Don’t Penalize Victims Act

This proposal would change how federal disaster aid handles “duplication of benefits.” That means it aims to adjust rules that can reduce or delay FEMA help if survivors also get money from insurance, charities, or other programs. The change is made to the Stafford Act’s section on duplication of benefits (Section 312(a)) to make the system fairer to people recovering from disasters.

Key points:

• Who is affected: People and communities seeking FEMA disaster aid who may also receive help from insurance, nonprofits, or other government programs.
• What changes: Updates the duplication-of-benefits rule in federal disaster law to avoid penalizing survivors for getting help from more than one place.
• When: Would take effect if enacted into law; timing isn’t specified in the text provided.