Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2020

Bill: 116-hr-2914
Sponsor: full_name: Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]
Introduced: 2019-05-22
Policy area: Emergency Management
Subjects: Disaster relief and insurance

Evidence and witnesses

Foreign language and bilingual programs

Government information and archives

Homelessness and emergency shelter

Housing and community development funding

Intergovernmental relations

Natural disasters

Residential rehabilitation and home repair
Latest action: action_date: 2020-11-18
text: Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.

Summaries:
action_date: 2019-05-22
action_desc: Introduced in House
text: <p><b>Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2019</b></p> <p>This bill makes certain individuals and households eligible for housing assistance in connection with a major disaster, including Hurricane Maria of 2017. To be eligible, an individual or household must be (1) occupying an otherwise unused or uninhabited property located in the area for which the major disaster was declared but does not have documented ownership rights to and is not renting the property, or (2) residing or have resided in an area for which the major disaster was declared but does not have documentary proof of residence. </p> <p>The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall consider alternative forms of proof to determine the eligibility of an individual or household for assistance.</p> <p>FEMA shall (1) create and distribute a form statement that applicants for assistance can use to self-certify their eligibility for assistance, and (2) make the statement available in specified languages at all active Disaster Recovery Centers and on its website and social media.</p> <p>FEMA shall enter into agreements with the Department of Housing and Urban Development to implement a disaster housing assistance program to provide temporary rental assistance to individuals and households displaced by any major disaster during 2017 and 2018, and shall engage in consultations regarding the implementation of such program for future disasters.</p>

action_date: 2020-11-16
action_desc: Reported to House
text: <p><b>Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2020</b></p> <p>This bill makes certain individuals and households eligible for housing assistance in connection with a major disaster, including Hurricane Maria of 2017. To be eligible, an individual or household must be (1) residing on property located in the area for which the major disaster was declared but does not have documented ownership rights to and is not renting such property, or (2) residing or have resided in an area for which the major disaster was declared during the designated incident period. </p> <p>The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) shall consider alternative forms of proof to determine the eligibility of an individual or household for assistance.</p> <p>FEMA shall create and distribute a declarative form statement that applicants for assistance can use to self-certify eligibility for assistance and make the statement available in specified languages at all active Disaster Recovery Centers and on its website and social media.</p> <p>FEMA may provide certain financial assistance for repairs to ensure that residences are habitable during longer term recovery and for permanent housing construction upon determining that such assistance is a cost effective alternative to other housing solutions.</p> <p>FEMA shall conduct an analysis comparing the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of assistance provided under the Disaster Housing Assistance Program, including any case management services provided, with other temporary housing options provided by it.</p>

action_date: 2020-11-17
action_desc: Passed House
text: <p><b>Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2020</b></p> <p>This bill makes certain individuals and households eligible for housing assistance in connection with a major disaster, including Hurricane Maria of 2017. To be eligible, an individual or household must be (1) residing on property located in the area for which the major disaster was declared but does not have documented ownership rights to and is not renting such property, or (2) residing or have resided in an area for which the major disaster was declared during the designated incident period. </p> <p>The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must consider alternative forms of proof to determine the eligibility of an individual or household for assistance.</p> <p>FEMA shall create and distribute a declarative form statement that applicants for assistance can use to self-certify eligibility for assistance and shall make the statement available in specified languages at all active Disaster Recovery Centers and on its website and social media.</p> <p>FEMA may provide financial assistance for repairs to ensure that residences are habitable during longer-term recovery and for permanent housing construction if the President determines that such assistance is a cost effective alternative to other housing solutions.</p> <p>FEMA shall conduct an analysis comparing the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of assistance provided under the Disaster Housing Assistance Program, including any case management services provided, with other temporary housing options provided by FEMA.</p>

tv_txt: I 116th CONGRESS 1st Session H. R. 2914 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 22, 2019 Mr. Espaillat (for himself and Miss González-Colón of Puerto Rico ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure A BILL To make available necessary disaster assistance for families affected by major disasters, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2019 . 2. Definitions In this Act, the terms Agency and Administrator mean the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Administrator thereof, respectively. 3. Eligibility for and use of disaster assistance (a) Eligibility Notwithstanding any other provision of law, individuals and households described in subsection (c) shall be eligible for assistance made available under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ) in connection with a major disaster declared by the President under such section 408, including Hurricane Maria of 2017. (b) Use In the case of any assistance described in subsection (a) that is made available in connection with a major disaster declared by the President under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ), including Hurricane Maria of 2017, such assistance may be used on behalf of an individual or household described in subsection (c) for costs relating to obtaining title for that individual or household to a property described in such subsection, including the cost of land surveys and any other taxes or fees associated with transfer of the property. (c) Eligibility (1) In general With respect to a major disaster declared by the President under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ), an individual or household described in this subsection is an individual or household who— (A) is occupying an otherwise unused or uninhabited property located in the area for which the major disaster was declared but does not have documented ownership rights to and is not renting the property; or (B) is or was residing in an area for which a major disaster has been declared by the President under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ), but who does not have documentation to that effect, including renter households without written or formal leases, unsheltered individuals or persons experiencing homelessness, households residing in any portion of any housing accommodation or property upon which a housing accommodation is located, including any living quarters, boardinghouse, bunkhouse, maintenance-of-way car, mobile home, manufactured home, or travel trailer. (2) Consideration In making a determination for purposes of this Act, the Administrator shall consider a wide range of evidence. (d) Alternative forms of evidence (1) In general In determining if an individual or household is eligible for assistance under this Act, the Administrator shall accept a declarative statement or the presentation of one of alternative evidence, including the following: (A) A utility (gas, electric, or water) bill with the name and address of the individual. (B) A merchant’s statement (credit card, delivery notice, or first class mail) with the name and address of the individual. (C) A pay stub from an employer with the name and address of the individual. (D) A current driver’s license or State-issued identification card of the individual. (E) The deed or title for the property. (F) A mortgage payment booklet or other mortgage documents. (G) Property title of mobile home certificate of title. (H) Real estate property tax receipts. (I) A school registration containing the address of self, child, or children. (J) A will and testament with the name and address of the individual. (K) Medical records that list the name and address of the individual. (L) Charitable donation receipts that list the name and address of the individual. (M) Any other documentation, cer­ti­fi­ca­tion, identification, or proof of occupancy or ownership not included on this list that can reasonably link the individual requesting assistance to the damaged property. 4. Declarative statement (a) Development of declarative statement (1) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall create and distribute where necessary a form statement that applicants can use to self-certify their eligibility for assistance under this Act. (2) Prohibition of notarization The Administrator may not require declarative statements developed and implemented under this Act to be notarized. (3) Evidence supporting declarative statements All declarative statements developed and implemented under this Act shall not require evidence beyond the scope of section 3(d). (b) Exemptions All declarative statements developed and implemented pursuant to this Act are exempted from publication notice, public comment periods, and agency information collection review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget required by the Paperwork Reduction Act ( 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). (c) Guidance Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide written notification and guidance to employees of the Agency regarding the requirements of this Act. (d) Publication Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall make declarative statements available in Spanish and English at all active Disaster Recovery Centers and publish in English, Spanish, and any other locally predominant languages on the Agency’s website and social media the declarative statement and instructions on how applicants can reopen or seek further appeal of relevant determinations. (e) Past disasters For applicants of assistance provided under this Act pursuant to any major disaster declared by the President under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ) occurring in 2018 or 2017, the Administrator shall provide an applicant not fewer than 180 days to submit the declarative statement to reopen or appeal a case after such applicant has received notice of the right to do so. 5. FEMA DHAP agreements (a) 2017 and 2018 disasters Not later than 60 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall enter into an interagency agreement or agreements with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development as may be necessary to ensure the implementation of a Disaster Housing Assistance Program under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ) to provide temporary rental assistance to individuals and households displaced from their residences by any major disaster declared by the President under such section 408 during 2017 and 2018 (including Hurricane Maria), including individuals and households eligible for such assistance under section 3(a) of this Act. (b) Future disasters In the case of any major disaster declared by the President under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ) on or after the date of enactment of this Act, not later than 60 days after a declaration of such major disaster, the Administrator and the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development shall engage in consultations regarding the implementation of a Disaster Housing Assistance Program under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ) to provide temporary rental assistance to individuals and households displaced from their residences by such major disaster, including individuals and households eligible for such assistance under section 3(a) of this Act.

tv_txt: IIB 116th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 2914 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES November 18, 2020 Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs AN ACT To make available necessary disaster assistance for families affected by major disasters, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2020 . 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) FEMA The term FEMA means the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of FEMA. 3. Eligibility for and use of disaster assistance (a) Financial assistance Notwithstanding any other provision of law, individuals and households described in subsection (c) may be eligible for assistance made available under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5174 ) in connection with a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ), including Hurricane Maria of 2017. (b) Use of funds Any assistance provided pursuant to subsection (a) may include costs relating to obtaining title for a property described in subsection (c)(1), including the cost of land surveys and any other taxes or fees associated with obtaining the title for such property. (c) Eligible individuals or households With respect to a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ), an individual or household described in this subsection is an individual or household who— (1) is residing on a property located in the area for which the major disaster was declared but does not have documented ownership rights to such property and is not renting such property; or (2) is or was residing in an area for which a major disaster has been declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ), during the designated incident period, including residing in any housing accommodation or property upon which a housing accommodation is located, including any living quarters, boardinghouse, bunkhouse, manufactured home, mobile home, or travel trailer. (d) Evidence (1) Consideration In making a determination to provide assistance pursuant to this Act, the Administrator shall consider a wide range of evidence. (2) Alternative forms of evidence In determining if an individual or household is eligible for assistance pursuant to this Act, the Administrator shall accept either a declarative statement or the presentation of at least one item of alternative evidence, including the following: (A) A utility (including gas, electric, sewer, or water) bill with the name and address of the individual. (B) A merchant’s statement (including a credit card, delivery notice, or first class mail) with the name and address of the individual. (C) A pay stub from an employer with the name and address of the individual. (D) A current driver’s license or State-issued identification card of the individual. (E) The deed or title for the applicable property. (F) A mortgage payment booklet or another mortgage document. (G) Property title of mobile home certificate of title. (H) A real estate property tax receipt. (I) A school registration containing the address of self, child, or children. (J) A will and testament with the name and address of the individual. (K) In a State that does not require a will and testament for the transfer of immovable property, a death certificate and birth certificate that establishes an automatic transfer of legal ownership. (L) Medical records that list the name and address of the individual. (M) A charitable donation receipt that list the name and address of the individual. (N) Any other documentation, certification, identification, or proof of occupancy or ownership not included on this list that can reasonably link the individual requesting assistance to the applicable property. (e) Applicability This section shall apply to funds appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act. 4. Declarative statement (a) Development of declarative statement (1) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall create, in coordination with the appropriate authorities of the applicable jurisdiction, and distribute, where necessary, a declarative statement form that an applicant for assistance provided pursuant to section 3 may use to self-certify such applicant’s eligibility for assistance pursuant to this Act. (2) Prohibition of notarization The Administrator may not require the declarative statement form created under paragraph (1) to require notarization by the applicant. (b) Exemptions A declarative statement form created under subsection (a)(1) is exempt from publication notice, public comment periods, and agency information collection review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget required by the Paperwork Reduction Act ( 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). (c) Guidance Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide written notification and guidance to employees of FEMA regarding the requirements of this Act. (d) Publication Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall— (1) make the declarative statement form created under subsection (a)(1) available in Spanish and English at all active Disaster Recovery Centers; and (2) publish in English, Spanish, and any other locally predominant languages on the website of FEMA and on social media the declarative statement form and instructions on how applicants can reopen or seek further appeal of relevant determinations. (e) Past disasters For applicants of assistance provided pursuant to section 3 since January 1, 2017, the Administrator shall provide an applicant not fewer than 180 days to submit the declarative statement form to reopen or appeal a case after such applicant has received notice of the right to do so. 5. Repair and rebuilding Section 408(c) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5174 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)(A)(i) by striking to a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition and inserting to ensure that such residences are habitable during longer term recovery (including through coordination with other sources for repair and rebuilding of such residences) ; and (2) in paragraph (4) by striking in cases in which and all that follows through the end and inserting if the President determines such assistance is a cost effective alternative to other housing solutions, including the costs associated with temporary housing provided under this section. . 6. Post-disaster housing assistance analysis and report (a) Analysis The Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall conduct an analysis comparing the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of assistance provided under the Disaster Housing Assistance Program, including any case management services provided, with other temporary housing options provided by the Administrator under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). (b) Provision of data The Secretary shall ensure that public housing authorities engaged in carrying out the Disaster Housing Assistance Program relay data concerning the extent and effectiveness of case management services in transitioning individuals and households toward self-sufficiency under the Program compared to other alternative disaster assistance programs available under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report that contains the analysis required under subsection (a) and an analysis of the oversight mechanisms, program integrity checks, and financial management measures utilized in carrying out the Program compared to alternative disaster housing assistance programs under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). 7. Determination of budgetary effects The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

Passed the House of Representatives November 17, 2020. Cheryl L. Johnson, Clerk

tv_txt: I 116th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 2914 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES AN ACT To make available necessary disaster assistance for families affected by major disasters, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2020 . 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) FEMA The term FEMA means the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of FEMA. 3. Eligibility for and use of disaster assistance (a) Financial assistance Notwithstanding any other provision of law, individuals and households described in subsection (c) may be eligible for assistance made available under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5174 ) in connection with a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ), including Hurricane Maria of 2017. (b) Use of funds Any assistance provided pursuant to subsection (a) may include costs relating to obtaining title for a property described in subsection (c)(1), including the cost of land surveys and any other taxes or fees associated with obtaining the title for such property. (c) Eligible individuals or households With respect to a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ), an individual or household described in this subsection is an individual or household who— (1) is residing on a property located in the area for which the major disaster was declared but does not have documented ownership rights to such property and is not renting such property; or (2) is or was residing in an area for which a major disaster has been declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ), during the designated incident period, including residing in any housing accommodation or property upon which a housing accommodation is located, including any living quarters, boardinghouse, bunkhouse, manufactured home, mobile home, or travel trailer. (d) Evidence (1) Consideration In making a determination to provide assistance pursuant to this Act, the Administrator shall consider a wide range of evidence. (2) Alternative forms of evidence In determining if an individual or household is eligible for assistance pursuant to this Act, the Administrator shall accept either a declarative statement or the presentation of at least one item of alternative evidence, including the following: (A) A utility (including gas, electric, sewer, or water) bill with the name and address of the individual. (B) A merchant’s statement (including a credit card, delivery notice, or first class mail) with the name and address of the individual. (C) A pay stub from an employer with the name and address of the individual. (D) A current driver’s license or State-issued identification card of the individual. (E) The deed or title for the applicable property. (F) A mortgage payment booklet or another mortgage document. (G) Property title of mobile home certificate of title. (H) A real estate property tax receipt. (I) A school registration containing the address of self, child, or children. (J) A will and testament with the name and address of the individual. (K) In a State that does not require a will and testament for the transfer of immovable property, a death certificate and birth certificate that establishes an automatic transfer of legal ownership. (L) Medical records that list the name and address of the individual. (M) A charitable donation receipt that list the name and address of the individual. (N) Any other documentation, certification, identification, or proof of occupancy or ownership not included on this list that can reasonably link the individual requesting assistance to the applicable property. (e) Applicability This section shall apply to funds appropriated on or after the date of enactment of this Act. 4. Declarative statement (a) Development of declarative statement (1) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall create, in coordination with the appropriate authorities of the applicable jurisdiction, and distribute, where necessary, a declarative statement form that an applicant for assistance provided pursuant to section 3 may use to self-certify such applicant’s eligibility for assistance pursuant to this Act. (2) Prohibition of notarization The Administrator may not require the declarative statement form created under paragraph (1) to require notarization by the applicant. (b) Exemptions A declarative statement form created under subsection (a)(1) is exempt from publication notice, public comment periods, and agency information collection review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget required by the Paperwork Reduction Act ( 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). (c) Guidance Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide written notification and guidance to employees of FEMA regarding the requirements of this Act. (d) Publication Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall— (1) make the declarative statement form created under subsection (a)(1) available in Spanish and English at all active Disaster Recovery Centers; and (2) publish in English, Spanish, and any other locally predominant languages on the website of FEMA and on social media the declarative statement form and instructions on how applicants can reopen or seek further appeal of relevant determinations. (e) Past disasters For applicants of assistance provided pursuant to section 3 since January 1, 2017, the Administrator shall provide an applicant not fewer than 180 days to submit the declarative statement form to reopen or appeal a case after such applicant has received notice of the right to do so. 5. Repair and rebuilding Section 408(c) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5174 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)(A)(i) by striking to a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition and inserting to ensure that such residences are habitable during longer term recovery (including through coordination with other sources for repair and rebuilding of such residences) ; and (2) in paragraph (4) by striking in cases in which and all that follows through the end and inserting if the President determines such assistance is a cost effective alternative to other housing solutions, including the costs associated with temporary housing provided under this section. . 6. Post-disaster housing assistance analysis and report (a) Analysis The Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall conduct an analysis comparing the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of assistance provided under the Disaster Housing Assistance Program, including any case management services provided, with other temporary housing options provided by the Administrator under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). (b) Provision of data The Secretary shall ensure that public housing authorities engaged in carrying out the Disaster Housing Assistance Program relay data concerning the extent and effectiveness of case management services in transitioning individuals and households toward self-sufficiency under the Program compared to other alternative disaster assistance programs available under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report that contains the analysis required under subsection (a) and an analysis of the oversight mechanisms, program integrity checks, and financial management measures utilized in carrying out the Program compared to alternative disaster housing assistance programs under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). 7. Determination of budgetary effects The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by reference to the latest statement titled Budgetary Effects of PAYGO Legislation for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.

Passed the House of Representatives November 17, 2020. Cheryl L. Johnson, Clerk.

tv_txt: IB Union Calendar No. 472 116th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 2914 [Report No. 116–574] IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES May 22, 2019 Mr. Espaillat (for himself and Miss González-Colón of Puerto Rico ) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure November 16, 2020 Additional sponsors: Mr. Lawson of Florida , Mr. Serrano , Mr. Carbajal , Ms. Norton , Ms. Velázquez , and Mr. McNerney November 16, 2020 Reported with an amendment; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed Strike out all after the enacting clause and insert the part printed in italic For text of introduced bill, see copy of bill as introduced on March 22, 2019 A BILL To make available necessary disaster assistance for families affected by major disasters, and for other purposes.

1. Short title This Act may be cited as the Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act of 2020 . 2. Definitions In this Act: (1) FEMA The term FEMA means the Federal Emergency Management Agency. (2) Administrator The term Administrator means the Administrator of FEMA. 3. Eligibility for and use of disaster assistance (a) Financial assistance Notwithstanding any other provision of law, individuals and households described in subsection (c) may be eligible for assistance made available under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5174 ) in connection with a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of such Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ), including Hurricane Maria of 2017. (b) Use of funds Any assistance provided pursuant to subsection (a) may include costs relating to obtaining title for a property described in subsection (c)(1), including the cost of land surveys and any other taxes or fees associated with obtaining the title for such property. (c) Eligible individuals or households With respect to a major disaster declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ), an individual or household described in this subsection is an individual or household who— (1) is residing on a property located in the area for which the major disaster was declared but does not have documented ownership rights to such property and is not renting such property; or (2) is or was residing in an area for which a major disaster has been declared by the President under section 401 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5170 ), during the designated incident period, including residing in any housing accommodation or property upon which a housing accommodation is located, including any living quarters, boardinghouse, bunkhouse, manufactured home, mobile home, or travel trailer. (d) Evidence (1) Consideration In making a determination to provide assistance pursuant to this Act, the Administrator shall consider a wide range of evidence. (2) Alternative forms of evidence In determining if an individual or household is eligible for assistance pursuant to this Act, the Administrator shall accept either a declarative statement or the presentation of at least one item of alternative evidence, including the following: (A) A utility (including gas, electric, sewer, or water) bill with the name and address of the individual. (B) A merchant’s statement (including a credit card, delivery notice, or first class mail) with the name and address of the individual. (C) A pay stub from an employer with the name and address of the individual. (D) A current driver’s license or State-issued identification card of the individual. (E) The deed or title for the applicable property. (F) A mortgage payment booklet or another mortgage document. (G) Property title of mobile home certificate of title. (H) A real estate property tax receipt. (I) A school registration containing the address of self, child, or children. (J) A will and testament with the name and address of the individual. (K) In a State that does not require a will and testament for the transfer of immovable property, a death certificate and birth certificate that establishes an automatic transfer of legal ownership. (L) Medical records that list the name and address of the individual. (M) A charitable donation receipt that list the name and address of the individual. (N) Any other documentation, certification, identification, or proof of occupancy or ownership not included on this list that can reasonably link the individual requesting assistance to the applicable property. 4. Declarative statement (a) Development of declarative statement (1) In general Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall create, in coordination with the appropriate authorities of the applicable jurisdiction, and distribute, where necessary, a declarative statement form that an applicant for assistance provided pursuant to section 3 may use to self-certify such applicant’s eligibility for assistance pursuant to this Act. (2) Prohibition of notarization The Administrator may not require the declarative statement form created under paragraph (1) to require notarization by the applicant. (b) Exemptions A declarative statement form created under subsection (a)(1) is exempt from publication notice, public comment periods, and agency information collection review and approval by the Office of Management and Budget required by the Paperwork Reduction Act ( 44 U.S.C. 3501 et seq.). (c) Guidance Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall provide written notification and guidance to employees of FEMA regarding the requirements of this Act. (d) Publication Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall— (1) make the declarative statement form created under subsection (a)(1) available in Spanish and English at all active Disaster Recovery Centers; and (2) publish in English, Spanish, and any other locally predominant languages on the website of FEMA and on social media the declarative statement form and instructions on how applicants can reopen or seek further appeal of relevant determinations. (e) Past disasters For applicants of assistance provided pursuant to section 3 since January 1, 2017, the Administrator shall provide an applicant not fewer than 180 days to submit the declarative statement form to reopen or appeal a case after such applicant has received notice of the right to do so. 5. Repair and rebuilding Section 408(c) of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5174 ) is amended— (1) in paragraph (2)(A)(i) by striking to a safe and sanitary living or functioning condition and inserting to ensure that such residences are habitable during longer term recovery (including through coordination with other sources for repair and rebuilding of such residences) ; and (2) in paragraph (4) by striking in cases in which and all that follows through the end and inserting if the President determines such assistance is a cost effective alternative to other housing solutions, including the costs associated with temporary housing provided under this section. . 6. Post-disaster housing assistance analysis and report (a) Analysis The Administrator, in coordination with the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, shall conduct an analysis comparing the costs, benefits, and effectiveness of assistance provided under the Disaster Housing Assistance Program, including any case management services provided, with other temporary housing options provided by the Administrator under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). (b) Provision of data The Secretary shall ensure that public housing authorities engaged in carrying out the Disaster Housing Assistance Program relay data concerning the extent and effectiveness of case management services in transitioning individuals and households toward self-sufficiency under the Program compared to other alternative disaster assistance programs available under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.). (c) Report Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Administrator shall submit to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of the Senate a report that contains the analysis required under subsection (a) and an analysis of the oversight mechanisms, program integrity checks, and financial management measures utilized in carrying out the Program compared to alternative disaster housing assistance programs under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act ( 42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.).

November 16, 2020 Reported with an amendment; committed to the Committee of the Whole House on the State of the Union and ordered to be printed