Title 42The Public Health and WelfareRelease 119-73

§5157 Penalties

Title 42 › Chapter CHAPTER 68— - DISASTER RELIEF › Subchapter SUBCHAPTER III— - MAJOR DISASTER AND EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE ADMINISTRATION › § 5157

Last updated Apr 6, 2026|Official source

Summary

If someone knowingly uses money from a loan or other cash benefit under this law for the wrong purpose, they must pay a penalty equal to one and one‑half times the amount misused. The Attorney General may sue in federal court if it looks like someone has violated or will violate any part of this law, to get appropriate relief. The President must quickly send any evidence found under this law that could lead to criminal charges to the Attorney General. Anyone who knowingly breaks an order or rule under this law can be fined up to $5,000 for each violation.

Full Legal Text

Title 42, §5157

The Public Health and Welfare — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)Any person who knowingly misapplies the proceeds of a loan or other cash benefit obtained under this chapter shall be fined an amount equal to one and one-half times the misapplied amount of the proceeds or cash benefit.
(b)Whenever it appears that any person has violated or is about to violate any provision of this chapter, including any civil penalty imposed under this chapter, the Attorney General may bring a civil action for such relief as may be appropriate. Such action may be brought in an appropriate United States district court.
(c)The President shall expeditiously refer to the Attorney General for appropriate action any evidence developed in the performance of functions under this chapter that may warrant consideration for criminal prosecution.
(d)Any individual who knowingly violates any order or regulation issued under this chapter shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $5,000 for each violation.

Legislative History

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Editorial Notes

References in Text

This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original “this Act”, meaning Pub. L. 93–288, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see

Short Title

note set out under section 5121 of this title and Tables.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 5157, Pub. L. 93–288, title III, § 317, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 152, related to criminal and civil penalties, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100–707, § 105(k). A prior section 314 of Pub. L. 93–288 was classified to section 5154 of this title prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100–707.

Reference

Citations & Metadata

Citation

42 U.S.C. § 5157

Title 42The Public Health and Welfare

Last Updated

Apr 6, 2026

Release point: 119-73