National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act

enactedUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

26 June 1990

Last action

16 November 1990 · Became law

Status

Became Public Law No: 101-614.

Summary

National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to replace provisions setting forth the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program. Gives the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) the primary responsibility for planning and coordinating the Program. Sets forth the administrative and program duties of the Director of FEMA in carrying out Program responsibilities. Prohibits grants to States under the Program from requiring cost sharing at a level greater than 50 percent (in certain circumstances, not greater than 25 percent). Requires the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct research necessary to characterize and identify earthquake hazards, assess earthquake risks, monitor seismic activity, and improve earthquake predictions. Sets forth duties of the Director of the USGS with regard to earthquakes, including: (1) issuing earthquake predictions or other earthquake advisories; (2) establishing, using existing facilities, a Center for the International Exchange of Earthquake Information; and (3) operating a National Seismic Network. Makes the National Science Foundation responsible for funding research on earth sciences to improve the understanding of the causes and behavior of earthquakes, on earthquake engineering, and on human response to earthquakes. Makes the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) responsible for carrying out research and development to improve building codes and standards and practices for structures and lifelines. Defines lifelines to mean public works and utilities, including those relating to transportation, power, communications, water,and sewage. Replaces provisions directing the President to make an annual report to congressional committees with provisions requiring the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to report to specified congressional committees regarding the role of the Office in interagency coordination, planning, and operation of the Program. Establishes the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Advisory Committee. Directs the President to adopt standards for assessing and enhancing the seismic safety of existing buildings constructed for or leased by the Federal Government which were constructed without adequate seismic standards. Requires that the standards be developed by the Interagency Committee on Seismic Safety in Construction. Requires the Director of NIST to submit to the Congress a plan for developing and adopting design and construction standards for lifelines. Authorizes the FEMA Director to accept gifts in furtherance of this Act. Prohibits a grant under the Act from FEMA that is made with funds appropriated under a specified continuing appropriations Joint Resolution from requiring cost sharing greater than 25 percent. Establishes within the USGS an earthquake investigations program, as an activity of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, to investigate major earthquakes to learn lessons to reduce the loss of lives and property in future earthquakes. Increases and extends the authorization of appropriations to carry out the Act, including the authorizations to specified agencies to enable them to carry out their responsibilities under the Act.

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Timeline

26 June 1990
Introduced
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Commerce.
Source: IntroReferral
26 June 1990
Introduced
Introduced in Senate
Source: IntroReferral
27 June 1990
Reported
Committee on Commerce. Ordered to be reported with amendments favorably.
Source: Committee
30 August 1990
Calendars
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 800.
Source: Calendars
30 August 1990
Reported
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Hollings under the authority of the order of Aug 2, 90 with amendments. With written report No. 101-446.
Source: Committee
30 August 1990
Reported
Committee on Commerce. Reported to Senate by Senator Hollings under the authority of the order of Aug 2, 90 with amendments. With written report No. 101-446.
Source: Committee
19 October 1990
Floor
Held at the desk.
Source: Floor
19 October 1990
Floor
Received in the House.
Source: Floor
19 October 1990
Floor
Measure laid before Senate by unanimous consent.
Source: Floor
19 October 1990
Passed
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Voice Vote.
Source: Floor
20 October 1990
Passed
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Source: Floor
20 October 1990
Passed
On passage Passed without objection.
Source: Floor
20 October 1990
Passed
Passed/agreed to in House: On passage Passed without objection.
Source: Floor
20 October 1990
Floor
Considered by unanimous consent.
Source: Floor
20 October 1990
Floor
Mr. Brown (CA) asked unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table and consider.
Source: Floor
9 November 1990
Floor
Presented to President.
Source: Floor
9 November 1990
President
Presented to President.
Source: President
9 November 1990
Floor
Measure Signed in Senate.
Source: Floor
16 November 1990
President
Signed by President.
Source: President
16 November 1990
Became law
Became Public Law No: 101-614.
Source: President
16 November 1990
Became law
Signed by President.
Source: BecameLaw

Votes

No vote records are attached yet.

Versions

Enrolled Bill · undated · Official file
Engrossed in Senate · undated · Official file
Introduced in Senate · undated · Official file
Reported to Senate · undated · Official file

Documents

8 official files

Reported to Senate (text)
Reported to Senate · EN
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Introduced in Senate (text)
Introduced in Senate · EN
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Engrossed in Senate (text)
Engrossed in Senate · EN
View Download Open at official source
Enrolled Bill (text)
Enrolled Bill · EN
View Download Open at official source
Public Law (PDF)
Public Law · EN · 17 November 1990
View Download Open at official source
Passed Senate amended
summary · EN · 19 October 1990
Open at official source
Reported to Senate with amendment(s)
summary · EN · 30 August 1990
Open at official source
Introduced in Senate
summary · EN · 26 June 1990
Open at official source

Related records

No cross-record relationships stored yet.

Sources

PoliticalRepo is an index and interpretation layer, not the authoritative legal source.

Official source: https://www.congress.gov/bill/101st-congress/senate-bill/2789
Open data entity: https://api.congress.gov/v3/bill/101/s/2789
us · 101-s-2789 · source updated 14 January 2025