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HR 7668 117th Congress House Emergency Management

FEMA Equity Act

Introduced: May 6, 2022 Introduced by: Thompson, Bennie G. Democratic · Mississippi See on congress.gov
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 Everywhere this bill has been 3 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
May 9, 2022
Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.
May 6, 2022
Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on Financial Services, 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.
May 6, 2022
Introduced in House
 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

Federal Emergency Management Advancement of Equity Act or the FEMA Equity Act

This bill addresses equity in federal disaster assistance policies and programs.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must develop and implement a process to ensure equity in the provision of federal assistance and throughout all FEMA programs and policies. Additionally, FEMA must establish metrics to measure the efficacy of the process and seek input from relevant representatives of state, regional, local, and tribal governments; community-based organizations; subject matter experts; and individuals from underserved communities impacted by disasters.

FEMA must designate a senior official as an equity advisor. The bill establishes in FEMA an Equity Enterprise Steering Group.

The chief executive officer of an affected county may submit a request for a presidential declaration that a major disaster exists if (1) the governor of the state or territory in which the county is located does not request such a declaration, (2) the affected county is not included in a request for assistance made by such governor, or (3) the affected county communicates with that governor about the disaster or potential request for a major disaster declaration before the relevant period has lapsed.

The Government Accountability Office shall issue a report describing the factors that FEMA considers when evaluating a request from a governor to declare that a major disaster or emergency exists and to authorize specified assistance.

What's happening now May 9, 2022

Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.

 Committees of jurisdiction 3
 Cosponsors 2
All 2 Democratic 2