Us Congress 2023-2024 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB7849

Introduced

3/29/24

Refer

3/29/24

Caption

Disaster Resiliency and Coverage Act of 2024

Impact

The bill proposes significant amendments to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, focusing primarily on establishing eligibility criteria for disaster mitigation activities funded through federal grants. By mandating the assessment of risk areas and providing technical assistance, the bill aims to empower state and tribal governments to better prepare for disasters. It also entails provisions ensuring that grants would support household improvements that meet specific mitigation standards, potentially influencing both state policies and homeowner practices regarding disaster readiness.

Summary

House Bill 7849, known as the 'Disaster Resiliency and Coverage Act of 2024', aims to enhance disaster preparedness and resilience through the establishment of an Individual Household Disaster Mitigation Program. This initiative would require the President to create a program that provides grants to states and Indian tribal governments for pre-disaster mitigation activities targeted at individual residential households identified as being at risk from major disasters. These activities aim to reduce the damage from natural hazards and enhance safety for homeowners in vulnerable areas.

Contention

There are potential points of contention surrounding the income limitations imposed on households seeking grants under the program. Individuals with an adjusted gross income exceeding $250,000 would not qualify for assistance, which raises questions about equity and accessibility for low- and middle-income households at risk of disaster. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the established mitigation activities and their impact on homeowner insurance premiums could be debated, especially regarding whether insurance providers would respond positively to the standards set forth in the bill, potentially incentivizing homeowners to adopt these measures.

Latest HB7849 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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