Bill > S861

This bill establishes a unified disaster assistance intake process and system to streamline how federal agencies collect, share, and manage information during disaster recovery efforts. The legislation amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to create a centralized application system that allows disaster survivors to apply for multiple types of assistance through a single platform. Within 360 days of enactment, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Administrator must develop a system that enables applicants to submit applications, receive status updates, and access information about additional recovery resources. The bill includes robust provisions to protect applicant privacy and data security, requires agencies to establish clear rules for information sharing, and mandates that the Administrator publish notices about information collection and use. The system will support faster and more efficient disaster assistance distribution while also helping to detect and prevent waste, fraud, and abuse. Additionally, the bill includes requirements for FEMA to provide annual reports to Congress about the implementation of the new system and allows for temporary waivers of certain paperwork requirements during major disaster declarations to expedite assistance.

Military Affairs and Security

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/861/all-info