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.
Impact
The bill modifies existing provisions in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to streamline the process for individuals claiming assistance. By allowing claims based on constructive ownership more broadly and easing the documentation requirements, this bill seeks to ensure that more affected individuals can receive aid quickly after a disaster. The changes aim to reduce administrative burdens and facilitate faster recovery for disaster survivors.
Summary
House Bill 426, titled the 'Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act', is designed to enhance the availability of essential disaster assistance for families affected by significant disasters. The legislation aims to provide a clearer pathway for individuals and households to receive support in the aftermath of disasters, particularly those who may not have documented ownership of their primary residence but can demonstrate constructive ownership. This measure addresses the challenges faced by many disaster survivors in accessing FEMA assistance due to inadequate documentation.
Contention
Notably, there may be points of contention regarding how 'constructive ownership' is defined and applied. The bill shifts some focus to the evidence that individuals can present, which could lead to varying interpretations and potential disputes over eligibility. Critics may argue that easing ownership requirements could lead to challenges in managing and distributing aid equitably, while proponents assert that the changes are necessary for effective disaster recovery.
Congress_id
119-HR-426
Policy_area
Emergency Management
Implementation
If enacted, the amendments will apply to funds appropriated on or after the enactment date of the bill. This means the effects of the bill may not be immediately felt, as it will depend on the timing of disaster events and the subsequent allocation of funds. The success of the legislation will likely hinge on the effective implementation by FEMA and their ability to adapt to the new guidelines outlined in the bill.
A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to establish a pilot program for the construction of temporary disaster assistance housing, and for other purposes.
A bill to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide assistance for common interest communities, condominiums, and housing cooperatives damaged by a major disaster, and for other purposes.
Choice in Affordable Housing Act of 2023 This bill establishes programs and grants to incentivize landlord participation in the Housing Choice Voucher program (i.e., Section 8 tenant-based housing assistance). The bill authorizes the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to provide one-time incentive payments to landlords, security deposit payments, bonuses to public housing agencies that employ landlord liaisons, and amounts for other recruitment purposes. The bill also reauthorizes through FY2028 the Tribal Housing and Urban Development-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing program. Additionally, the bill allows dwelling units to meet Housing Choice Voucher program inspection requirements by satisfactory inspection through participation in other housing programs. Landlords not yet participating in a low-income housing assistance program may request inspection by a public housing agency to determine whether the dwelling meets requirements prior to selection by a tenant. Finally, HUD must expand the use of an alternative method of calculating fair market rent for purposes of the Housing Choice Voucher program.
Wildfire Recovery Act This bill makes changes with respect to the federal cost share for Fire Management Assistance Grants and provides that the federal share shall be not less than 75% of the eligible cost. Specifically, the bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to conduct and complete a rulemaking to provide criteria for the circumstances under which FEMA may recommend that the President increase the federal cost share. Such criteria shall include a threshold metric that assesses the financial impact to a state or local government from responding to a fire for which fire management assistance is being provided.
To amend the Housing and Community Development Act of 1980 and the Housing Act of 1949 to make financial assistance available to DACA recipients, and for other purposes.
Drug Testing for Welfare Recipients Act This bill requires the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and specified public housing programs to subject individuals to substance-abuse screening and to deny benefits for individuals who test positive for a controlled substance.