Bill > HR426

This bill, known as the "Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act," aims to improve disaster assistance for families affected by major disasters by expanding the ways individuals can prove property ownership when seeking federal assistance. The bill modifies existing law to allow FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency) to consider a broader range of evidence for "constructive ownership" when determining eligibility for housing assistance, including documents like property tax receipts, insurance documentation, home purchase contracts, court documents, and even a signed declarative statement from the applicant. The bill removes the requirement for notarization of these statements and allows individuals without traditional ownership documents to still qualify for assistance if they can reasonably demonstrate their connection to the property. Additionally, the bill modifies housing assistance provisions to focus on helping people repair and rebuild homes damaged by major disasters, giving the President more flexibility in determining cost-effective housing solutions. The changes apply to applications and funds appropriated on or after the bill's enactment, and the bill includes a standard budgetary compliance provision ensuring its financial impact is tracked according to federal guidelines.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/426/all-info