Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB274

Introduced
1/11/23  

Caption

This bill requires the Government Accountability Office to report on the feasibility of a national disaster insurance program that covers all hazards.

Impact

The proposed bill outlines specific topics that the report should cover, including the challenges involved in developing actuarial tables and premium payment options for disaster insurance policies. By focusing on these elements, the bill aims to facilitate a comprehensive understanding of how such a national program could be implemented. An effective all-hazards disaster insurance program could provide a safety net for homeowners and contribute to broader financial stability within communities susceptible to natural disasters.

Summary

House Bill 274 seeks to address the issue of disaster insurance in the United States by requiring the Comptroller General to report on the feasibility of a national all-hazards disaster insurance program. This program would be designed to cover a range of disasters, ensuring that property owners have access to adequate insurance measures. The bill emphasizes the importance of understanding the existing gaps in insurance coverage, particularly the risk of underinsurance that could potentially destabilize the housing market.

Contention

While the idea of a national disaster insurance program may garner support for addressing financial instability, there may be contention surrounding its practical implementation. Questions could arise over the adequacy of coverage provided, the affordability of premiums, and the potential administrative complexities in managing such a program at a national level. Furthermore, the balance between federal oversight and state control over insurance regulation could spark debates among lawmakers and stakeholders, as differing interests may lead to divergent views on the ideal structure and scope of the proposed program.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

US HB77

This bill establishes which state law governs health insurers offering coverage in multiple states. Specifically, the bill provides that the laws of a state designated by a health insurer (primary state) apply to individual health insurance coverage offered by that insurer in any other state (secondary state) if the coverage, states, and insurer comply with the conditions of this bill. Insurers are exempted from any secondary state's laws that would prohibit or regulate the operation of the insurer in that state. The primary state is given sole jurisdiction to enforce its covered laws in any secondary state. The Government Accountability Office must study the effect of this bill on specified health insurance issues.

US HB4349

National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023

US HB244

Medicare Hearing Aid Coverage Act of 2023 This bill allows for Medicare coverage of hearing aids and related examinations. The Government Accountability Office must study programs that provide assistance for hearing aids and related examinations for individuals with hearing loss.

US SB2142

National Flood Insurance Program Reauthorization and Reform Act of 2023

US HB278

Cyber Defense National Guard Act This bill requires the Office of the Director of National Intelligence to report to Congress regarding the feasibility of establishing a Cyber Defense National Guard. The report shall address topics including (1) the cost of creating a Cyber Defense National Guard, (2) the number of persons needed to defend critical U.S. infrastructure from a cyberattack, (3) the sources of potential members of the Cyber Defense National Guard, and (4) which federal government elements would be best equipped to train and manage the Cyber Defense National Guard.

US HB127

Protection from Obamacare Mandates and Congressional Equity Act This bill alters provisions relating to the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage (i.e., the individual mandate), as well as provisions relating to health care coverage for certain executive branch and congressional employees. Specifically, the bill exempts individuals from the requirement to maintain minimum essential health care coverage if they reside in a county where fewer than two health insurers offer insurance on the health insurance exchange. Under current law, there is no penalty for failing to maintain minimum essential health care coverage. The bill also requires certain executive branch and congressional employees to participate in health insurance exchanges. Under current law, Members of Congress and their designated staff are required to obtain coverage through health insurance exchanges, rather than the Federal Employee Health Benefits (FEHB) Program. Current regulations authorize government contributions toward such coverage and require Members of Congress to designate which members of their staff are required to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill requires all congressional staff, including employees of congressional committees and leadership offices, to obtain coverage through an exchange. The bill also prohibits Members of Congress from having the discretion to determine which of their employees are eligible to enroll through an exchange. Further, the President, Vice President, and executive branch political appointees must also obtain coverage through exchanges, rather than FEHB. The government is prohibited from contributing to or subsidizing the health insurance coverage of the officials and employees subject to this requirement, including Members of Congress and their staff.

US HB1540

National Flood Insurance Program Affordability Act

US HB550

Wildfire Insurance Coverage Study Act of 2025 This bill requires reports regarding wildfire risk and damage. Specifically, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) must report on trends in wildfire declarations, mitigation practices, state and federal programs regarding wildfire risk, and the need for a national map of wildfire risks.The GAO must also report on (1) the availability and cost of wildfire insurance coverage for homes and commercial property, (2) state regulatory responses to increasing costs of coverage, and (3) impediments to private wildfire insurance coverage.

US HB243

Emergency and Disaster Preparedness for Farm Animals Act This bill requires producers to develop disaster preparedness plans that include adverse weather plans to be eligible for livestock indemnity payments and emergency loans due to adverse weather under certain agricultural disaster assistance programs.

US SB1039

National Flood Insurance Program Consultant Accountability Act of 2023

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.