H.R. 1786 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Mar 3, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryAllows federal disaster aid for algal blooms
Right now, when harmful algal blooms damage communities, the President can't officially declare them as disasters under federal law, even if the damage is severe. This bill changes that by giving the President the authority to declare a major disaster when algal blooms cause enough damage to warrant federal assistance.
How it affects you
If you live in an area hit hard by harmful algal blooms—which can make water unsafe, harm fishing and tourism, and damage property—this bill could help your community access federal disaster relief funds and other aid that weren't officially available before.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Mar 3, 2025)
Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief Act
This bill explicitly authorizes the President to declare that a major disaster exists when algal blooms cause damage sufficient to warrant federal major disaster assistance.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 1786
A BILL
Harmful Algal Bloom Disaster Relief Act
Sponsor: Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL-19) · Introduced Mar 3, 2025 · Emergency Management · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Mar 3, 2025: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.”