If enacted, this bill would amend the criteria for receiving disaster financial assistance, expanding access to individuals who may have occupied properties but were not officially recognized as owners or renters. By using evidentiary criteria, such as utility bills, pay stubs, and other forms of documentation, the legislation aims to facilitate a more inclusive approach to disaster recovery. This change could significantly impact many disaster survivors who have historically found themselves without viable support due to stringent documentation requirements.
Summary
SB5350, titled the ‘Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2024,’ seeks to improve disaster assistance for individuals and families affected by major disasters. The bill allows for eligibility of financial assistance under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for those who may have otherwise been ineligible due to lack of documented property ownership or rental agreements. This assistance is crucial during the recovery process following significant events such as hurricanes, floods, or other natural disasters, as it addresses some of the unmet needs of affected populations.
Contention
The bill has garnered attention for its potential impact on existing disaster relief frameworks and the challenges regarding eligibility determinations. Critics may argue that the relaxed requirements could lead to misuse of resources or complications in the aid distribution process. Supporters, however, emphasize the necessity of this assistance for those who are often overlooked in traditional recovery frameworks, suggesting that the benefits far outweigh potential drawbacks.
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.
Property tax: exemptions; filing requirements for disabled veteran exemption and provisions concerning eligibility of surviving spouses; modify. Amends sec. 7b of 1893 PA 206 (MCL 211.7b). TIE BAR WITH: SB 0330'23
Relating to allowing persons acquiring a new residence homestead to receive an ad valorem tax exemption on the homestead in the year in which the property is acquired.