Bill Overview
Title: REPLACE Act
Description: This bill requires the President to automatically waive fees to replace critical documents for individuals and households affected by major disasters for which assistance is provided under the Individuals and Households Program.
Sponsors: Sen. Hickenlooper, John W. [D-CO]
Target Audience
Population: People affected by major disasters
Estimated Size: 50000000
- The bill targets individuals and households affected by major disasters.
- Major disasters can include events like hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and earthquakes.
- Individuals in disaster-prone regions globally are likely to be affected.
- Many countries experience major disasters annually, affecting millions of people.
Reasoning
- The US is prone to natural disasters, with significant impacts each year in terms of affected individuals needing document replacements.
- Considering the population size affected, the budget constraints mean the policy primarily helps those directly impacted by major disasters.
- A common perspective would be from those living in hurricane-prone areas, such as the Gulf Coast, as they frequently face the need for document replacements following severe weather events.
- People not in disaster-prone areas or unaffected by recent disasters are likely to see no impact on their wellbeing from this policy.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've been through a couple of hurricanes, and dealing with getting new documents was a hassle.
- If fees are waived, it would certainly reduce stress during recovery.
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 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Photographer (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I had to replace several documents after the wildfires damaged my home.
- This policy would ease the financial burden during such stressful times.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Carpenter (Hattiesburg, MS)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Replacing my documents after a tornado was burdensome due to fees.
- Waiving fees would mean one less thing to worry about.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Retired (Miami, FL)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 8.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It’s comforting to know that essential documents will be easier to replace after a disaster.
- With limited income, the policy would help us stay on our feet during tough times.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Nurse (Houston, TX)
Age: 45 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm thrilled that this policy could reduce the load on families affected by floods.
- As someone who has helped during disasters, I see the immense benefit.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Student (San Juan, PR)
Age: 24 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Document replacement was another hurdle we faced after the hurricane.
- This policy could really support families like mine during recovery.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Software Engineer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 1.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a good policy, but personally, it won't affect me unless a major event happens.
- I vote for policies that support disaster-impacted areas.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
High School Student (Tampa, FL)
Age: 18 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Our family has just settled here, and this policy would reduce anxiety about hurricanes.
- Not having to worry about documentation costs removes a huge stressor.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Accountant (Phoenix, AZ)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Although it's unlikely I'll need this policy, the concept is good for high-risk areas.
- The policy doesn’t change my wellbeing but seems beneficial for others.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Bartender (Portland, OR)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 12.0 years
Commonness: 16/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I support the policy as it offers relief to those hit hard by disasters.
- Seeing friends struggle with costs after floods, I see the policy's value.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $125000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $200000000)
Year 2: $125000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $200000000)
Year 3: $125000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $200000000)
Year 5: $125000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $200000000)
Year 10: $125000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $200000000)
Year 100: $125000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $200000000)
Key Considerations
- Major disasters can be unpredictable in frequency and severity, complicating cost estimates.
- Fee waivers will be automatically triggered by the President upon the declaration of a disaster which can vary significantly year-to-year.
- The costs are offset somewhat by minor savings in administrative costs.
- Encouraging broader compliance and possession of essential documents even after disasters.