Bill Overview
Title: To direct the Comptroller General of the United States to conduct a study on disaster spending and strategies for reducing the need for such spending, to amend the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide assistance for certain activities relating to disasters and hazard mitigation, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill establishes reporting and other requirements related to disaster preparedness and response and hazard mitigation. The Governmental Accountability Office (GAO) must conduct a study and report on disaster spending and strategies for reducing the need for such spending. Specifically, the GAO must identify for the 5-year period ending on the date of this bill's enactment, the total amount of federal, state, and tribal funds spent in response to major disasters and emergencies; 10 proposed federal actions, including reinsurance, that, if implemented, would most effectively reduce the need for spending related to such major disasters or emergencies; the effect that using blockchain may have on delivering disaster assistance to state and Indian tribal governments; and whether insurance protection against wildfires will remain available and affordable to homeowners. The President must coordinate with each state to update state plans to incorporate strategies that decrease the time required to prepare for disasters, including the time to evacuate individuals. An entity that receives grants for hazard mitigation revolving loan funds must ensure that at least 10% of the total dollar amount of the loans it makes each fiscal year assist projects or activities that reduce risks for residential structures related to specified natural hazards.
Sponsors: Rep. Payne, Donald M., Jr. [D-NJ-10]
Target Audience
Population: People living in areas prone to natural disasters or affected by them
Estimated Size: 100000000
- The bill directs the GAO to conduct a study on disaster spending, which involves federal, state, and tribal funds. This indicates involvement of multiple government levels and indirectly affects populations depending on these funds during disasters.
- Improved disaster response through updated state plans and faster evacuation processes are set to impact those living in areas prone to natural disasters.
- By considering reinsurance and blockchain technology for delivering disaster assistance, the legislation targets the efficiency of aid deployment, potentially affecting those who are currently or might be future beneficiaries of disaster assistance.
- Including an assessment on wildfire insurance indicates an intent to affect homeowners, especially in areas vulnerable to wildfires.
- The provision regarding hazard mitigation revolving loan funds focuses on residential structures, affecting a wide range of residents living in disaster-prone areas.
Reasoning
- The disaster preparedness and response bill directly impacts individuals in disaster-prone areas by improving state plans for emergency responses, which can potentially save lives and reduce property damage.
- By mandating studies on disaster spending and proposing federal actions, the policy aims to reduce future disaster-related expenses, indirectly benefiting taxpayers.
- Including blockchain technology in disaster assistance delivery could hasten and streamline aid, benefiting individuals who are currently or potentially beneficiaries of such efforts.
- Wildfire insurance availability and affordability directly affect homeowners in areas vulnerable to wildfires, providing economic stability and protection against rising costs.
- The requirements for hazard mitigation revolving loan funds ensure a focus on reducing risks to residential buildings, benefiting individuals residing in high-risk natural disaster zones.
Simulated Interviews
Civil Engineer (California)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The focus on wildfire insurance is critical for us in California. I hope this makes it easier to secure and maintain insurance without seeing premiums skyrocket.
- Improving disaster preparedness will help our community plan better and reduce panic during emergencies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Retired Veteran (Florida)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having a structured plan during a disaster can make all the difference. I'm glad to see a focus on streamlining processes.
- Access to reinsurance might keep costs down, which is important as I live on a fixed income.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Blockchain Developer (New York)
Age: 30 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As a blockchain enthusiast, it's exciting to see it potentially play a role in disaster preparedness. It could really streamline operations.
- The immediate effect on my life seems minimal, but it's interesting to track the progress and results.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Teacher (Texas)
Age: 28 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Flooding has always been a major worry. Knowing the state plans are updating gives me some peace of mind.
- I hope the policy leads to meaningful changes and helps smaller communities like ours.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 3 |
Insurance Agent (Illinois)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- As an insurance agent, the policy's assessment of wildfire insurance is significant. It indicates potential developments within the industry.
- Improved disaster preparedness might help reduce claims in the long term.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Fisherman (Louisiana)
Age: 35 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Efficient disaster response is critical due to hurricanes disrupting my livelihood.
- Hope to see faster action during evacuations, potentially avoiding significant losses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 2 |
College Student (Kansas)
Age: 22 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 9/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Studying environmental science, I'm curious to see how these policies play out in risk mitigation strategies.
- The focus on hazard mitigation could be a good case study for my classes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Wildfire Mitigation Specialist (Oregon)
Age: 31 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our work in wildfire mitigation aligns well with this policy. It's good to see this risk being taken seriously at a legislative level.
- Protection against wildfires can really help homeowners like myself.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 3 |
Disaster Relief Coordinator (Puerto Rico)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Being on the front lines, any improvement in response time or strategy is a godsend.
- Hopefully, reinsurance and more structured plans will ease recovery process pressures.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Farmer (Alabama)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I hope this policy brings more stability to the insurance market for my farm.
- Preparedness is key. The update to state plans should address some concerns we've had under severe weather conditions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $15000000 (Low: $10000000, High: $20000000)
Year 2: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 3: $10000000 (Low: $8000000, High: $12000000)
Year 5: $8000000 (Low: $6000000, High: $10000000)
Year 10: $5000000 (Low: $3000000, High: $7000000)
Year 100: $2000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $4000000)
Key Considerations
- Coordination between federal, state, and tribal governments is crucial for successful implementation and compliance with new requirements.
- Long-term savings depend on the effective implementation of identified strategies for reducing disaster spending.
- Effectiveness of blockchain technology for disaster aid delivery needs thorough assessment before widespread implementation.
- The availability and affordability of insurance, particularly wildfire insurance, has significant financial implications for homeowners in vulnerable regions.