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119-hr-10893119th Congress

Emergency Assistance Privacy Protection Act of 2026

Sponsored By: Representative Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]

Introduced

Summary

Protects disaster survivors' privacy by blocking immigration enforcement uses of FEMA-collected personal data. This bill would prohibit the Department of Homeland Security from using personally identifiable information gathered by FEMA to enforce immigration laws when providing assistance under Stafford Act sections 401 and 501.

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  • Families and disaster survivors would have their names, addresses, Social Security numbers, photos, fingerprints, and similar identifying data shielded from use in immigration enforcement when seeking FEMA disaster help.
  • Noncitizens applying for Stafford Act assistance would face reduced risk that FEMA-held records are used to locate or target them for immigration actions.
  • The restriction specifically applies to assistance under sections 401 and 501 of the Stafford Act and narrowly targets uses of FEMA-collected PII for immigration enforcement.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Protect FEMA disaster applicants' privacy

If enacted, the bill would bar the Secretary of Homeland Security from using personally identifiable information (PII) that FEMA collects to enforce immigration laws. The restriction would apply to FEMA assistance under major disaster or emergency declarations (Stafford Act sections 401 and 501). PII would include names, addresses, Social Security or alien registration numbers, fingerprints, photos, and agency-held records that identify someone or reveal personal traits. This would not change who qualifies for FEMA aid. The rule would take effect upon enactment.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Pettersen, Brittany [D-CO-7]

CO • D

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Kamlager-Dove, Sydney [D-CA-37]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 10/22/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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