Illinois House Bill HB4123

Illinois 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 8/17/23
• Refer: 10/18/23
• Refer: 3/12/24
• Refer: 5/31/24

Caption

SUPPLEMENTAL DISASTER RELIEF

Impact

The bill establishes specific eligibility and application requirements for the supplemental grants, determining that only those who qualify for federal assistance but still face unmet serious needs will be eligible to receive these state grants. A maximum of $10,000 per individual or household can be awarded, which reflects the significant financial pressures on families affected by disasters that exceed federal assistance limits. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency will define the rules for how these grants can be accessed, ensuring that the criteria align with federal disaster relief protocols.

Summary

House Bill 4123 introduces modifications to the Illinois Disaster Relief Act by allowing the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and the Office of Homeland Security to provide state supplemental grants for individuals and households affected by federally declared disasters. The primary aim of the bill is to ensure that those individuals and households who are unable to meet their disaster-related necessary expenses through existing federal assistance programs can receive additional support from state resources. This augmentation of funds is particularly aimed at filling the gaps left by federal relief efforts.

Contention

One notable point of contention surrounding HB4123 stems from concerns about the capacity of the Illinois Emergency Management Agency to efficiently manage these grants alongside its existing responsibilities. Critics may raise questions regarding the administrative resources necessary to process additional applications and disburse funds in a timely manner, especially during periods of heightened disaster occurrence. Furthermore, ensuring the availability of bilingual support and documentation in disaster-affected areas seeks to enhance accessibility but may also pose challenges in implementation, underscoring the importance of adequate funding and support for administrative tasks.