Restoring America’s Floodplains Act

S 2215, the Restoring America’s Floodplains Act, amends the Agricultural Credit Act of 1978 to update how federal floodplain easements are managed. It directly affects landowners who hold existing floodplain easements (where they’ve given up development rights on flood-prone land) and federal agencies managing these areas. The bill requires the Secretary to provide financial and technical assistance for restoring natural vegetation and water flow on these easements, and grants the Secretary sole discretion to manage them through agreements with landowners or organizations. This changes current management by adding specific restoration requirements and flexibility for ongoing maintenance.