Disaster Displacement Assistance Improvement Act of 2025
Disaster Displacement Assistance Improvement Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Disaster Displacement Assistance Improvement Act of 2025 - Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would change how the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides emergency housing assistance to people displaced by disasters. Currently, FEMA can deny or reduce assistance if someone has insurance that covers temporary housing costs, to avoid paying for the same expenses twice. This bill would remove that requirement, allowing FEMA to provide displacement assistance regardless of whether someone has insurance coverage. **Who it affects:** The bill primarily affects disaster victims who need immediate temporary housing after hurricanes, floods, fires, or other disasters.
It could particularly benefit people with insurance policies that may not fully cover their needs, or those who face delays in receiving insurance payouts. FEMA and its disaster relief operations would also be affected by the change in eligibility rules. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Julia Brownley (D-California) in the 119th Congress and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Disaster Displacement Assistance Improvement Act of 2025This bill enables individuals or households to receive displacement assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following a disaster (i.e., funds to address immediate, short-term lodging needs) regardless of the recipient’s insurance status.Under current law, in determining whether an individual or household is eligible for displacement assistance, FEMA generally must determine whether the applicant has insurance that will cover those same expenses, to avoid a duplication of benefits. The bill prohibits FEMA from considering insurance a duplication of benefits when determining an individual or household’s eligibility for displacement assistance, removing the need for FEMA to determine insurance status prior to providing the assistance.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.