Disaster Assistance Simplification Act

Disaster Assistance Simplification Act

This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop and establish a unified intake process and system for applicants for assistance provided by a disaster assistance agency.

The system must

• facilitate a consolidated application for any form of disaster assistance provided by a disaster assistance agency when appropriate to support the nature and purposes of the assistance;
• carry out the purposes of disaster assistance programs swiftly, efficiently, equitably, and in accordance with specified laws and privacy and data protections; and
• support the detection, prevention, and investigation of waste, fraud, abuse, or discrimination in the administration of disaster assistance programs.

Further, the system must, among other things

• accept applications for disaster assistance programs;
• permit applicants to receive status updates on such applications;
• allow applicants to update disaster assistance information throughout their recovery journeys;
• permit the distribution of information on additional recovery resources to disaster survivors that may be available in a disaster-stricken jurisdiction in coordination with appropriate federal, state, local, and tribal partners; and
• permit disaster assistance agencies to communicate directly with disaster survivors.

Not later than 30 days after receiving a request from a disaster assistance agency to update questions in the consolidated application needed to administer the disaster assistance programs of the agency, FEMA must make those updates.

The bill (1) sets forth requirements for reports by FEMA and by the Government Accountability Office, and (2) provides for congressional briefings under specified circumstances.

Bill 118 s 1528, also known as the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act, is a piece of legislation currently being considered by the US Congress. The main goal of this bill is to streamline and simplify the process for individuals and communities to receive disaster assistance from the federal government.

One key aspect of the bill is the creation of a single application process for all types of disaster assistance programs. This would eliminate the need for individuals to navigate multiple different applications and requirements in order to receive the help they need after a disaster strikes.

Additionally, the bill aims to improve coordination between federal, state, and local agencies involved in disaster response and recovery efforts. This would help ensure that resources are allocated efficiently and effectively to those in need. Furthermore, the Disaster Assistance Simplification Act includes provisions to increase transparency and accountability in the disaster assistance process. This would help prevent fraud and abuse, and ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used responsibly. Overall, the goal of Bill 118 s 1528 is to make it easier for individuals and communities affected by disasters to access the assistance they need in a timely and efficient manner. By streamlining the process and improving coordination between agencies, this legislation aims to make the disaster assistance system more effective and responsive to the needs of those in crisis.