Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress House Bill HB1245

Introduced
2/12/25  
Refer
2/12/25  

Caption

Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2025

Impact

One of the noticeable impacts of HB1245 is its emphasis on inclusive financial assistance, which extends not just to homeowners but also to renters and households led by individuals with disabilities. This could significantly enhance the recovery efforts in affected areas by ensuring that various demographics receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and communities after a disaster. The bill also introduces a focus on hazard mitigation, allowing for funding aimed at preventative measures that reduce risks in the future.

Summary

House Bill 1245, titled the Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2025, aims to enhance the individual assistance provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to individuals and households affected by major disasters. The bill proposes to streamline processes and improve the quality of disaster assistance, focusing on creating a universal application system that aims to alleviate bureaucratic hurdles faced by disaster survivors. Key provisions include increased financial support for repairs, direct assistance for those unable to utilize existing resources, and expanded rental assistance to address the varied needs of disaster survivors more effectively.

Contention

However, discussions around the bill might reveal some points of contention, such as the adequacy of funding allocations and how rapidly FEMA can implement these changes. Critics may raise concerns about the responsibilities imposed on state governments for managing programs effectively and the potential challenges in reconciling timelines between federal and local disaster management initiatives. Additionally, ensuring that the aid effectively reaches the most vulnerable populations, including marginalized communities and rural areas, could be a significant ongoing debate as stakeholders monitor the bill's implementation.

Congress_id

119-HR-1245

Introduced_date

2025-02-12

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Similar Bills

US SB5067

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Housing Survivors of Major Disasters ActThis bill lowers the eligibility criteria for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program (IHP) housing assistance, including for IHP permanent housing construction, and requires FEMA to consider evidence of constructive ownership of a residence when determining eligibility for IHP home repair or home replacement assistance.  Specifically, the bill lowers the level of damage required for certain IHP housing assistance eligibility, so the residence must merely be damaged by a major disaster instead of rendered uninhabitable. Also, under current law, FEMA is authorized to provide assistance for permanent housing construction where (1) no alternative housing resources are available; and (2) other types of temporary housing assistance are unavailable, infeasible, or not cost-effective. The bill authorizes IHP permanent housing construction where FEMA determines such assistance is a cost-effective alternative to other housing solutions, including temporary housing costs.Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to consider an individual or household’s claim of constructive (i.e., implied) ownership, where evidence supports its existence is more likely than not, when determining eligibility for IHP financial assistance for home repair or replacement for a residence without documented ownership rights. FEMA must consider all evidence provided when determining whether constructive ownership more likely than not exists, and the bill lists examples of evidence. If FEMA determines the evidence is insufficient, FEMA may require a signed declarative statement describing the constructive ownership. FEMA may not require notarization of the statement.

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