Plain Language Summary
# REPLACE Act Summary **What It Does** The REPLACE Act would automatically waive fees for replacing federal identity documents—like passports, visas, and immigration papers—that are destroyed during major disasters. Currently, the State Department and immigration authorities *can* waive these fees at their discretion, but this bill would *require* them to do so automatically when a disaster qualifies for federal emergency assistance. The agencies would also be required to publicize these fee waivers on their websites so affected people know the option is available. **Who It Affects** This bill primarily helps disaster victims who lose critical travel and immigration documents.
It affects passport holders, visa applicants, and immigrants whose documents are destroyed in major disasters, allowing them to replace these documents without paying replacement fees during an already difficult recovery period. **Current Status** The bill was introduced by Representative Joe Neguse (D-CO) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it hasn't yet been voted on by the full House. The bill also requires the State Department and immigration services to report annually to Congress on how many fee waivers they grant and what those waivers cost.
CRS Official Summary
Replacing Essential Passports and Licenses After Certain Emergencies Act or the REPLACE ActThis bill automatically waives the fees to replace certain federal documents (e.g., passports, visas, or immigration documents) destroyed by a major disaster.Under current law, the Department of State and U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) may waive replacement fees for these critical documents for individuals or households adversely affected by a major disaster. The bill requires the State Department and USCIS to waive these replacement fees when the documents are destroyed by a major disaster for which assistance is provided under the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Individuals and Households Program. The agencies must notify the public of the availability of these waivers on their respective websites.The bill also requires the State Department and USCIS to annually report to Congress the number of such fee waivers granted and the resulting cost to the respective agencies.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.