This bill updates the maps of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS), which is a network of protected coastal areas that are ineligible for federal funding for development. The bill expands some exceptions to this funding restriction, such as for aquaculture and certain Army Corps of Engineers projects. It also requires property owners in affected areas to disclose the CBRS status to potential buyers or renters.
Latest Action
Became Public Law No: 118-117.
AI Summary
Plain-English explanation of this bill
This bill updates the maps of the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS), which is a network of protected coastal areas that are ineligible for federal funding for development. The bill expands some exceptions to this funding restriction, such as for aquaculture and certain Army Corps of Engineers projects. It also requires property owners in affected areas to disclose the CBRS status to potential buyers or renters.
Last updated: 12/29/2025
Official Summary
Congressional Research Service summary
<p><strong>Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act or the BEACH Act</strong></p><p>This act modifies the coastal areas belonging to the John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System (CBRS) and which are, therefore, ineligible to receive federal financial assistance for land development. It also expands exceptions to this restriction, establishes additional requirements for agencies administering the CBRS, and requires a study relating to coastal barrier ecosystems.</p><p>Specifically, the act updates and replaces existing CBRS maps with maps recommended by the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) in a 2022 report to Congress titled <em>John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System Hurricane Sandy Remapping Project. </em>Affected coastal areas are located in 13 states: Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, and Virginia.</p><p>In addition, the act creates new exceptions to the limitation on federal financial assistance for certain (1) aquaculture operations (e.g., shellfish production) and (2) U.S. Army Corps of Engineers coastal storm risk management projects. The act also provides that insurable structures (i.e., walled and roofed buildings) that are on the ground in areas added to the CBRS within one year of enactment remain eligible for federal financial assistance. </p><p>The act directs FWS to issue regulations requiring owners or lessors of real property in communities affected by the CBRS to disclose this information to prospective buyers or lessees.</p><p>Additionally, the act provides that FWS shall develop and finalize guidance relating to the expenditure of federal funds in emergency situations that threaten life, land, and property immediately adjacent to a system unit. The act also generally requires agencies that are involved with the CBRS to revise or issue regulations or guidance as necessary within one year of enactment.</p><p>Finally, the act directs FWS and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) to conduct a scientific evaluation of the dynamics of coastal barrier ecosystems. FWS and USGS must provide related recommendations for the CBRS to Congress.</p>
Key Points
Main provisions of the bill
Updates maps of the protected CBRS coastal areas across 13 states
Creates new exceptions to the federal funding restriction, such as for aquaculture and Army Corps projects
Requires property owners in affected areas to disclose the CBRS status to potential buyers or renters
Directs studies on coastal barrier ecosystems and federal funding in emergency situations
How This Impacts Americans
Potential effects on citizens and communities
This bill would primarily impact coastal property owners, developers, and federal agencies working in the affected CBRS areas across 13 states. It could make it easier for some types of projects to receive federal funding, while also increasing disclosure requirements for property sales and rentals in protected coastal zones.
Policy Areas
Primary Policy Area
Public Lands and Natural Resources
Related Subjects
Congressional oversight
Connecticut
Delaware
Floods and storm protection
Florida
Geography and mapping
Louisiana
Marine and coastal resources, fisheries
Maryland
Massachusetts
+8 more
Scope & Jurisdiction
Jurisdiction Level
federal
Congressional Session
119th Congress
Citation Reference
5490, 119th Congress (2025). "Dismantle Foreign Scam Syndicates Act". Source: Voter's Right Platform. https://votersright.org/bills/118-hr-5490
