Don’t Penalize Victims Act

# Don't Penalize Victims Act Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would change how federal disaster assistance works when victims receive money from multiple sources. Currently, if someone receives federal disaster aid, they cannot also accept help from other sources (like charities or lawsuit settlements) for the same purpose—federal agencies reduce the aid amount to prevent "double dipping." The Don't Penalize Victims Act would eliminate this restriction for non-federal sources, allowing disaster victims to keep both federal assistance and charitable donations, legal settlements, or other private aid without penalties. **Who it affects and key provisions:** The bill primarily affects disaster victims and the federal agencies (like FEMA) that distribute disaster assistance.

It would still prohibit combining federal disaster funds with other federal programs or insurance payouts, but would allow people to receive federal aid alongside private charitable contributions, community fundraisers, legal judgments, and similar sources. The change aims to help disaster survivors by letting them access all available resources without losing federal support. **Current status:** HR 2254 is currently in committee and has not been passed into law.