I 112th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 6542 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 21, 2012 Mr. Richmond introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned A BILL To improve assistance after a hurricane or major disaster.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the FEMA Reform Act of 2012.

2.

Fast funding

Not later than 3 days after the Federal Emergency Management Agency completes a preliminary damage assessment for any State or local government, 50 percent of the amount estimated for such assessment shall be released to the State or local government.

3.

Hazard mitigation

Mitigation funding for a State under section 404 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170c) shall be disseminated within areas of the State in proportion to the damage of a major disaster in such areas.

4.

Repair, restoration, and replacement options

In addition to facilities covered under section 406 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5171), the President may make contributions to a State or local government to repair, restore, or replace vehicles and equipment, particularly vehicles and equipment used for public safety, transportation, and service. If a vehicle or equipment is more than 50 percent damaged, the actual cash value of such vehicle or equipment may be used to replace it.

5.

Individual and household assistance

The President may provide financial assistance under section 408 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5174) to repair permanent structures, including rental units, necessary for temporary or transitional housing in the areas affected by a major disaster.

6.

Disaster response and emergency personnel options

For any major disaster that requires employees from the Federal Emergency Management Agency to be available for an extended period of time in a major disaster area to assist individuals with public assistance applications, the Agency shall establish a recruiting and training office in such area as soon as possible to facilitate the hiring of local individuals to assist with such applications.

7.

Utilities

Not later than 180 after the date of enactment of this Act, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, and the Department of Energy shall evaluate and complete and publish a report outlining recommendations to public and private utilities, including electrical, water, sewer, and telecommunications, to reduce service interruptions during and after a hurricane.

8.

Definitions

For purposes of this Act, the terms local government, major disaster, and State have the same meanings given such terms in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122).