Upon enactment, this legislation requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to create a grant program for higher education institutions within 180 days. Institutions can apply for funding to establish or expand programs that foster emergency management, recovery from disasters, and improved response capabilities. The minimum grant amount is set at $250,000, which aims to support recovery efforts, replacement of operational costs due to disruptions from emergencies, and the modernization of crucial infrastructures such as school buildings.
Summary
House Bill 2458, known as the Emergency Preparedness in Higher Education Act, seeks to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to establish a grant program aimed at enhancing emergency preparedness initiatives within higher education institutions. The goal of this bill is to enable schools to develop and improve programs that educate students, faculty, and staff on emergency management and disaster readiness in order to respond effectively to emergencies and disasters.
Contention
While proponents argue that the bill will significantly enhance the readiness and resilience of educational institutions during emergencies, critics may express concerns regarding the specific allocation of funds and the bureaucratic process involved in grant distribution. The bill also mandates that participating institutions provide comprehensive reports detailing the impact of the grants on enrolled students and operational improvements, which some stakeholders may view as an additional compliance burden that could divert attention from actual emergency preparedness efforts.
Relating to accountability of institutions of higher education, including educator preparation programs, and online institution resumes for public institutions of higher education.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.
Revises calculation of student financial need and provides circumstances for reduction of financial aid at institutions of higher education and proprietary institutions.