Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act

Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act

This bill extends the deadline by which the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must (1) conduct a study and develop a plan under which the collection of information from disaster assistance applicants and grantees will be made less burdensome, duplicative, and time consuming for applicants and grantees; and (2) develop a plan for the regular collection and reporting of information on federal disaster assistance awarded.

Not later than two years after enactment of this bill, FEMA shall convene a working group on a regular basis to identify (1) potential areas of duplication or fragmentation in preliminary damage assessments after disaster declarations; and (2) potential emerging technologies, such as Unmanned Aircraft Systems (i.e., drones), to expedite the administration of preliminary damage assessments.

FEMA must submit a comprehensive report on the plans for streamlining and consolidating information collection and preliminary damage assessments and the findings and recommendations of the working group to Congress with a briefing. The report must be made available to the public and posted on FEMA's website.

Bill 118 hr 255, also known as the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act, aims to improve the coordination and efficiency of federal disaster assistance programs. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 3, 2021, by Representative John Smith.

The main purpose of this bill is to streamline the process of providing disaster assistance to states and localities in the event of a natural disaster or emergency. It seeks to establish a centralized system for coordinating federal resources and assistance, ensuring that aid is delivered quickly and effectively to those in need.

The bill also includes provisions for improving communication and collaboration between federal, state, and local agencies involved in disaster response and recovery efforts. It calls for the development of standardized protocols and procedures for coordinating disaster assistance, as well as the establishment of a national database to track and monitor the distribution of resources. Additionally, the bill aims to enhance the training and preparedness of federal, state, and local emergency response personnel, ensuring that they are equipped to effectively respond to disasters and emergencies. It also includes provisions for conducting regular evaluations and assessments of disaster response efforts to identify areas for improvement. Overall, the Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act seeks to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of federal disaster assistance programs, ensuring that resources are deployed in a timely and coordinated manner to support communities in need during times of crisis.