatment On and after the date on which the Administrator certifies a map under paragraph (1)(B), the map— (A) shall be considered the flood insurance rate map in effect for all purposes of the National Flood Insurance Program with respect to the area covered by the map; and (B) may not be revised, updated, or replaced in accordance with the standards, guidelines, and procedures established under paragraph (1) before the expiration of the 3-year period beginning on that date of certification. (3) Exemption from rulemaking Until the date on which the Administrator promulgates regulations implementing paragraphs (1) and (2), the Administrator may adopt policies and procedures, notwithstanding any other provision of law, necessary to implement those paragraphs without regard to section 553 of title 5, United States Code, and without conducting regulatory analyses otherwise required by statute, regulation, or Executive order. . 503. Use of high-resolution mapping technology (a) In general Section 100216(b)(1) of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 ( 42 U.S.C. 4101b(b)(1) (1) in subparagraph (A)(i), by inserting subject to subparagraph (D), all populated areas (2) in subparagraph (B), by striking and (3) in subparagraph (C), by striking the period at the end and inserting the following: , including by facilitating, partnering with other Federal, State, and local agencies with respect to, and leveraging the efficient acquisition of the most up-to-date high-resolution topographic data, such as Light Detection and Ranging (commonly known as LiDAR (4) by adding at the end the following: (D) establish standards that may be used as the basis for insurance rating purposes to identify multi-frequency flood hazards and flood hazard information that appropriately characterizes the nature of flooding for areas subject to a mapping update, including by using the most up-to-date high-resolution topographic data as required under subparagraph (C), in order to reduce flood risk and improve the accuracy of National Flood Insurance Program rate maps. . (b) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report on compliance by the Administrator with the requirement under subparagraphs (C) and (D) of section 100216(b)(1) of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 ( 42 U.S.C. 4101b(b)(1) 504. Protected areas Section 100216(b) of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 ( 42 U.S.C. 4101b(b) (4) Zones protected by levee systems (A) Applicability Subject to full implementation of this section, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, this paragraph shall apply to a community in which the Administrator maps or re-maps a levee-impacted area in which the pertinent levee system fails to meet the minimum design, operation, and maintenance standards of the National Flood Insurance Program required for levee accreditation on a National Flood Insurance Program rate map. (B) AL Zones For levee-impacted areas described in subparagraph (A), the Administrator shall establish flood risk zones known as AL Zones (C) Actuarial rates (i) In general The Administrator shall make available flood insurance to properties in AL Zones at actuarial rates based upon the risk associated with structures within the applicable AL zone. (ii) Temporary rates Until the Administrator promulgates actuarial rates for the various AL zones, a structure within a portion of a community located within a levee-impacted area described in subparagraph (A) shall be eligible for rates associated with areas of moderate flood hazards (also known as Standard X zone . 505. Coastal flood models Section 100216(b) of the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 ( 42 U.S.C. 4101b(b) (5) Coastal flood models In updating maps under this section, the Administrator shall use coastal flood models that ensure technically and scientifically accurate modeling to represent and communicate flood risk. . VI Enhancing National Flood Insurance Program transparency and accountability 601. Deadline for approval of claims (a) In general Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4019 (e) Deadline for approval of claims (1) In general Not later than 30 days after the submission of a proof of loss, the Administrator shall notify the insured regarding the approval or disapproval of the claim. (2) Extension of claim determination deadline The Administrator may extend the deadline under paragraph (1) by a single additional 15-day period under extraordinary circumstances, as determined according to criteria adopted by the Administrator. (3) Payment of claims The Administrator shall make payment for an approved claim as soon as possible after approval of the claim. (f) Notification and proofs of loss (1) In general A flood insurance claim filed under this title for damage to or loss of property may not be denied based on the proof of loss requirements of the standard flood insurance policy under the national flood insurance program if the policyholder— (A) provides notice of the claim not later than 60 days after the date of the occurrence of the loss; and (B) complies with the remaining proof of loss requirements under the standard flood insurance policy not later than— (i) 180 days after the date of the occurrence of the loss; or (ii) any later date specified by the Administrator. (2) Supplemental proof of loss A policyholder may amend or supplement a proof of loss not later than 180 days after the date on which the policyholder submits the initial proof of loss. . (b) Applicability The amendment made by subsection (a) shall apply to any claim for damage to or loss of property covered by flood insurance made available under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4001 602. Flood insurance transparency, accountability, and reform (a) Reports and other claim-Related documents Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4019 (f) Final Engineering Reports The Administrator shall require that, in the case of any on-site inspection of a property by an engineer for the purpose of assessing any claim for losses covered by a policy for flood insurance coverage provided under this title (referred to in this subsection as a covered claim (1) Timing The final engineering report may not be transmitted to any other person, employer, agency, or entity, before it is transmitted to the insured. (2) Prohibition on alterations; certification The final engineering report— (A) shall be true, complete, and unredacted; (B) may not include alterations by, or at the request of, anyone other than the individual with responsible charge for the report; and (C) shall include a certification, signed by the individual with responsible charge for the report, that the report does not contain any alterations described in subparagraph (B). (3) Transmittal (A) In general The final engineering report shall be transmitted to the insured in a manner prescribed by the Administrator that provides reasonable assurance that it was transmitted directly to the insured by the individual with responsible charge. (B) Direct disclosure A Write Your Own company or direct servicing agent in possession of a final engineering report subject to disclosure under this subsection may transmit the report to the insured without further review or approval by the Administrator. (4) Reports covered For purposes of this subsection, the term final engineering report (A) is based on the on-site inspection; (B) contains final conclusions with respect to an engineering issue or issues involved in the claim; and (C) is signed by the individual with responsible charge or affixed with the seal of the individual with responsible charge, or both. (g) Claims adjustment reports The Administrator shall require that, in the case of any on-site inspection of a property by a claims adjustor for the purpose of assessing any claim for losses covered by a policy for flood insurance coverage provided under this title (referred to in this subsection as a covered claim (1) Timing The claims adjustment report may not be transmitted to any other person, employer, agency, or entity, before it is transmitted to the insured. (2) Prohibition on alterations; certification The claims adjustment report— (A) shall be true, complete, and unredacted; (B) may not include alterations by, or at the request of, anyone other than the preparer of the report; and (C) shall include a certification, signed by the preparer, that the report does not contain any alterations described in subparagraph (B). (3) Transmittal (A) In general The claims adjustment report shall be transmitted to the insured in a manner prescribed by the Administrator that provides reasonable assurance that it was transmitted directly to the insured by the preparer. (B) Direct disclosure A Write Your Own company or direct servicing agent in possession of a claims adjustment report subject to disclosure under this subsection may transmit the report to the insured without further review or approval by the Administrator. (4) Reports covered For purposes of this subsection, the term claims adjustment report (A) means any report or document in connection with the covered claim that is based on the on-site inspection by the claims adjustor, including any adjustment report and field report; (B) includes any draft, preliminary version, or copy of a report described in subparagraph (A) and any amendments or additions to any such report; and (C) does not include a final engineering report, as that term is defined for purposes of subsection (e). (h) Other claim-Related documents (1) Definition of claim-related document In this subsection, the term claim-related document (A) a repair and replacement estimate or bid; (B) an appraisal; (C) a scope of loss; (D) a drawing; (E) a plan; (F) a report, including a draft report prepared based on an on-site inspection of a property conducted by a claims adjustor or engineer; (G) a third-party finding on the amount of loss, amount of covered damage, or cost of repairs; and (H) any other valuation, measurement, or loss adjustment calculation of the amount of loss, amount of covered damage, or cost of repairs. (2) Availability of documents Any entity servicing a claim under the national flood insurance program— (A) shall retain each claim-related document prepared by or for the entity; (B) upon request by a claimant or an authorized representative of a claimant, shall provide to the claimant or representative a copy of any claim-related document described in subparagraph (A) that pertains to the claimant; and (C) not later than 30 days after receiving notice of a claim, shall notify the claimant that the claimant or an authorized representative of the claimant may obtain, upon request, a copy of any claim-related document described in subparagraph (A) that pertains to the claimant. (i) Use of claim reports (1) In general When adjusting claims for any damage to or loss of property covered by flood insurance made available under this title, the Administrator shall only rely upon final claim reports that are prepared in compliance with applicable State and Federal laws regarding professional licensure and conduct. (2) Non-reimbursement The Administrator may decline to reimburse a Write Your Own company for claim reports not prepared in accordance with paragraph (1). . (b) Judicial review (1) Government program with industry assistance Section 1341 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4072 1341. Adjustment and payment of claims and judicial review (a) Adjustment and payment of claims If the program is carried out as provided in section 1340, the Administrator may adjust and make payment of any claims for proved and approved losses covered by flood insurance. (b) Judicial review Upon the disallowance or partial disallowance by the Administrator of a claim described in subsection (a), or upon the refusal of the claimant to accept the amount allowed upon a claim described in subsection (a)— (1) the claimant may institute an action against the Administrator on the claim in the United States district court for the district in which the insured property or the major part thereof shall have been situated— (A) not later than 2 years after the date on which the claimant receives notice of disallowance or partial disallowance of the claim; or (B) in the case of a denial of a claim for losses that is appealed to the Administrator, not later than the later of— (i) 90 days after the date of a final determination upon appeal denying the claim in whole or in part; or (ii) 2 years after the date on which the claimant receives notice of disallowance or partial disallowance of the claim; and (2) a court described in paragraph (1) shall have original exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine the action without regard to the amount in controversy. (c) Private rights of action Nothing in this section, or in any regulation or policy implementing the national flood insurance program, may be construed to preclude a private right of action under any statute by a policyholder against a private entity for fraud arising from the handing or disposition of a claim for losses under this title. . (2) Industry program with Federal financial assistance Section 1333 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4053 1333. Adjustment and payment of claims and judicial review (a) Adjustment and payment of claims The insurance companies and other insurers that form, associate, or otherwise join together in the pool under this part may adjust and pay all claims for proved and approved losses covered by flood insurance in accordance with the provisions of this title. (b) Judicial review Upon the disallowance or partial disallowance by any company or other insurer described in subsection (a) of a claim described in that subsection, or upon the refusal of the claimant to accept the amount allowed upon a claim described in that subsection— (1) the claimant may institute an action on the claim against the company or other insurer in the United States district court for the district in which the insured property or the major part thereof shall have been situated— (A) not later than 2 years after the date on which the claimant receives notice of disallowance or partial disallowance of the claim; or (B) in the case of a denial of a claim for losses that is appealed to the Administrator, not later than the later of— (i) 90 days after the date of a final determination upon appeal denying the claim in whole or in part; or (ii) 2 years after the date on which the claimant receives notice of disallowance or partial disallowance of the claim; and (2) a court described in paragraph (1) shall have original exclusive jurisdiction to hear and determine the action without regard to the amount in controversy. (c) Private rights of action Nothing in this section, or in any regulation or policy implementing the national flood insurance program, may be construed to preclude a private right of action under any statute by a policyholder against a private entity for fraud arising from the handing or disposition of a claim for losses under this title. . (c) Records and reviews Section 1348 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4084 (c) Annual review The Administrator shall conduct an annual review of each private entity participating in the national flood insurance program, including any company that has entered into a contract with a Write Your Own company to provide any service related to a policy or claim under the national flood insurance program, including adjusting, engineering, and legal services, to ensure compliance with this title and with all policies and procedures established by the Administrator to prevent fraud and protect policyholders. . (d) Publication of claims data Section 1312 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4019 (j) Publication of claims data Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of the Flood Insurance Affordability and Sustainability Act of 2017 (1) the aggregate number of claims filed each month, broken down by State; (2) the aggregate number of claims paid in part or in full; and (3) the aggregate number of claim denials appealed, the number of claim denials upheld on appeal, and the number of claim denials overturned on appeal. (k) Privacy Nothing in this section or the Flood Insurance Affordability and Sustainability Act of 2017 . (e) Oversight of litigation Part C of chapter II of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4081 1349. Oversight of litigation (a) In general The Administrator shall oversee litigation arising under a contract for flood insurance sold under this title that is conducted by a Write Your Own company to ensure that the Write Your Own company and counsel for the company— (1) represent the national flood insurance program reasonably and in accordance with guidelines established by the Administrator and applicable ethical requirements; and (2) conduct litigation in a cost-effective manner. (b) Denial of reimbursement The Administrator may deny reimbursement for litigation expenses that the Administrator determines to be unreasonable, excessive, contrary to guidance issued by the Administrator, or outside the scope of any arrangement entered into with a Write Your Own company. (c) Direction of strategy The Administrator may direct litigation strategy for claims arising under a contract for flood insurance sold by a Write Your Own company. (d) Substitution The Administrator may promptly take any necessary action to be substituted for the Write Your Own company in any action arising out of any claim arising under a contract for flood insurance sold by a Write Your Own company if the Administrator determines that— (1) there is a conflict of interest between a Write Your Own company and the national flood insurance program; or (2) such substitution is in the best interest of the United States. . (f) Earth movement Section 1306 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4013 (e) Earth movement A flood insurance claim filed under this title for damage to or loss of property may not be denied based on the earth movement exclusion in the Standard Flood Insurance Policy if the claim is filed as the result of a flood, including a claim for damage to or loss or property caused by earth movement that was caused by a flood. . (g) Appeals process Section 205 of the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004 ( 42 U.S.C. 4011 (1) by striking Not later than (a) In general (2) by adding at the end the following: (b) Review of appeals (1) Clarity The Director shall ensure that the appeals process established under subsection (a) has clear rules, forms, and deadlines. (2) Notification upon initial denial of claim The Director shall ensure that a claimant is provided with the rules, forms, and deadlines described in paragraph (1) at the time a claim is first denied in full or in part, including— (A) the effective date of the denial; (B) a justification for the denial, including supporting documentation; (C) the date on which the period of limitation for instituting an action against the Administrator on the claim under section 1341 of the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 ( 42 U.S.C. 4072 (D) a point of contact through which the claimant can directly discuss an appeal with a representative of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (3) Notification upon denial of appeal If the Administrator denies an appeal filed by a policyholder, the Administrator shall include with the notice of denial an explanation of the policyholder's legal options for further challenging the denial. . 603. Reports to Congress (a) Definition In this section, the term Task Force (b) Report to Congress on accountability for defrauding policyholders Not later than 90 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Homeland Security shall submit to Congress a report on specific actions the Department of Homeland Security will take to identify individuals and private entities that have engaged in activities to defraud policyholders under the National Flood Insurance Program following Superstorm Sandy and prevent those individuals and private entities from continuing to receive Federal funding through— (1) contracts with, or employment by, a Write Your Own company; or (2) employment by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (c) Report to Congress on Recommendations of the NFIP Transformation Task Force Not later than 1 year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to Congress a report that describes— (1) the recommendations of the Task Force for reforming the National Flood Insurance Program; (2) a timeline for implementing the recommendations of the Task Force; and (3) any recommendations of the Task Force that require additional legislation.

Summary: Flood Insurance Affordability and Sustainability Act of 2017 This bill amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) through FY2027 (currently, certain provisions expire FY2017). The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is directed to base the coverage limit of flood insurance obtained through NFIP on the maximum confirmation loan limit determined by the Federal National Mortgage Association (Fannie Mae). Under current law, coverage is limited to $250,000 for residential dwellings and $500,000 for nonresidential buildings. The Increased Cost of Compliance (ICC) coverage limitation is increased to $75,000 (currently $30,000). ICC coverage is offered by NFIP to cover the cost of flood mitigation measures on certain structures. The bill also directs FEMA to: annually transfer a portion of the risk from NFIP to private reinsurance or capital markets, promulgate regulations for disclosure of flood risks on sale property, offer a rate reduction if NFIP policyholders implement specified mitigation methods, use the replacement cost of a structure when calculating risk premium rate, and establish a risk sharing pilot program whereby &ldquo;Write Your Own&rdquo; companies (property and casualty companies that write and service standard flood insurance policies in their own name) insure properties up to at least $50,000 and NFIP issues policies in excess of that coverage limit. Agreed Value Flood Protection Program Act of 2017 FEMA must establish an Agreed Value Flood Protection Pilot Program that bases policy payouts on flood height reached in participating covered structures. &ldquo;Write Your Own&rdquo; companies are authorized to offer private flood insurance to specified properties under a two-year pilot program. This bill amends the Biggert-Waters Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2012 to reauthorize the National Flood Mapping Program through 2027.