H.R. 2535 · Where this bill is now
In committee
Introduced in the House, sent to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, Apr 1, 2025
What this bill does
In plain words · AI-written from the official summaryExpands FEMA temporary housing aid access
Right now, FEMA can turn down temporary housing help to people who have insurance that might cover those costs, even if they really need the assistance. This bill changes that rule. It says FEMA can't use someone's insurance status as a reason to deny temporary housing assistance after a disaster—whether that's rental help or housing FEMA provides directly.
How it affects you
If you're displaced by a disaster, you could get FEMA temporary housing assistance even if you have insurance. This means you won't have to wait for FEMA to check your insurance details before getting help with housing, and you won't be turned away just because you have a policy, making it faster and easier to find a place to stay after disaster strikes.
Read the official summary (Introduced in House, Apr 1, 2025)
FEMA Temporary Housing Assistance Improvement Act
This bill enables individuals or households to receive temporary housing assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) following a disaster (i.e., funds for renting housing or housing provided by FEMA) regardless of the recipient’s insurance status.
Under current law, in determining whether an individual or household is eligible for temporary housing assistance, FEMA generally must determine whether the applicant has insurance that will cover those same expenses, to avoid a duplication of benefits. The bill prohibits FEMA from considering insurance a duplication of benefits when determining an individual or household’s eligibility for temporary housing assistance, removing the need for FEMA to determine insurance coverage prior to providing the assistance.
Written by AI (Claude) using only the official summary by the Congressional Research Service, the Library of Congress’s nonpartisan research staff. It can miss nuance, so check the official summary and the bill text for details.
1st SessionH. R. 2535
A BILL
FEMA Temporary Housing Assistance Improvement Act
Sponsor: Rep. Julia Brownley (D-CA-26) · Introduced Apr 1, 2025 · Emergency Management · 1 version of the text
Sources: Congress.gov actions and votes · bill text from GovInfo · latest official action Apr 1, 2025: “Referred to the Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings, and Emergency Management.”