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Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act
2/12/2025, 9:01 AM
Summary of Bill HR 152
The goal of this study is to find ways to make the information collection process more efficient and effective, ultimately leading to quicker and more accurate assessments of the damage caused by disasters. By streamlining and consolidating this process, it is hoped that resources can be allocated more efficiently and recovery efforts can be expedited.
In addition to the study on information collection and damage assessments, the bill also includes provisions for other purposes related to disaster recovery. These additional purposes may include measures to improve coordination between federal, state, and local agencies involved in disaster response, as well as efforts to enhance communication and collaboration among stakeholders. Overall, Bill 119 hr 152 seeks to make important improvements to the way disaster recovery efforts are conducted in the United States. By developing a study to streamline and consolidate information collection and damage assessments, the bill aims to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of disaster response efforts, ultimately leading to better outcomes for communities affected by disasters.
Congressional Summary of HR 152
Federal Disaster Assistance Coordination Act
This bill requires the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to streamline disaster information collection, convene a working group on preliminary damage assessments, and provide a report to Congress.
FEMA must (1) conduct a study and develop a plan under which the collection of information from disaster assistance applicants and grantees will be made less burdensome, duplicative, and time consuming for applicants and grantees; and (2) develop a plan for the regular collection and reporting of information on federal disaster assistance awarded.
Additionally, not later than two years after enactment of the bill, FEMA must convene a working group on a regular basis to (1) identify potential areas of duplication or fragmentation in preliminary damage assessments after disaster declarations; (2) determine the applicability of having one federal agency make the assessments for all agencies; and (3) identify potential emerging technologies, such as unmanned aircraft systems (i.e., drones), to expedite the administration of preliminary damage assessments.
FEMA must submit a comprehensive report on the plans for streamlining and consolidating information collection and the findings and recommendations of the working group to Congress with a briefing. The report must be made available to the public and posted on FEMA's website.
