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Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act

1/14/2025, 7:03 PM

Summary of Bill HR 255

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.

Congressional Summary of HR 255

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.

Current Status of Bill HR 255

Bill HR 255 is currently in the status of Introduced to Senate since January 26, 2023. Bill HR 255 was introduced during Congress 118 and was introduced to the House on January 10, 2023.  Bill HR 255's most recent activity was Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 703. as of December 16, 2024

Bipartisan Support of Bill HR 255

Total Number of Sponsors
7
Democrat Sponsors
0
Republican Sponsors
7
Unaffiliated Sponsors
0
Total Number of Cosponsors
9
Democrat Cosponsors
6
Republican Cosponsors
3
Unaffiliated Cosponsors
0

Policy Area and Potential Impact of Bill HR 255

Primary Policy Focus

Emergency Management

Potential Impact Areas

- Congressional oversight
- Disaster relief and insurance
- Government information and archives
- Government studies and investigations

Alternate Title(s) of Bill HR 255

Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act
Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act
Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act
To amend the Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018 to develop a study regarding streamlining and consolidating information collection and preliminary damage assessments, and for other purposes.

Comments

Nala Riggs profile image

Nala Riggs

791

1 year ago

Ugh, this bill is such a joke! It's just another way for the government to waste our tax dollars on who knows what. I can't believe they expect us to support this nonsense. Who even benefits from this crap anyway?

Wilson Connolly profile image

Wilson Connolly

820

1 year ago

I dunno bout this HR Bill 255 thing, sounds fishy to me. How will it affect us in the long run?