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Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2022
4/17/2024, 11:45 PM
Summary of Bill HR 8416
One key provision of the bill is the establishment of a Disaster Survivor Assistance Fund, which will provide financial assistance to individuals and families who have been impacted by natural disasters. This fund will help cover the costs of temporary housing, food, clothing, and other essential needs for survivors.
Additionally, the bill includes provisions to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response and recovery efforts. This includes streamlining the application process for disaster assistance, increasing transparency and accountability in the distribution of funds, and ensuring that all survivors have access to the resources they need to recover. Overall, the Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2022 aims to ensure that all individuals and families affected by natural disasters receive the support they need to rebuild their lives and communities. By addressing disparities in disaster assistance and improving the efficiency of disaster response efforts, the bill seeks to provide fair and equitable assistance to all survivors.
Congressional Summary of HR 8416
Disaster Survivors Fairness Act of 2022
This bill makes changes in the process for seeking 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 DisasterAssistance.gov, to facilitate the administration of a universal application for direct federal disaster assistance and for other specified purposes.
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) enter into a cooperative agreement to provide funding to a state agency to establish and 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 until the issuance of final regulations. FEMA must conduct a study and develop a plan to address the challenges associated with providing housing assistance to survivors of major disasters or emergencies.
The Government Accountability Office must report on assistance issues, including improper and potentially fraudulent federal disaster assistance.
