Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act

Bill Summary: Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act (S. 3149)

Overview

The Responsible Wildland Fire Recovery Act is a legislative proposal designed to provide full financial support for the remediation of damages caused by wildland fires that result from federal management activities. The bill aims to remove financial barriers for affected parties by allowing the Secretary of Agriculture to waive cost-sharing requirements for recovery projects.

Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of this bill is to ensure that when a wildland fire is caused by management activities conducted by the Department of Agriculture on National Forest System land, the affected parties are not burdened by "matching fund" requirements. By providing a path to 100 percent funding, the bill seeks to expedite and fully fund the remediation of both direct and indirect damages.

Key Provisions

• Cost-Share Waiver: The bill grants the Secretary of Agriculture the authority to waive "covered matching requirements." This means that States, Indian Tribes, localities, or individuals would not be required to provide cash matches to receive federal funding for recovery projects.
• Scope of "Covered Wildland Fires": The waiver applies specifically to fires that the Secretary determines were a result of management activities conducted on National Forest System land.
• Broad Definition of Damage: The bill defines "wildland fire" comprehensively to include:
  • Wildfires and prescribed fires.
  • Direct or indirect damages that result in watershed impairment.

Who is Affected?

The bill primarily benefits entities and individuals seeking recovery assistance following a federally managed fire, including:
* State and Local Governments: Localities and state agencies managing land or infrastructure.
* Indian Tribes: Tribal governments managing ancestral or allotted lands.
* Private Individuals: Landowners or residents affected by these specific fire events.
* Federal Agencies: The Department of Agriculture (USDA) would have expanded discretion in how it administers recovery funds.

Procedural Status

• Introduced: November 6, 2025.
• Current Status: The bill has been read twice and referred to the Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry.