Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1796

Introduced
3/24/23  
Refer
3/24/23  
Refer
3/27/23  

Caption

Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2023

Impact

The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by introducing direct assistance provisions for individuals with damaged residences and expanding eligibility criteria for hazard mitigation financial assistance. By permitting the FEMA administrator to waive specific requirements impeditive to timely assistance, the bill might foster a more responsive disaster recovery framework. This could change how laws govern disaster relief distribution, potentially leading to faster rebuilding processes and improved recovery outcomes for affected communities.

Summary

House Bill 1796, titled the 'Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2023', focuses on improving individual assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for those affected by major disasters. The bill aims to streamline the application process, enhance communication between federal agencies, and establish a universal application for disaster assistance. This is particularly important for rural and underprivileged communities that often face challenges in accessing necessary support during emergencies.

Sentiment

General sentiment around HB 1796 is largely supportive among proponents who argue that it will address existing flaws in disaster assistance protocols, particularly emphasizing accessibility and efficiency. However, there are concerns regarding the monitoring of potential fraud within assistance programs. Stakeholders express hope that the focus on underserved populations and the proposed changes will result in better federal support for recovery efforts post-disaster.

Contention

Notable points of contention revolve around the balance between expedited assistance and safeguarding against fraud in disaster programs. Critics caution that loosening verification processes may leave room for fraudulent claims, affecting the program's integrity. Additionally, the requirement for transparency in how waivers are applied could spark debates on accountability in federal disaster management practices. Ensuring that resources are evenly and justly distributed while limiting abuses remains a significant focus of discussion among lawmakers and advocacy groups.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

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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