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Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2023
2/15/2024, 8:30 PM
Summary of Bill HR 1796
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a Disaster Survivor Assistance Fund, which would provide financial assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods. This fund would help cover expenses such as temporary housing, medical care, and other essential needs.
Additionally, the bill aims to streamline the process for individuals to apply for and receive disaster assistance. This includes simplifying the application process and ensuring that assistance is provided in a timely manner to those in need. Furthermore, the Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2023 seeks 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 who need them most. Overall, the goal of this legislation is to provide fair and equitable support to disaster survivors, helping them rebuild their lives and communities in the aftermath of natural disasters. It is currently under review in Congress and may undergo further revisions before being voted on.
Congressional Summary of HR 1796
Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2023
This bill makes changes in the process for seeking and providing assistance following a major disaster.
Specifically, the bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish and maintain a web-based interagency electronic information sharing system, to be known as the unified disaster application system, to facilitate the administration of a universal application for direct federal disaster assistance.
The President may provide (1) assistance to respond to the disaster-related housing needs of individuals and households who are displaced from their predisaster primary residence that is damaged by a major disaster (currently, such residences must be rendered uninhabitable); and (2) direct assistance for repairs and for cost-effective hazard mitigation measures that reduce threats to life and property or future damage.
FEMA may (1) provide funding to a state agency to establish, update, or operate a website to provide information relating to postdisaster recovery funding and resources; and (2) reimburse a state, tribal, or local government for certain costs relating to sheltering emergency response personnel. The bill extends FEMA's authority to implement state-managed housing assistance as a pilot program. FEMA must conduct a study and develop a plan to address the challenges and disparities associated with providing housing assistance to survivors of major disasters or emergencies.
The Government Accountability Office must report on (1) assistance issues, including improper and potentially fraudulent federal disaster assistance; and (2) the effectiveness, successes, and challenges of any state-managed housing assistance pilot program and make recommendations on how to improve the provision of assistance.
