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Stops disaster survivors from being denied short‑term housing help just because they have insurance. It changes the “duplication of benefits” rule so insurance payouts cannot be counted against a survivor’s eligibility for displacement assistance. Displacement assistance includes staying in a hotel or motel, staying with family or friends, or other available housing options after a disaster. This aims to make it easier and faster for people to get temporary shelter support while they are displaced.
Adds a new subsection (k) titled "Duplication of benefits" to Section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174).
When determining eligibility for displacement assistance under Section 408, the President may not consider insurance to be a duplication of benefits for the purpose of applying section 312 of this Act.
Defines "displacement assistance" in the added subsection (k)(2) to mean assistance under Section 408 to stay in a hotel or motel, stay with family and friends, or for any other available housing options.
Disaster survivors benefit most; they can receive temporary lodging help even if they carry insurance that might offer living‑expense coverage. Families who host displaced relatives may be more clearly covered under recognized displacement options. Insurers are indirectly affected since their payments will not disqualify survivors from federal displacement aid. The disaster agency must adjust policies, systems, and guidance to remove insurance as a duplication factor for displacement assistance. Taxpayers could see modest cost increases due to expanded eligibility for short‑term shelter aid.
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Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced February 26, 2025 by Julia Brownley · Last progress February 26, 2025
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced in House