Bill Overview
Title: Disaster Assistance Simplification Act
Description: This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a web-based, interagency electronic information system to be known as DisasterAssistance.gov to provide for a universal disaster application across federal agencies. Specifically, such system shall facilitate a consolidated application for any form of disaster assistance provided by a disaster assistance agency; carry out the purposes of disaster assistance programs swiftly, efficiently, equitably, and in accordance with specified laws and privacy and data protections; and support the detection, prevention, and investigation of waste, fraud, abuse, or discrimination in the administration of disaster assistance programs. DisasterAssistance.gov shall permit (1) applicants to receive status updates and update disaster assistance information throughout their recovery, and (2) the distribution of additional recovery resource information to survivors that may be available in a disaster stricken jurisdiction. Further, it shall provide disaster survivors with information and documentation on applications. FEMA shall facilitate the collection of disaster assistance information into DisasterAssistance.gov only after (1) it certifies that the website substantially complies with specified data security standards and any other applicable federal information security policy, (2) the Department of Homeland Security publishes a privacy impact assessment, and (3) FEMA publishes standard rules of behavior for disaster assistance agencies and personnel to protect information from improper disclosure. FEMA may certify a federal agency as a disaster assistance agency after posting an agreement that contains the detailed terms of the agreement.
Sponsors: Sen. Peters, Gary C. [D-MI]
Target Audience
Population: Individuals relying on coordinated federal disaster assistance
Estimated Size: 331000000
- Disasters affect populations across the globe, but this bill specifically refers to a system applicable within the United States.
- The bill aims to streamline disaster assistance through a universal application system, potentially benefiting all residents post-disaster in the U.S.
- This system assumes a role in all federal disaster assistance programs, implying any U.S. resident may interact with it if affected by a natural or man-made disaster.
Reasoning
- The target population for this policy are residents who might be affected by natural or man-made disasters within the U.S. and who could potentially apply for disaster assistance. While this new system would not change the nature of the assistance offered, it would streamline the process, making access quicker and potentially less frustrating.
- Given the large number of potential applicants and the substantial budget, the system needs to be highly efficient. The budget must cover establishing and maintaining the technological infrastructure, training personnel, and potential outreach or educational initiatives to inform the public about the new system.
- Not all residents will interact with DisasterAssistance.gov in any given year since disasters impact only certain locations and populations at any time. Thus, those in non-disaster areas would remain unaffected by the policy in their daily lives but may notice indirect benefits, such as improved emergency preparedness in their communities.
- Some of the population might be skeptical about online systems due to privacy concerns, and outreach would need to assure them that their data is safe.
- Wellbeing impact will depend on the individual's previous experiences with disaster assistance. Those who found previous systems cumbersome will likely report more significant improvements in wellbeing if the new system proves effective.
Simulated Interviews
Teacher (Houston, TX)
Age: 32 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I remember how tedious it was to apply for assistance after the hurricane. If a single application can speed things up, I'm all for it.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 4 |
Construction Worker (Miami, FL)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 18/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Anything that makes it easier to get help after a storm is welcome. Just hope it's easy to use.
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 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 6 |
Software Developer (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 29 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I haven't needed disaster assistance before, but a streamlined system sounds efficient. It's good to know it's there if I ever need it.
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 | 8 | 8 |
Retired (Macon, GA)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The last time I applied for help, it was a slow process. It sounds like this could help speed things up if it works as they promise.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Nurse (Joplin, MO)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Having seen how overwhelmed the systems get, I think this will help with smoother coordination, but implementing it correctly is key.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 5 |
Small Business Owner (New York, NY)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 4
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 13/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Streamlined access to assistance could save a lot of business pain. Hope it speeds up the process.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 4 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 4 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Graduate Student (Boulder, CO)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 0.5 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's a good initiative for disaster responsiveness and efficiency. Online compliance, though, is critical for security.
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 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Artist (New Orleans, LA)
Age: 41 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This could mean fewer hurdles when trying to get the help needed. It better integrates resources which is a plus.
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 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Insurance Adjuster (Kansas City, MO)
Age: 50 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It sounds very promising for efficiency. The main thing is ensuring data safety and proper training to implement this effectively.
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 |
Retired Veteran (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 67 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 3
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 11/20
Statement of Opinion:
- During the wildfires, the paperwork was just too much. Online and streamlined sounds good if it's accessible.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 3 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 3 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 3 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $150000000 (Low: $120000000, High: $180000000)
Year 2: $80000000 (Low: $60000000, High: $100000000)
Year 3: $82000000 (Low: $62000000, High: $102000000)
Year 5: $85000000 (Low: $65000000, High: $105000000)
Year 10: $90000000 (Low: $70000000, High: $110000000)
Year 100: $100000000 (Low: $80000000, High: $120000000)
Key Considerations
- Ensure robust data, privacy, and security measures are in place to protect user information.
- Overcome technical and bureaucratic challenges in integrating multiple agency systems into a single platform.
- Regular updates and maintenance will be required to adapt to new technologies and changes in security standards over time.