Bill > HR2342

This bill establishes a new alternative disaster relief procedure for small-scale disasters through an amendment to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Under this legislation, governors of states or tribal government leaders can request a lump sum payment of 80% of the estimated damages for a "covered small disaster" instead of going through the traditional Public Assistance Program. A covered small disaster is defined as a federally declared major disaster or emergency with estimated damages less than or equal to 125% of the state's per capita indicator. If a state or tribal government chooses this option, they must indicate their intent when requesting a disaster declaration and cannot simultaneously receive traditional Public Assistance Program funding for the same disaster. The lump sum payment can be used flexibly to address disaster impacts, supporting state, local, tribal, and non-profit agencies, while still requiring compliance with environmental, historic preservation, and civil rights laws. The bill includes provisions for annual reporting, a 90-day agreement window for determining payment amounts, and requires an approved administrative plan. The goal is to provide more streamlined and adaptable disaster relief for smaller-scale events.

Business and Industry, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2342/all-info