This part builds a standing program for helping places rebuild after a big disaster. It sets up a fund in the Treasury and a new office in the housing agency. Money is split by a formula and given to states, towns, and tribes. Most of it must help people with low or middling income. The program ends three years after this law passes.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“(A) leading and coordinating the disaster-related responsibilities of the Department under the National Response Framework, the National Disaster Recovery Framework, and the National Mitigation Framework;”
The section makes the offices and officers of the Department of Housing and Urban Development responsible for leading its disaster duties under the three national frameworks, coordinating its disaster relief, recovery, resiliency and mitigation programs, supporting communities moving displaced people from shelters to permanent housing, working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration to align rules and cut duplication, promoting best practices in mitigation and land use planning, coordinating technical assistance for grantees with limited capacity, and helping State, Tribal, and local governments build recovery capacity and pre-disaster plans.
What the document actually says
“(A) leading and coordinating the disaster-related responsibilities of the Department under the National Response Framework, the National Disaster Recovery Framework, and the National Mitigation Framework;”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency must lead its own disaster work. Three national plans say what the government does after a storm. The agency must pull its part of each one together.
What this is about
A framework is a plan for how agencies work together. Before this the housing agency's role was spread out. This puts the duty in one place.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Department of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“``(1) Establishment.--There is established the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency.”
The section adds a new subsection (i) to section 4 of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Act establishing the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency, responsible for oversight and coordination of all departmental disaster preparedness and response duties and for working with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration, and other offices of the Department on recovery and resilience.
What the document actually says
“``(1) Establishment.--There is established the Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency.”
That sentence, in plain words
A new office is set up. It handles disaster work and getting ready for it.
What this is about
The office looks after all the agency's disaster work. It works with the storm agency too. The law that set up the housing agency now names it.
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“There is established in the Treasury of the United States an account to be known as the ``Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund''.”
The section establishes an account in the Treasury called the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund, made up of amounts appropriated, transferred, and credited to it. Money may be transferred in from amounts freed under section 106(c)(4) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and from unobligated or recaptured balances appropriated for disaster purposes under the Community Development Fund heading before the Fund existed. Amounts in the Fund stay available until spent, and grants from it are made by formula allocation.
What the document actually says
“There is established in the Treasury of the United States an account to be known as the ``Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund''.”
That sentence, in plain words
A new account is set up in the Treasury. It is called the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund.
What this is about
The fund holds money for rebuilding after a disaster. Money in it does not expire at the end of a year. Older disaster money can be moved in.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“Of each amount appropriated for or transferred to the Fund, 3 percent shall be made available for activities described in subparagraph (A)(ii), which shall be in addition to other amounts made available for those activities.”
The section makes money in the Fund available for grants under the new section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and for departmental activities supporting those grants, including salaries and expenses, information technology, capacity building, technical assistance, and pre-disaster readiness. Three percent of each amount is set aside for those departmental activities, on top of anything else provided, and may be transferred to the relevant salaries and expenses account.
What the document actually says
“Of each amount appropriated for or transferred to the Fund, 3 percent shall be made available for activities described in subparagraph (A)(ii), which shall be in addition to other amounts made available for those activities.”
That sentence, in plain words
Part of every amount put into the fund is held back. That share is 3 percent. It pays for the agency's own work on these grants. It comes on top of other money for that work.
What this is about
The rest of the fund goes out as grants. The 3 percent pays for staff, systems, and expert help. It also pays for getting ready before a disaster.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“Not less than one-tenth of 1 percent of each series of awards the Secretary makes from the Fund shall be transferred to the account under the heading ``Office of Inspector General'' for the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support audit activities and to investigate grantee noncompliance with program requirements and waste, fraud, and abuse”
The section requires at least one tenth of one percent of each series of awards from the Fund to go to the Department's Office of Inspector General for audits and investigations of grantee noncompliance and of waste, fraud, and abuse. That money does not become available until 90 days after the grantee plan or supplemental plan is approved.
What the document actually says
“Not less than one-tenth of 1 percent of each series of awards the Secretary makes from the Fund shall be transferred to the account under the heading ``Office of Inspector General'' for the Department of Housing and Urban Development to support audit activities and to investigate grantee noncompliance with program requirements and waste, fraud, and abuse”
That sentence, in plain words
A small slice of every set of awards is moved. It goes to the watchdog office of the housing agency. It pays for audits and for looking into misuse of the money.
What this is about
The slice is one tenth of one percent. The money waits 90 days after a grantee plan is approved. That gives the watchdog something to check.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “is amended”Who acts: CongressHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“``(25) The term `major disaster' has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122).'';”
The section amends section 102(a) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 to define persons of extremely low income by reference to section 3(b)(2) of the United States Housing Act of 1937, with the Secretary able to set alternative definitions for Puerto Rico, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa, and to define major disaster by reference to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. It also amends section 106(c)(4) to add States for use in nonentitlement areas alongside metropolitan cities and counties and to insert the word major before disaster, and makes a matching change in section 122.
What the document actually says
“``(25) The term `major disaster' has the meaning given the term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122).'';”
That sentence, in plain words
The words major disaster now have a set meaning. It is taken from another law.
What this is about
A second new term covers people with the least income. Other changes add states to a list. That list named only cities and counties.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “can”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“The Secretary is authorized to make community development block grant disaster recovery grants from the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund established under section 504(c) of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act”
The new section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 authorizes the Secretary to make community development block grant disaster recovery grants from the Fund for necessary expenses of relief, long-term recovery, restoring housing and infrastructure, economic revitalization, and mitigation in the most impacted and distressed areas after a catastrophic major disaster. Grants go to States, units of general local government, and Indian tribes based on capacity and concentration of damage, and are not counted in the ordinary section 106 formula allocations.
What the document actually says
“The Secretary is authorized to make community development block grant disaster recovery grants from the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund established under section 504(c) of the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency may make disaster recovery grants. The money comes from the new fund set up by this law.
What this is about
The grants go to states, towns, and tribes. Who gets one turns on damage and on ability to run the money. They do not change the ordinary block grant shares.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue a notice in the Federal Register containing the latest formula allocation methodologies used to determine the total estimate of unmet needs related to housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a catastrophic major disaster.”
The new section 124 requires the Secretary to publish, within 30 days of enactment, a Federal Register notice setting out the latest formula allocation methods used to estimate unmet needs in the most impacted and distressed areas. Unless comment has already been sought, the Secretary must seek public comment on the methods and alternatives, their effect on rural and Tribal areas, adjustments to target the most serious needs, objective criteria for grantee capacity and minimum thresholds, and research informing an added amount for mitigation of up to 18 percent of estimated unmet needs.
What the document actually says
“Not later than 30 days after the date of enactment of this section, the Secretary shall issue a notice in the Federal Register containing the latest formula allocation methodologies used to determine the total estimate of unmet needs related to housing, economic revitalization, and infrastructure in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a catastrophic major disaster.”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency must publish its method within 30 days. It goes in the Federal Register. The method works out how much unmet need a disaster left behind. That covers homes, jobs, and roads and pipes.
What this is about
The Federal Register is the daily notice paper of the government. People may write in about the method. They can speak up for country and tribal areas.
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The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish a formula to allocate assistance from the Fund to the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a catastrophic major disaster.”
The new section 124 requires the Secretary to set a formula by regulation for allocating money from the Fund. It must set criteria for when a major disaster is catastrophic, considering a high concentration of damaged housing or businesses beyond what local resources could address, a method for identifying the most impacted and distressed areas, an allocation calculation covering unmet serious needs plus up to 18 percent for reducing risk from other natural disasters mainly for low- and moderate-income people, and objective criteria for reviewing and updating the formula. The Secretary must also set a minimum allocation threshold, and until final rules issue must use the published methodology with the added mitigation amount.
What the document actually says
“The Secretary shall, by regulation, establish a formula to allocate assistance from the Fund to the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a catastrophic major disaster.”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency must write a rule setting a formula. The formula splits money from the fund. It sends it to the hardest hit and most distressed places.
What this is about
The rule must say when a disaster counts as catastrophic. It must find the worst hit areas. It can add up to 18 percent for guarding against the next disaster.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“not later than 90 days after the President declares a major disaster, use best available data to determine whether the major disaster is catastrophic and qualifies for assistance under the formula described in paragraph (4) or (5), unless data is insufficient to make this determination; and”
The new section 124 requires the Secretary to decide within 90 days of a presidential major disaster declaration, on the best available data, whether the disaster is catastrophic and qualifies under the formula, and where the data is not enough, to decide when it becomes sufficient but no later than 120 days after the declaration. If money is in the Fund at that point the Secretary must immediately announce an allocation, and must announce a further allocation within 15 days of any later appropriation to the Fund.
What the document actually says
“not later than 90 days after the President declares a major disaster, use best available data to determine whether the major disaster is catastrophic and qualifies for assistance under the formula described in paragraph (4) or (5), unless data is insufficient to make this determination; and”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency must decide within 90 days. The clock starts when a disaster is declared. It uses the best figures it has. The question is whether the disaster qualifies.
What this is about
Where the figures are not good enough, the clock runs longer. The outside limit is 120 days. Once the answer is yes, the money must be announced at once.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “can”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“To speed recovery, the Secretary is authorized to allocate and award preliminary grants from the Fund before making a determination under paragraph (6)(A) if the Secretary projects, based on a preliminary assessment of impact and distress, that a major disaster is catastrophic and would likely qualify for funding”
The new section 124 lets the Secretary award preliminary grants from the Fund before the qualifying determination where a preliminary assessment projects the disaster is catastrophic and would likely qualify. No such grant may exceed $5,000,000, and the Secretary must set a sliding scale by regulation. The money may be used only for activities that will speed recovery, improve assessment of unmet needs, and guard against improper payments and fraud, and may include evaluating interim and permanent housing and supportive service needs. It is not subject to the certification requirement and does not count toward the administrative cost caps. The Secretary may waive requirements to speed its use, may amend the award once a determination is made, and must provide technical assistance alongside it.
What the document actually says
“To speed recovery, the Secretary is authorized to allocate and award preliminary grants from the Fund before making a determination under paragraph (6)(A) if the Secretary projects, based on a preliminary assessment of impact and distress, that a major disaster is catastrophic and would likely qualify for funding”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency may send money before the formal choice. It does that when an early look says the place will likely qualify. The point is to speed up the work.
What this is about
No such early grant may top five million dollars. The size follows a sliding scale the agency sets. The money can only go to work that speeds recovery or guards against fraud.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “can”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“The Secretary is authorized to approve the use of grants under this section to be used interchangeably and without limitation for the same activities in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a declaration of another catastrophic major disaster that qualifies for assistance”
The new section 124 lets the Secretary approve using grants interchangeably and without limitation for the same activities in the most impacted and distressed areas of another qualifying catastrophic major disaster, or a disaster for which funds were allocated under the Community Development Fund heading before the Fund existed. The Secretary must set requirements to speed such use, and amounts repurposed that Congress had designated an emergency requirement keep that designation.
What the document actually says
“The Secretary is authorized to approve the use of grants under this section to be used interchangeably and without limitation for the same activities in the most impacted and distressed areas resulting from a declaration of another catastrophic major disaster that qualifies for assistance”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency may let grant money be moved. It can go to the same kind of work after another qualifying disaster. There is no limit on that.
What this is about
A place hit twice may have money left from the first time. This lets that money help with the second. The agency must set rules to make it quick.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: grantees under the new section 124How: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary announces a grant allocation under this section, unless an extension is granted by the Secretary, the grantee shall submit to the Secretary a plan for approval describing--”
The new section 124 requires a grantee to submit a plan for approval within 90 days of the allocation announcement, unless extended. The plan must describe the activities it will carry out, its criteria for awarding assistance and selecting activities, how the grant addresses relief, recovery, restoration, revitalization and mitigation in the worst hit areas, how mitigation spending fits hazard mitigation plans filed with the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the amount proposed to benefit people of low and moderate income, how it will repair and replace housing for vulnerable populations, how it will address the priorities, how uses are proportional to unmet needs, and for State grantees how money will be distributed to local governments.
What the document actually says
“Not later than 90 days after the date on which the Secretary announces a grant allocation under this section, unless an extension is granted by the Secretary, the grantee shall submit to the Secretary a plan for approval describing--”
That sentence, in plain words
The place that gets the money must file a plan. It has 90 days from the day the money is announced. The housing agency may allow more time. The plan must be approved.
What this is about
The plan says what work will be done and how choices are made. It must show how the money reaches the worst hit areas. It must also show how much helps people with low or middling income.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: grantees under the new section 124How: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“provide citizens, affected units of general local government, and other interested parties with reasonable notice of, and opportunity to comment on, the plan, with a public comment period of not less than 14 days;”
The new section 124 requires a grantee developing a plan or a substantial amendment to publish it before adoption, give citizens, affected local governments, and other interested parties reasonable notice and at least 14 days to comment, consider the comments before submitting, follow a citizen participation plan providing for participation by residents of the worst hit area, and undertake any consultation the Secretary sets by regulation.
What the document actually says
“provide citizens, affected units of general local government, and other interested parties with reasonable notice of, and opportunity to comment on, the plan, with a public comment period of not less than 14 days;”
That sentence, in plain words
People must be told about the plan and given a chance to say something. That covers residents, local governments, and others with an interest. The comment window must be at least 14 days.
What this is about
The plan must be published before it is adopted. Comments must be weighed before it goes in. Residents of the worst hit area must be able to take part.
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The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“approve, partially approve, or disapprove a plan or substantial amendment under paragraph (1) not later than 60 days after the date on which the plan or substantial amendment is received by the Secretary.”
The new section 124 requires the Secretary to specify by regulation the criteria for approving, partly approving, or disapproving a plan, to review a plan on receipt, to let a grantee revise and resubmit a disapproved plan, to specify when revisions must go out for public comment before resubmission, and to decide within 60 days of receiving a plan or substantial amendment.
What the document actually says
“approve, partially approve, or disapprove a plan or substantial amendment under paragraph (1) not later than 60 days after the date on which the plan or substantial amendment is received by the Secretary.”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency must answer within 60 days. It may approve the plan, approve part of it, or turn it down. The clock starts the day the plan arrives.
What this is about
A place whose plan is refused may fix it and try again. The agency must set out its test for approval in a rule. Some revisions must go back out for comment first.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: grantees under the new section 124How: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“Not less than 70 percent of a grant made under this section shall be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income unless the Secretary--”
The new section 124 requires at least 70 percent of a grant to be used for activities benefiting people of low and moderate income, unless the Secretary specifically finds a compelling need to reduce that share and that the housing needs of those people have been addressed, and issues a waiver and alternative requirement for that grant. The Secretary must set protocols by regulation reflecting the requirement, including for people with extremely and very low incomes.
What the document actually says
“Not less than 70 percent of a grant made under this section shall be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income unless the Secretary--”
That sentence, in plain words
Most of each grant must help people with low or middling income. The share is at least 70 percent. Only the housing agency can lower it.
What this is about
To lower it the agency must find a strong reason. It must also find that housing needs have been met. Then it must issue a waiver for that grant.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: grantees under the new section 124How: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“``(A) assist persons with extremely low-, low-, and moderate-incomes and other vulnerable populations to better recover from and withstand future disasters; ``(B) address housing needs arising from a disaster, or those needs present prior to a disaster, including the needs of both renters and homeowners;”
The new section 124 requires a grantee to prioritize activities that help people with extremely low, low, and moderate incomes and other vulnerable populations recover and withstand future disasters, address housing needs arising from or predating the disaster for both renters and owners, prolong the life of housing and infrastructure, use cost-effective means of preventing harm with protective features and redundancies, and otherwise assure critical services continue during future disasters.
What the document actually says
“``(A) assist persons with extremely low-, low-, and moderate-incomes and other vulnerable populations to better recover from and withstand future disasters; ``(B) address housing needs arising from a disaster, or those needs present prior to a disaster, including the needs of both renters and homeowners;”
That sentence, in plain words
Work that helps people with the least money comes first. So does work that helps them stand up to the next disaster. Work on housing needs also comes first, for renters and for owners alike.
What this is about
Priority sets the order, not the amount. Five kinds of work are named. Some address the last disaster and some the next one.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: grantees under the new section 124How: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“a grantee under this section shall allocate grant funds proportional to unmet needs between housing activities for renters and homeowners, economic revitalization, and infrastructure unless the Secretary specifically finds that--”
The new section 124 requires a grantee, for each disaster, to split grant funds in proportion to unmet needs among housing activities for renters and owners, economic revitalization, and infrastructure, unless the Secretary specifically finds a compelling need for a different split and that the different split does not conflict with the 70 percent benefit rule.
What the document actually says
“a grantee under this section shall allocate grant funds proportional to unmet needs between housing activities for renters and homeowners, economic revitalization, and infrastructure unless the Secretary specifically finds that--”
That sentence, in plain words
The place must split the money to match what is missing. That covers homes for renters and owners, jobs, and roads and pipes.
What this is about
Unmet need is what is still needed after other help. Splitting by need keeps one use from crowding out another. Only the housing agency can allow a different split.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall establish minimum construction standards, insurance purchase requirements, and other requirements for the use of grant funds in hazard-prone areas.”
The new section 124 requires the Secretary, with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, to set minimum construction standards, insurance purchase requirements, and other requirements for using grant funds in hazard-prone areas. Those are areas at risk from natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes, lava inundation, tornados, and high winds, and include special flood hazard areas, where the insurance requirements must meet or exceed those in section 102(a) of the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. All grants count as financial assistance for purposes of that Act, and the Secretary may consider future risks in identifying hazard-prone areas.
What the document actually says
“The Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, shall establish minimum construction standards, insurance purchase requirements, and other requirements for the use of grant funds in hazard-prone areas.”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency must set least standards for building in risky places. It must also ask for insurance there. It works with the storm agency to do so.
What this is about
A risky place here is one open to floods, fire, quakes, or high winds. Building back the same way invites the same loss. The rules aim to change that.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: grantees under the new section 124How: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“``(i) minimizes displacement and describes the benefits available to persons displaced as a direct result of acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition in connection with an activity that is assisted by a grant under this section; and”
The new section 124 applies the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 to assisted activities to the extent the Secretary sets by regulation or through waivers, and requires each grantee to adopt a relocation assistance policy that minimizes displacement, describes the benefits available to people displaced by assisted acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition, and includes any appeal rights the Secretary sets.
What the document actually says
“``(i) minimizes displacement and describes the benefits available to persons displaced as a direct result of acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition in connection with an activity that is assisted by a grant under this section; and”
That sentence, in plain words
The policy must keep people from being moved where it can. It must set out what help a displaced person can get. That covers people moved by buying, fixing, or tearing down a building.
What this is about
Rebuilding can force people out of their homes. An older federal law covers that. This makes each place write its own policy too.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: grantees under the new section 124How: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“``(4) the grant funds shall principally benefit persons of low- and moderate-income as described in subsection (c)(4)(A);”
The new section 124 makes a grant conditional on the grantee certifying nine things: full compliance with the public consultation rules, conformity with the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Fair Housing Act except for grants to Indian tribes, that the projected use gives maximum feasible priority to the named beneficiaries and activities, that funds will principally benefit people of low and moderate income, that non-disaster housing plans will be reviewed and updated within 24 months, that capital costs of public improvements will not be assessed against low and moderate income owner-occupants except in the cases stated, compliance with the other provisions of the title and other law, adherence to a relocation assistance policy, and adherence to the hazard-prone area standards.
What the document actually says
“``(4) the grant funds shall principally benefit persons of low- and moderate-income as described in subsection (c)(4)(A);”
That sentence, in plain words
The money must mainly help people with low or middling income. The place must promise that in writing before it gets a grant.
What this is about
A certification is a written promise made to get the money. Nine are required here. They cover civil rights, fair housing, and how costs may be charged.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“The Secretary shall develop and make publicly available critical performance targets for review, which shall include spending thresholds for each year”
The new section 124 requires the Secretary to review and audit each grantee at least once a year until a grant allocation is closed out, checking whether activities were carried out in time, whether performance targets were met, whether the rules were followed, and whether the grantee still has capacity. The Secretary must develop and publish critical performance targets including yearly spending thresholds running from obligation until all funds are spent.
What the document actually says
“The Secretary shall develop and make publicly available critical performance targets for review, which shall include spending thresholds for each year”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency must set targets and publish them. They include how much must be spent each year.
What this is about
The targets run from the day the money is committed. They stop when it is all spent. The agency checks against them at least once a year.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “can”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“If a grantee under this section fails to meet 1 or more critical performance targets under paragraph (2), the Secretary may temporarily suspend the grant.”
The new section 124 lets the Secretary temporarily suspend a grant where a grantee misses one or more critical performance targets, and requires the Secretary to give the grantee a performance improvement plan setting out what is needed to lift the suspension within a defined period. A grantee that misses the spending thresholds must send a written report to the Secretary, the appropriate committees of Congress, and each member of Congress representing its district or State, identifying the technical capacity, funding, or federal or State obstacles behind the shortfall.
What the document actually says
“If a grantee under this section fails to meet 1 or more critical performance targets under paragraph (2), the Secretary may temporarily suspend the grant.”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency may pause a grant. It may do so when a place misses one of the key targets.
What this is about
With the pause comes a plan to fix things. A place that misses its spending mark must also write a report. That report goes to Congress as well.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“the Secretary shall, on not less frequently than an annual basis, post on a public facing dashboard summary status reports for all active grants under this section that includes--”
The new section 124 requires a grantee to give the Secretary the information needed for oversight, requires the Secretary to make it available to the public and the Inspector General, and requires the Secretary to post at least yearly on a public dashboard a summary status report for every active grant, covering the status of funds by activity, the share allocated and spent to benefit low- and moderate-income communities, performance targets, spending thresholds and accomplishments, and anything else relevant. Personally identifiable information about applicants must be kept out, and the Secretary may share disaggregated data with researchers on formal request, protecting personal information under the Privacy Act of 1974.
What the document actually says
“the Secretary shall, on not less frequently than an annual basis, post on a public facing dashboard summary status reports for all active grants under this section that includes--”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency must post reports on a public dashboard. It must do so at least once a year. Every active grant must be covered.
What this is about
The report shows where the money stands and what it has done. Private details about applicants must be kept out. Researchers may ask for more detailed data.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “may not”Who acts: grantees under the new section 124How: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“Grant funds under this section may not be used for costs reimbursable by, or for which funds have been made available by, the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the United States Army Corps of Engineers.”
The new section 124 provides that assisted activities may include those permitted under section 105 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 or others the Secretary permits by waiver, and must relate to relief, long-term recovery, restoration of housing and infrastructure, economic revitalization, and mitigation in the worst hit areas. Grant funds may not pay costs that the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the United States Army Corps of Engineers reimburses or has funded.
What the document actually says
“Grant funds under this section may not be used for costs reimbursable by, or for which funds have been made available by, the Federal Emergency Management Agency or the United States Army Corps of Engineers.”
That sentence, in plain words
The money may not pay a cost another agency covers. Two other agencies do much of this work. It may not pay for what they have funded.
What this is about
Two federal bodies pay for much disaster work already. Paying twice would waste money. This bars that.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“The Secretary shall establish in regulation the maximum grant amounts a grantee may use for administrative costs, technical assistance, and planning activities, taking into consideration size of grant, complexity of recovery, and other factors as determined by the Secretary, but not to exceed 8 percent for administration and 20 percent in total.”
The new section 124 requires the Secretary to set by regulation the maximum a grantee may use for administrative costs, technical assistance, and planning, weighing grant size, complexity of recovery, and other factors, with a ceiling of 8 percent for administration and 20 percent in total. Money for administrative costs may serve any grant under the section regardless of disaster, and a grantee may file an optional supplemental plan for administrative costs and draw those funds before the full plan is approved.
What the document actually says
“The Secretary shall establish in regulation the maximum grant amounts a grantee may use for administrative costs, technical assistance, and planning activities, taking into consideration size of grant, complexity of recovery, and other factors as determined by the Secretary, but not to exceed 8 percent for administration and 20 percent in total.”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency must set caps by rule. It weighs how big the grant is and how hard the recovery will be. Running costs may not top 8 percent. All overhead together may not top 20 percent.
What this is about
Administration is the cost of managing the money. Technical assistance and planning add to it. A place may file a short plan first so this money can start flowing.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “can”Who acts: grantees under the new section 124How: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“any grantee under this section may retain program income that is realized from grants made by the Secretary under this section if the grantee agrees that the grantee will utilize the program income in accordance with the requirements for grants under this section, except that the Secretary may--”
The new section 124 lets a grantee keep program income from its grants if it agrees to use that income under the same requirements, while letting the Secretary exclude amounts too small to be worth tracking and permit remaining program income to be moved to the grantee's other grants under the title at closeout.
What the document actually says
“any grantee under this section may retain program income that is realized from grants made by the Secretary under this section if the grantee agrees that the grantee will utilize the program income in accordance with the requirements for grants under this section, except that the Secretary may--”
That sentence, in plain words
A place may keep the money a grant earns back. It must agree to spend it under the same rules.
What this is about
Program income is money a grant generates, such as loan repayments. Small amounts may be left out by rule. Leftovers may move to another grant at the end.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “may not”Who acts: grantees under the new section 124How: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“Grants under this section may not be used to assist directly in the relocation of any industrial or commercial plant, facility, or operation, from one area to another area, if the relocation is likely to result in a significant loss of employment in the labor market area from which the relocation occurs.”
The new section 124 bars grants from being used to help move an industrial or commercial plant, facility, or operation from one area to another where the move is likely to cause a significant loss of employment in the area it leaves. The bar does not apply to a business that was operating in the disaster-declared labor market area before the incident and has since moved in whole or in part to continue in business.
What the document actually says
“Grants under this section may not be used to assist directly in the relocation of any industrial or commercial plant, facility, or operation, from one area to another area, if the relocation is likely to result in a significant loss of employment in the labor market area from which the relocation occurs.”
That sentence, in plain words
The money may not help move a plant or business from one place to another. That holds where the move would cost many jobs where it was.
What this is about
A labor market area is the area people commute within. Moving jobs out of one hurts the people left behind. A business that already fled the disaster is not covered by this bar.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “can”Who acts: recipients of funds under the new section 124How: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“may adopt, without review or public comment, any environmental review, approval, or permit performed by a Federal agency, and such adoption shall satisfy the responsibilities of the recipient with respect to such environmental review, approval, or permit under section 104(g)(1), so long as the actions covered by the existing environmental review, approval, or permit and the actions proposed for these supplemental funds are substantially the same.”
The new section 124 lets a recipient using the money to supplement assistance under named sections of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act adopt, without further review or public comment, an environmental review, approval, or permit another federal agency has done, so long as the actions covered are substantially the same. The Secretary or a State may then immediately approve release of funds on a request and certification, or where the project is categorically excluded from review under the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969.
What the document actually says
“may adopt, without review or public comment, any environmental review, approval, or permit performed by a Federal agency, and such adoption shall satisfy the responsibilities of the recipient with respect to such environmental review, approval, or permit under section 104(g)(1), so long as the actions covered by the existing environmental review, approval, or permit and the actions proposed for these supplemental funds are substantially the same.”
That sentence, in plain words
A place may take on a review another federal agency already did. No new review or comment round is needed. That works only if the work covered is much the same.
What this is about
A study of effects on nature can take months. Doing it twice for the same work wastes time. This lets one study serve both.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“Before making a grant under this section, the Secretary shall certify that the grantee has in place proficient processes and procedures to comply with the requirements developed under paragraph (1), as determined by the Secretary.”
The new section 124 requires the Secretary to develop requirements showing that a grantee has adequate financial controls and procurement processes, adequate procedures to detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and duplication of benefit, and a comprehensive publicly accessible website, and to certify before making a grant that the grantee can meet them. A State, local government, or Indian tribe may show compliance before a disaster occurs.
What the document actually says
“Before making a grant under this section, the Secretary shall certify that the grantee has in place proficient processes and procedures to comply with the requirements developed under paragraph (1), as determined by the Secretary.”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency must certify a place before it gets a grant. It must find that the place can meet the rules it has set.
What this is about
Those rules cover money controls and buying. They also cover guarding against fraud. A place must keep a public website too.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: grantees under the new section 124How: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“``(ii) remit any excess amounts to the Secretary to be credited to the obligated, undisbursed balance of the grant consistent with requirements on Federal payments applicable to such grantee; and”
The new section 124 requires funds to be used in line with section 312 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Where use of the funds duplicates a benefit, the grantee must apply an equal amount to allowable costs of the award, remit any excess to the Secretary to be credited to the grant's undisbursed balance, and remit excess found after the period of performance or closeout to the Fund. A grantee that fails to comply or to satisfy penalties is subject to the remedies in section 111, unless the Secretary publishes a finding in the Federal Register that pursuing them is not in the government's best interest.
What the document actually says
“``(ii) remit any excess amounts to the Secretary to be credited to the obligated, undisbursed balance of the grant consistent with requirements on Federal payments applicable to such grantee; and”
That sentence, in plain words
Extra money must be sent back to the housing agency. It is credited to the part of the grant not yet paid out. Federal payment rules still apply.
What this is about
A duplicate benefit is help paid twice for the same loss. The first step is to put the amount toward allowed costs. What is left over goes back.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “can”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“the Secretary may waive, or specify alternative requirements for, any provision of any statute or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with the obligation by the Secretary or the use by the grantee of those funds”
The new section 124 lets the Secretary waive or set alternative requirements for any law or regulation the Secretary administers in connection with these funds, on a public finding of good cause, except for requirements about fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, the environment, and provisions of the section that do not expressly allow modification. A waiver may not take effect until five days after it is published on the Department website or the effective date of a published regulation, and the Secretary must notify the public of every waiver.
What the document actually says
“the Secretary may waive, or specify alternative requirements for, any provision of any statute or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with the obligation by the Secretary or the use by the grantee of those funds”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency may set aside its own rules for this money. It may put other rules in their place. It must first say in public why there is good cause.
What this is about
Fair housing, equal treatment, worker pay and safety, and nature are off limits. So is any part of this section that does not allow a waiver. A waiver waits five days after it is posted.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: grantees under the new section 124, Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“A grantee under this section shall use an amount equal to the grant within 6 years beginning on the date on which the Secretary obligates the amounts to the grantee, as such period may be extended under paragraph (4).”
The new section 124 requires a grantee to spend an amount equal to the grant within six years of obligation, and requires the Secretary to recapture unused amounts to the Fund at the earlier of the grantee reporting that all planned activities are done or the end of that period. The Secretary must let a grantee keep what it needs to close out, and may let it keep up to 10 percent of what remains to keep minimal capacity for a future disaster and for pre-disaster planning. The six years may be extended by up to four, or six for mitigation, on documented exigent circumstances or a justification of complexity, with a written justification sent to four congressional committees.
What the document actually says
“A grantee under this section shall use an amount equal to the grant within 6 years beginning on the date on which the Secretary obligates the amounts to the grantee, as such period may be extended under paragraph (4).”
That sentence, in plain words
The place must spend the grant within six years. The clock starts the day the housing agency commits the money. That period can be stretched.
What this is about
Money not used goes back to the fund. A place may keep a little to close out the work. It may keep up to a tenth of the rest to stay ready.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban DevelopmentHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue proposed rules to carry out this section and the amendments made by this section and shall provide a 90-day period for submission of public comments on those proposed rules.”
The section requires the Secretary, after consulting the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Small Business Administration, and other agencies, to issue proposed rules within six months of enactment with a 90-day comment period, and final regulations carrying out the new section 124 within a year.
What the document actually says
“not later than 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall issue proposed rules to carry out this section and the amendments made by this section and shall provide a 90-day period for submission of public comments on those proposed rules.”
That sentence, in plain words
The housing agency must publish draft rules within six months. People then get 90 days to comment.
What this is about
Before drafting, the agency must talk with the emergency agency and others. Final rules are due within one year. They put the new grant program to work.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
The document says “shall”Who acts: Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, Administrator of the Small Business AdministrationHow: statuteSec. 504 in the PDF
What the document says
“the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall provide data on disaster applicants to the Department, including, when necessary, personally identifiable information, disaster recovery needs, and resources determined eligible for, and amounts expended”
The section requires the Secretary to coordinate with the Federal Emergency Management Agency so far as practicable in carrying out the new grants, and requires the Department to set up data sharing agreements that safeguard privacy. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Small Business Administration must give the Department data on disaster applicants, including personal information where necessary, for major disasters. The Secretary may pass appropriate information to grantees, Department offices, technical assistance providers, and lenders, and grantees must report on who was assisted so the Secretary can share it back. Transfers require an information sharing or computer matching agreement and publication of intent in the Federal Register, or a data sharing agreement with adequate privacy safeguards.
What the document actually says
“the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Administrator of the Small Business Administration shall provide data on disaster applicants to the Department, including, when necessary, personally identifiable information, disaster recovery needs, and resources determined eligible for, and amounts expended”
That sentence, in plain words
Two other agencies must hand data to the housing agency. It covers people who asked for disaster help. It can include facts that name a person. It can show what they need and what they got.
What this is about
Sharing data helps stop the same loss being paid twice. It also saves survivors from filling in the same form again. Written agreements must guard private details.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
“(d) shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.”
The section provides that the program under the new section 124 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 ends three years after enactment. Grants made after enactment use amounts appropriated after enactment.
What the document actually says
“(d) shall terminate on the date that is 3 years after the date of enactment of this Act.”
That sentence, in plain words
The program stops three years after this law passes.
What this is about
The grants use only money set aside after this law. Older money is not touched. Congress must act again to keep the program going.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
“It is the sense of Congress that, should Congress opt to appropriate funds for disaster recovery through a similar successor program following the sunset date, subsection (g) shall not preclude Congress from doing so.”
The section states the sense of Congress that the end date does not stop Congress from funding a similar successor disaster recovery program after that date.
What the document actually says
“It is the sense of Congress that, should Congress opt to appropriate funds for disaster recovery through a similar successor program following the sunset date, subsection (g) shall not preclude Congress from doing so.”
That sentence, in plain words
Congress states its view about what comes next. The end date does not block a later program like this one.
What this is about
A sense of Congress states an aim rather than a rule. It binds nobody. Here it says the door is left open.
No action is recorded against this proposal. That is not evidence that none has been taken, and nobody has yet read it against the record. See what the tracker does not yet cover.
Each distinct thing the section does: the disaster duties of the Department, the new Office of Disaster Management and Resiliency, the Long-Term Disaster Recovery Fund and its uses and set-asides, the new section 124 grant program with its formula, notices, allocation timing, preliminary funding, grantee plans, public consultation, the 70 percent benefit rule, prioritization, proportional allocation, hazard-prone area standards, relocation policy, certifications, performance reviews and reporting, eligible activities and cost caps, environmental review, financial controls and duplication of benefits, waivers, unused amounts, the regulations, the interagency coordination and data sharing, the end date, and the sense of Congress about a successor program.
The conforming amendments to sections 102, 106(c)(4), and 122 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 are recorded as a group rather than one by one, and purely mechanical redesignations are not recorded on their own.
The section adds a section to title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and leans on the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973, and the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970. None of those is indexed here.
