Bill > HB1719

This bill amends Pennsylvania's disaster emergency assistance laws to create a new Individual Property Disaster Assistance Fund and rename the existing Public Disaster Assistance Grant Program to the Public Facilities Disaster Assistance Grant Program. The bill establishes a comprehensive framework for providing financial assistance to individuals and municipalities affected by natural or man-made disasters, with specific provisions for flood-related damage. The new Individual Property Disaster Assistance Fund will provide grants to property owners who have experienced damage during a declared disaster emergency, with special rules for flood-related claims (e.g., properties not located in flood plains or where flood insurance was not required). The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency will manage the fund, develop an application process, and have the authority to set disbursement limits and conditions. The fund can receive money from various sources, including state appropriations, federal grants, and donations, and any unspent money will remain in the fund at the end of each fiscal year. The bill also clarifies that assistance will be available for disasters not covered by Presidential disaster declarations, focusing on helping persons, political subdivisions, and municipal authorities repair damages to public facilities and individual properties.