Us Congress 2025-2026 Regular Session

Us Congress Senate Bill SB861

Introduced

3/5/25

Refer

3/5/25

Caption

Disaster Assistance Simplification Act

Impact

The introduction of a unified intake process is significant as it modifies the existing framework established by the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. It includes required processes for collecting and sharing disaster assistance information, ensuring that data privacy and security are upheld. The bill also outlines the responsibilities of federal agencies involved in disaster assistance, mandating that they adopt standardized practices to safeguard the information of applicants. This change aims to enhance trust among disaster survivors regarding how their personal information is handled within the context of disaster recovery operations.

Summary

SB861, titled the 'Disaster Assistance Simplification Act', aims to streamline the process through which disaster survivors apply for federal assistance following disasters. The bill proposes the establishment of a unified disaster assistance intake process, which will consolidate applications across various disaster assistance programs, thereby simplifying access for individuals, businesses, and organizations. The intent is to enhance the speed and efficiency of delivering life-saving assistance to those affected by disasters, ultimately aiding in the recovery of communities. By creating a single point of entry for disaster assistance, the bill seeks to reduce administrative burdens on survivors and promote a more coordinated response among federal agencies.

Contention

While the bill is generally aimed at improving the effectiveness and efficiency of disaster assistance, there may be concerns around data privacy and security related to the handling of sensitive personal information. The proposed legislation includes provisions that require transparency in the collection and sharing of disaster assistance information, which echoes wider conversations about data protection across federal programs. Nonetheless, there may be debate about the balance between efficient service delivery and the need to protect individual privacy rights, particularly given the sensitive nature of the information handled during disaster recovery.

Congress_id

119-S-861

Introduced_date

2025-03-05

Latest SB861 Activity

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

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