Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB8422

Introduced
5/16/24  
Refer
5/16/24  
Refer
5/16/24  

Caption

Mental Health Emergency Needs in Disasters Act

Impact

The bill authorizes the President to deploy mobile mental health crisis services to affected counties for up to two years after the declaration of a disaster. The aim is to provide immediate support through trained counselors and mental health professionals to ensure that individuals can access necessary psychological and emotional support. Furthermore, the bill also allows for grants to state or tribal governments, prioritizing those regions with high unmet mental health service needs, which is intended to create a more robust support system following disasters.

Summary

House Bill 8422, titled the 'Mental Health Emergency Needs in Disasters Act', seeks to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by introducing provisions to enhance mental health services in the aftermath of major disasters. It establishes programs aimed at providing mental and behavioral health counseling for individuals affected by disasters, emphasizing the need for mobile mental health crisis units that can be deployed in disaster-stricken areas. These units are intended to assist victims by addressing mental health issues exacerbated by such disasters.

Contention

While the bill is designed to address critical mental health needs after disasters, there may be areas of contention regarding funding priorities and the implementation of mental health programs. Questions may arise about the adequacy of appropriated funds, estimated at $44 million annually, to meet the varying needs of different disaster-affected communities. Additionally, the efficacy of federally coordinated mental health services might spark debate on whether local communities or state governments should have greater control over mental health aid delivery.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB9680

RIDER Act Regional Impact of Disasters and Emergencies Relief Act

US SB5134

RIDER Act Regional Impact of Disasters and Emergencies Relief Act

US HB2371

REAADI for Disasters Act Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion for Disasters Act

US HB9750

Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2024

US HB6108

Clean Up DEBRIS Act Clean Up Disasters and Emergencies with Better Recovery and Immediate Support Act

US HB6415

CARE for First Responders Act Crisis Assistance and Resources in Emergencies for First Responders Act

US HB5623

Addressing Addiction After Disasters Act

US HB6435

MALDEN Act Making Aid for Local Disasters Equal Now Act

US SB1049

REAADI for Disasters Act Real Emergency Access for Aging and Disability Inclusion for Disasters Act

US HB316

Natural Disaster Recovery Program Act of 2025This bill establishes Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) funding sources for unmet needs caused by major disasters, expands FEMA’s assistance for housing and home repair, and requires certain considerations in FEMA’s recommendations on presidential emergency/disaster declarations.The bill establishes the National Disaster Recovery Reserve Fund for FEMA to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet need. The bill defines unmet need as any necessary expense for activities related to a declared major disaster, including disaster relief or resilience activities. In addition, the bill authorizes FEMA to set aside funding from the Disaster Relief Fund to provide grants to states and Indian tribal governments for unmet needs resulting from a declared disaster, including home repair, economic recovery measures, and other services assisting disaster victims. Also, the bill makes the following changes regarding housing assistance:authorizes FEMA’s Individuals and Households Program (IHP) to provide home repair assistance directly to homeowners when there is a lack of available housing resources, expands IHP home repair assistance for persons with disabilities, extends the maximum duration of IHP’s direct housing assistance from 18 to 24 months,authorizes IHP permanent housing construction where FEMA considers it a cost-effective alternative, and authorizes minor home repairs in the essential assistance federal agencies may provide following a disaster. Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to give greater weight to local impacts, and events over the past five years, when making recommendations to the President regarding emergency or major disaster declarations.

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