Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act
Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act
Plain Language Summary
# Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act (HR 426) - Plain Language Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill makes it easier for disaster survivors to qualify for federal housing assistance through FEMA. Currently, homes must be completely uninhabitable to qualify for help, but the bill would lower that threshold—homes only need to be damaged by a major disaster to receive assistance. The bill also gives FEMA more flexibility in providing permanent housing solutions if officials determine it's cost-effective, rather than only allowing it as a last resort when temporary housing isn't available. **Who it affects:** Disaster survivors and homeowners whose properties are damaged in major disasters would benefit from expanded eligibility and faster access to federal housing assistance.
FEMA, which administers these programs, would have new authority in deciding how to help survivors. **Current status:** The bill was introduced by Representative Adriano Espaillat (D-NY) and is currently in committee, meaning it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full House. The bill's summary appears incomplete in the source material provided.
CRS Official Summary
Housing Survivors of Major Disasters ActThis bill expands eligibility for disaster housing assistance under the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Individuals and Households Program (IHP) with respect to property damage, availability of housing resources, and constructive (i.e., implied) ownership. Specifically, the bill lowers the level of damage required to be eligible for IHP housing assistance, so the residence must be damaged by a major disaster instead of rendered uninhabitable.Also, under current law, FEMA is authorized to provide IHP assistance for permanent housing construction where (1) no alternative housing resources are available; and (2) other types of temporary housing assistance are unavailable, infeasible, or not cost-effective. The bill authorizes IHP permanent housing construction where FEMA determines such assistance is a cost-effective alternative to other housing solutions, such as providing for temporary housing costs.Additionally, the bill requires FEMA to consider an individual's or household’s claim of constructive ownership, where evidence supports such ownership is more likely than not, when determining eligibility for IHP financial assistance for home repair or replacement for a residence without documented ownership rights. FEMA must consider all evidence provided (e.g., deeds, tax receipts, insurance documents) when determining whether constructive ownership more likely than not exists. If FEMA determines the evidence is insufficient, FEMA may require a signed declarative statement describing the constructive ownership.
Latest Action
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.