The SNOW Act authorizes FEMA grant funding for winter storm hazard mitigation including snow removal equipment. It increases federal cost share to 90 percent in rural and disadvantaged areas and expands eligibility for major disaster declarations for snowstorms.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
The SNOW Act authorizes FEMA grant funding for winter storm hazard mitigation including snow removal equipment. It increases federal cost share to 90 percent in rural and disadvantaged areas and expands eligibility for major disaster declarations for snowstorms.
Last updated: 1/5/2026
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Support Neighborhoods Offset Winter Damage Act of 2025 or the SNOW Act of 2025</strong></p><p>This bill authorizes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) grant funding for winter storm hazard mitigation and requires FEMA rulemaking to expand assistance for winter storms. It also increases the federal cost share for various FEMA grants, for any hazard type, in rural or disadvantaged areas.</p><p>The bill specifically authorizes the use of grant funding under the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) and Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities program to reduce the risk of future damage in areas affected by winter storms, such as by acquiring snow removal equipment. </p><p>Also, under current FEMA policy, in determining eligibility and recommending a presidential major disaster declaration for a snowstorm, FEMA’s considerations include whether data shows record (or near record) snowfall and whether estimated statewide costs meet applicable thresholds. The bill requires FEMA to create regulations waiving these eligibility requirements for a major disaster declaration for a snowstorm in certain circumstances. FEMA must also create regulations to provide certain assistance for winter storms, including for debris removal and specified infrastructure, as well as individual and emergency assistance when the state determines the storm exceeds state and local capacity. </p><p>In addition, for any hazard type, the bill requires FEMA to increase the federal cost share from 75% to 90% for certain assistance provided in rural or disadvantaged areas. It also authorizes an increased HMGP federal cost share amount from 75% to 90% for assistance in rural or disadvantaged areas. </p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Authorizes FEMA grants for winter storm mitigation
Funds snow removal equipment purchases
Increases federal share to 90 percent for rural areas
Expands snowstorm disaster declarations
Covers debris removal and infrastructure assistance
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
Communities hit by severe snowstorms would receive more federal assistance. Rural and disadvantaged areas get higher cost-sharing for disaster response. Local governments could acquire snow removal equipment through federal grants.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Emergency Management
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
437, 119th Congress (2025). "SNOW Act of 2025". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-437
