Post-Disaster Assistance Online Accountability Act

This legislation would create a public online page that tracks how federal disaster aid is used. Federal agencies that give out disaster funds would have to post quarterly updates within 30 days after each quarter. The updates must be easy for computers to read and include the total amount given, how much was spent or committed, and a detailed list of funded projects with each project’s name, description, progress, award ID, FEMA catalog number, and location by ZIP code. Agencies would also issue guidance to meet these rules, and the Office of Management and Budget could partner with a private group to build the page .

Here are the basics:

• What changes: A new public web page for disaster aid reporting, with regular, detailed updates that are machine-readable .
• Who it affects: Federal agencies that provide disaster assistance; the public benefits from easier access to information .
• When: Agencies must post information no later than 30 days after the end of each calendar quarter .