Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act
2/12/2025, 9:01 AMSummary of Bill HR 426
Bill 119 HR 426, also known as the Disaster Assistance for Families Act, aims to provide essential disaster assistance to families impacted by major disasters in the United States. The bill seeks to ensure that families affected by natural disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and floods have access to the necessary resources and support to help them recover and rebuild their lives.The legislation includes provisions for financial assistance, temporary housing, and other essential services to help families in need. It also aims to streamline the process for applying for and receiving disaster assistance, making it easier for families to access the help they need in a timely manner.
In addition to providing immediate relief to families affected by disasters, the bill also includes measures to help communities prepare for and mitigate the impact of future disasters. This includes funding for disaster preparedness and response efforts, as well as support for infrastructure improvements to help communities better withstand and recover from disasters. Overall, Bill 119 HR 426 is focused on providing critical assistance to families in need during times of crisis, while also working to build more resilient communities that are better equipped to handle future disasters.
Congressional Summary of HR 426
Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act
This 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.
