Improving disaster workforce retention in noncontiguous communities

(a) In general The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall conduct a study on the effectiveness of practices of the Agency relating to hiring, recruitment, and retention in noncontiguous communities by soliciting feedback from staff in such communities. (b) Contents In conducting the study under subsection (a), the Administrator shall— (1) evaluate the recruitment strategies of the Agency and efforts of the Agency to broaden the pool of qualified local candidates; (2) prioritize input from communities in which there are the most severe staffing shortages; and (3) identify specific steps that the Agency can take to improve opportunities for staff in noncontiguous communities. (c) Briefing Not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall brief the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Committee on Homeland Security of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate on the results of the study conducted under subsection (a). (d) Policies The Administrator shall take such actions as are necessary to revise any policies, guidance, or regulations of the Agency to address the disaster workforce challenges in noncontiguous communities identified in the study conducted under subsection (a).