Housing Survivors of Major Disasters Act
Sponsored By: Representative Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]
In Committee
Summary
Easier access to post-disaster housing for people who lack formal title to their homes. This bill would let the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the President treat people as "constructive owners" using alternative evidence and would widen what housing help is available after major disasters.
Show full summary
- Families and disaster survivors: Would allow many kinds of documents — like deeds, property tax receipts, homeowners insurance, repair receipts, wills, or other records — to show ownership so people can qualify for disaster housing help when they lack formal title.
- Mobile home and informal residents: Would explicitly recognize mobile home titles and letters from park owners or public offices as acceptable evidence, making it easier for those in less formal housing situations to get aid.
- FEMA, the President, and housing options: Would change Stafford Act language to treat homes "damaged by a major disaster," let the President and FEMA pursue cost-effective temporary housing alternatives, and relax timing rules for certain pilot grants. The bill ties how budget effects are scored to the latest PAYGO statement filed by the House Budget Committee chair.
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Easier FEMA housing aid after disasters
If enacted, more disaster survivors could qualify for FEMA housing aid. Homes "damaged by a major disaster" would count, not only those rendered uninhabitable. If you lack a deed, FEMA would consider constructive ownership when it is more likely than not you owned and lived there. You could use other proof like tax bills, insurance, a mobile home title, or repair receipts from the last five years. FEMA could ask for a sworn statement, but could not require notarization. These rules would apply to funds after enactment; the damage change would also apply to applications filed after enactment.
More flexible FEMA housing options
If enacted, FEMA could choose housing help that is cheaper than other options. It would have to count the cost of temporary housing when deciding. FEMA’s pilot housing grants would no longer face a two-year deadline. Effects would depend on FEMA choices in each disaster. These changes would apply to applications and money after enactment.
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Sponsors & CoSponsors
Sponsor
Rep. Espaillat, Adriano [D-NY-13]
NY • D
Cosponsors
Rep. Kim, Young [R-CA-40]
CA • R
Sponsored 1/15/2025
Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]
PA • R
Sponsored 3/6/2025
Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]
PR • D
Sponsored 12/9/2025
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
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