SNOW Act of 2025

The SNOW Act of 2025 amends federal disaster law to allow winter storms - defined as heavy snow, blowing snow, or dangerous wind chills - to qualify for disaster assistance under the Stafford Act. It creates a waiver process to bypass standard snowfall and damage thresholds for disaster declarations if two of three conditions are met (e.g., severe wind/chill, lake-effect snow, or low-income/rural areas). The bill also increases federal cost-sharing for disaster aid in rural or disadvantaged communities from 75% to 90% for eligible projects like debris removal, infrastructure repairs, and hazard mitigation. This directly affects states, local governments, and residents in rural or low-income areas impacted by major winter storms.