Summary: Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2011 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the President, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to modernize and implement the integrated U.S. public alert and warning system to ensure that the President can alert governmental authorities and the civilian population in areas endangered by disasters. Directs the Administrator, consistent with the final recommendations of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Advisory Committee (established by this Act), to: (1) establish common alerting and warning protocols, standards, terminology, and operating procedures for such system; (2) include in such system the capability to adapt the distribution and content of communications on the basis of geographic location, risks, or personal user preferences and to alert individuals with disabilities or limited English proficiency; and (3) ensure that training, tests, and exercises are conducted for such system. Requires the system to: (1) incorporate multiple communications technologies; (2) be designed to incorporate future technologies for communicating directly with the public, to provide alerts to the largest portion of the affected population feasible, including nonresident visitors and tourists, and to improve the ability of remote areas to receive alerts; (3) promote local and regional partnerships to enhance community preparedness and response; and (4) provide redundant alert mechanisms.

integrated public alert warning system modernization act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act direct president acting administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema modernize implement integrated public alert warning system ensure president alert governmental authorities civilian population areas endangered disasters directs administrator consistent final recommendations integrated public alert warning system advisory_committee established act establish common warning protocols standards terminology operating procedures system include system capability adapt distribution content communications basis geographic location risks personal user preferences alert individuals disabilities limited english proficiency ensure training tests exercises conducted system requires system incorporate multiple communications technologies designed incorporate future technologies communicating directly public provide alerts largest portion affected population feasible including nonresident visitors improve ability remote areas receive alerts promote local regional partnerships enhance community preparedness response provide redundant alert mechanisms


Summary: Community Shelter Protection Act of 2011 - Prohibits the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from requiring an educational institution (elementary or secondary school that is an eligible applicant for FEMA assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act) to reimburse FEMA for the market value of a covered temporary tornado shelter facility (a structure designed to protect children from a tornado that is constructed or acquired with federal financial assistance) when the facility is no longer needed for that purpose.

community shelter protection act prohibits federal_emergency_management_agency fema requiring educational institution elementary secondary school eligible applicant fema assistance robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act reimburse fema market value covered temporary tornado shelter facility structure designed protect children tornado constructed acquired federal financial assistance facility longer needed purpose


Summary: Natural Disaster Emergency Mortgage Relief Act of 2011 - Amends the Truth in Lending Act to allow temporary deferral of mortgage loan payments, without penalty and without adverse treatment of the consumer, during a 30-, 60-, or 90-day period in which a consumer's principal residence has been severely impacted by a natural disaster in an area for which the President has declared a major disaster.

natural disaster emergency mortgage relief_act amends_the_truth_in_lending_act allow temporary deferral mortgage loan payments penalty adverse treatment consumer day period consumer principal residence severely impacted natural disaster area president declared major disaster


Summary: Helping Devastated Farmers Act of 2011 - Makes supplemental appropriations to the Department of Agriculture (USDA) for FY2011 for expenses resulting from any event occurring in 2011 that is designated as a major disaster pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for: (1) the Farm Service Agency's Emergency Conservation Program, and (2) the Natural Resources Conservation Service's Emergency Watershed Protection Program. Designates each amount made available by this Act as emergency spending.

helping farmers act makes supplemental appropriations department_of_agriculture usda fy2011 expenses resulting event occurring designated major disaster pursuant robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act farm_service_agency emergency conservation program natural_resources_conservation_service emergency watershed protection program designates available act emergency spending


Summary: Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2011 - Requires that, when the President declares a major disaster, the interest rates for any loan programs or guarantees under the Small Business Act or Small Business Investment Act of 1958, including home disaster loans, business physical disaster loans, and economic injury disaster loans, shall be 1% for eligible applicants in the declared disaster area, with or without other available credit. Makes such rates applicable for the duration of all loans and guarantees made while the declaration is in effect.

disaster loan fairness act requires president declares major disaster interest rates loan programs guarantees small_business_act small_business_investment_act including home disaster loans business physical disaster loans economic injury disaster loans shall eligible applicants declared disaster area available credit makes rates applicable duration loans guarantees declaration effect


Summary: FEMA Flexibility Act of 2011 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to permit a class deviation to the Federal Acquisition Regulation with respect to the micropurchase threshold in order to support domestic emergency operations. Prohibits such threshold from exceeding $15,000 in any such deviation. Defines "domestic emergency operation" to mean assistance activities carried out in support of: (1) an emergency or major disaster as defined in the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act; (2) any occasion for which the Secretary determines federal assistance is needed to supplement state and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in the United States; or (3) any natural catastrophe or fire, flood, or explosion in the United States that causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance to supplement the efforts and resources of states, local governments, and disaster relief organizations.

fema flexibility act amends homeland_security act authorize secretary homeland_security dhs permit class deviation federal_acquisition_regulation respect threshold order support domestic emergency operations prohibits threshold exceeding deviation defines domestic emergency operation mean assistance activities carried support emergency major disaster defined robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act occasion secretary determines federal assistance needed supplement state local efforts capabilities save lives protect property public health safety lessen avert threat catastrophe united_states natural catastrophe fire flood explosion united_states causes damage sufficient severity magnitude warrant major disaster assistance supplement efforts resources states local governments disaster relief organizations


Summary: Earthquake Insurance Affordability Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee holders of debt against loss of principal or interest, or both, on debt issued by eligible state programs designed to: (1) promote the availability of private capital to provide liquidity and capacity to state earthquake (specifically, residential property) insurance programs, and (2) expedite the payment of claims under such programs and better assist financial recovery from significant earthquakes. Prescribes operational requirements for eligible state programs which include an established earthquake insurance program that: (1) offers residential property insurance coverage for insured losses to property, contents, and additional living expenses; and (2) does not require insurers to pool resources to provide property insurance coverage for earthquakes. Includes among such operational requirements that the state: (1) has in effect and enforces, or the appropriate local governments within the state have in effect and enforce, nationally recognized building, seismic-design, and safety codes and consensus-based standards; and (2) has taken actions to establish an insurance rate structure that takes into account measures to mitigate insured losses. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for certification of an eligible state program. Limits to $5 billion, including interest, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt obligations guaranteed by the Secretary. Makes appropriations to satisfy debt guarantee commitments. Requires the Secretary, upon request of an eligible state program, to provide such debt guarantees. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States to the payment of all guarantees issued under this Act.

earthquake insurance affordability act_-_authorizes secretary treasury guarantee holders debt loss principal interest debt issued eligible state programs designed promote availability private capital provide liquidity capacity state earthquake specifically residential property insurance programs expedite payment claims programs better assist financial recovery significant earthquakes prescribes operational requirements eligible state programs include established earthquake insurance program offers residential property insurance coverage insured losses property contents additional living expenses require insurers pool resources provide property insurance coverage earthquakes includes operational requirements state effect enforces appropriate local governments state effect enforce nationally recognized building seismic design safety codes consensus based standards taken actions establish insurance rate structure takes account measures mitigate insured losses directs secretary establish procedures certification eligible state program limits billion including interest aggregate principal outstanding debt obligations guaranteed secretary makes appropriations satisfy debt guarantee commitments requires secretary request eligible state program provide debt guarantees pledges faith credit united_states payment guarantees issued act


Summary: District of Columbia National Disaster Insurance Protection Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide for the creation and tax treatment of a tax-exempt natural disaster protection fund held by an insurance company that: (1) is incorporated and domiciled in the District of Columbia; (2) is subject to supervision by the District of Columbia Commissioner of Insurance, Securities, and Banking; (3) maintains an office in the District of Columbia that employs no fewer than 10 full-time employees, at least 5 of whom are District of Columbia residents; (4) is subject to any premium taxes and other taxes and fees imposed by the District of Columbia on all domestic insurance companies; and (5) is subject to an additional tax imposed by the District of Columbia on premiums charged for natural catastrophic risk coverage at a rate that does not exceed the rate of federal excise tax on a premium paid on a contract of reinsurance issued by any foreign insurer or reinsurer. Allows distributions from such a fund to cover losses attributable to wind (including hurricanes and tornadoes), earthquakes, floods, tsunami or tidal wave, volcanic eruption, fire, hail, snow, ice freezing, or other winter catastrophes, or a pandemic or other public health catastrophe. Sets forth tax rules for contributions to and distributions from such a fund.

district_of_columbia national disaster insurance protection act amends_the_internal_revenue_code provide creation tax treatment tax exempt natural disaster protection fund held insurance company incorporated domiciled district_of_columbia subject supervision district_of_columbia commissioner insurance securities banking maintains office district_of_columbia employs fewer time employees district_of_columbia residents subject premium taxes taxes fees imposed district_of_columbia domestic insurance companies subject additional tax imposed district_of_columbia premiums charged natural catastrophic risk coverage rate exceed rate federal excise tax premium paid contract reinsurance issued foreign insurer reinsurer allows distributions fund cover losses attributable wind including hurricanes earthquakes floods tsunami tidal wave volcanic fire snow ice freezing winter pandemic public health catastrophe sets forth tax rules contributions distributions fund


Summary: Prohibits federal assistance provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for the construction of a covered levee from being conditioned on its dismantlement, except as provided for in a status certificate. Requires the Chief of Engineers to provide a status certificate for each levee constructed with federal assistance provided under that Act. Defines "covered levee" to mean a levee or similar structure constructed: (1) in response to a major disaster or emergency; and (2) in an area in which at least one other such structure was constructed in response to such a disaster or emergency, and subsequently dismantled, during the 10-year period preceding the date on which the President declares the major disaster or emergency. Defines "status certificate" to mean a written determination by the Chief of Engineers that a levee or similar structure: (1) is constructed in a manner that satisfies standards applicable to a permanent levee or similar structure, is not constructed in a manner that satisfies such standards but there is an adequate plan for improvements to ensure that such standards will be satisfied, or is not constructed in a manner that satisfies such standards and there is no adequate plan for improvements; and (2) may safely remain in place subject to specified conditions and for a specified period.

prohibits federal assistance provided robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act construction covered levee conditioned provided status certificate requires chief_of_engineers provide status certificate levee constructed federal assistance provided act defines covered levee mean levee similar structure constructed response major disaster emergency area structure constructed response disaster emergency subsequently dismantled year period preceding date president declares major disaster emergency defines status certificate mean written determination chief_of_engineers levee similar structure constructed manner satisfies standards applicable permanent levee similar structure constructed manner satisfies standards adequate plan improvements ensure standards satisfied constructed manner satisfies standards adequate plan improvements safely remain place subject specified conditions specified period


Summary: Strengthening Community Safety Act of 2011 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to authorize the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make a grant to an eligible first responder agency for the additional costs incurred as a direct result of one or more of its employees who are reservists being placed on active duty. Defines "eligible first responder agency" as one for which the cost of personnel has increased by not less than 5% as a direct result of such employees being placed on active duty and which is not a for-profit organization. Prohibits the Administrator from making a grant for costs relating to an employee being placed on active duty if federal funds are used for that employee's pay or benefits. Limits the total amount of grants made to an eligible first responder agency in any fiscal year to $100,000. Terminates the Administrator's authority to make grants three years after this Act's enactment. Authorizes the use of grant funds for: (1) pay or benefits for an individual hired to replace such an employee that are in addition to any pay and benefits that would have been provided to the deployed employee, (2) overtime expenses for an individual who performs tasks that would have been performed by such an employee, and (3) the costs associated with filling a vacancy created by an employee being placed on active duty. Allows a recipient to use grant funds to cover expenses incurred beginning 90 days before deployment until the date the employee returns to fully paid employment status. Amends the Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 to reduce funding for FY2011 for grants to private operators providing transportation by an over-the-road bus for security improvements.

strengthening community safety act amends homeland_security act authorize administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema grant eligible responder agency additional costs incurred direct result employees reservists placed active duty defines eligible responder agency cost personnel increased direct result employees placed active duty profit organization prohibits administrator making grant costs relating employee placed active duty federal funds employee pay benefits limits total grants eligible responder agency fiscal year terminates administrator authority grants years act enactment authorizes use grant funds pay benefits individual hired replace employee addition pay benefits provided deployed employee overtime expenses individual performs tasks performed employee costs associated filling vacancy created employee placed active duty allows recipient use grant funds cover expenses incurred beginning days deployment date employee returns fully paid employment status amends implementing recommendations commission act reduce funding fy2011 grants private operators providing transportation road bus security improvements


Summary: National Windstorm Impact Reduction Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 to revise provisions governing the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program. Designates the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as the entity with primary responsibility for Program planning and coordination. Replaces provisions establishing an Interagency Working Group with provisions establishing the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction. Directs the Committee to submit a Strategic Plan for the Program that includes: (1) prioritized goals that will mitigate against the loss of life and property from future windstorms; (2) research objectives to achieve those goals; (3) a description of the role of each Program agency in achieving such goals; (4) the methods by which progress will be assessed; and (5) an explanation of how the Program will foster the transfer of research results into outcomes, such as improved model building codes. Requires the Committee to submit a progress report and to develop a coordinated budget for the Program, to be submitted at the time of the President's annual budget submission. Revises provisions providing for the establishment of an Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction (currently, the National Advisory Committee on Windstorm Impact Reduction) to offer assessments of the Program, including assessments of the priorities of the Strategic Plan. Terminates the Committee on September 30, 2014. Authorizes appropriations to the agencies carrying out the Program for FY2012-FY2014.

national windstorm impact reduction reauthorization act amends national windstorm impact reduction act revise provisions governing national_windstorm_impact_reduction_program designates national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist entity primary responsibility program planning coordination replaces provisions establishing interagency_working_group provisions establishing interagency_coordinating_committee windstorm impact reduction directs committee submit strategic plan program includes prioritized goals mitigate loss life property future research objectives achieve goals description role program agency achieving goals methods progress assessed explanation program foster transfer research results outcomes improved model building codes requires committee submit progress report develop coordinated budget program submitted time president annual budget submission revises provisions providing establishment advisory_committee windstorm impact reduction currently national advisory_committee windstorm impact reduction offer assessments program including assessments priorities strategic plan terminates committee september authorizes appropriations agencies carrying program fy2012-fy2014


Summary: Passport Recovery Assistance Act of 2011 - Amends the Passport Act of 1920 to waive the passport fee for an individual whose unexpired passport was lost, damaged, or destroyed as a result of a major disaster or emergency.

passport recovery assistance_act amends passport act waive passport fee individual unexpired passport lost damaged destroyed result major disaster emergency


Summary: Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the National Flood Insurance Program from September 30, 2011, through May 31, 2012. Continues through May 31, 2012, the authority of the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), with the President's approval, to issue up to $20.725 billion in notes and obligations to finance the Program. Amends the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 to repeal the termination of such authority as of November 18, 2011.

amends national_flood_insurance_act extend national_flood_insurance_program september continues authority administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema president approval issue billion notes obligations finance program amends continuing appropriations act repeal termination authority november


Summary: Disaster Relief Appropriations Act, 2012 - Title I: Disaster Relief - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2012 to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Disaster Relief Fund. Makes appropriations for disaster relief to the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of the Army, Corps of Engineers--Civil, for: (1) the Mississippi River and Tributaries for necessary expenses for the repair of damages to federal projects resulting from a major disaster; (2) Operation and Maintenance for necessary expenses to dredge navigation channels in response to, and repair damage to Corps projects resulting from, a major disaster; and (3) Flood Control and Coastal Emergencies for necessary expenses to prepare for flood, hurricane, and other natural disasters and support emergency operations, repair, and other activities authorized by law in response to a major disaster. Title II: Combating Waste, Fraud, and Abuse - Makes appropriations for FY2012 to the Social Security Adminstration for continuing disability reviews under title II (Old Age, Survivors and Disability Insurance) and title XVI (Supplemental Security Income) of the Social Security Act and for the cost associated with conducting redeterminations of eligibility under title XVI. Title III: General Provision - Provides that each amount appropriated or made available in this Act is in addition to amounts otherwise appropriated for the fiscal year involved.

disaster relief appropriations act title disaster relief makes supplemental appropriations fy2012 federal_emergency_management_agency fema disaster relief fund makes appropriations disaster relief department_of_defense dod department_of_the_army corps_of_engineers civil mississippi_river tributaries necessary expenses repair damages federal projects resulting major disaster operation maintenance necessary expenses dredge navigation channels response repair damage corps projects resulting major disaster flood control coastal emergencies necessary expenses prepare flood hurricane natural disasters support emergency operations repair activities authorized law response major disaster title combating waste fraud abuse makes appropriations fy2012 social_security continuing disability reviews title old age survivors disability_insurance title xvi supplemental security income social_security_act cost associated conducting eligibility title xvi title iii general provision provides appropriated available act addition amounts appropriated fiscal year involved


Summary: Irene and Lee Tax Relief Storm Recovery Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow an increase in 2012, 2013, and 2014 of the amount of the low-income housing tax credit that may be allocated in states containing counties covered by the natural disaster declaration of the Secretary of Agriculture in 2011 due to damage from Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee.

lee tax relief storm recovery_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow increase low income housing tax credit allocated states containing counties covered natural disaster declaration secretary agriculture damage hurricane tropical storm lee


Summary: Irene and Lee Emergency Assistance Act of 2012 - Directs the President, in the case of an individual eligible to receive unemployment assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act as a result of the disaster declaration made for Hurricane Irene or Tropical Storm Lee on or after August 22, 2011, to make such assistance available for 39 weeks after the date of the declaration (currently limited to 26 weeks).

lee emergency assistance_act directs president case individual eligible receive unemployment assistance robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act result disaster declaration hurricane tropical storm lee august assistance available weeks date declaration currently limited weeks


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Defense (DOD), with respect to the training of National Guard units and federal agencies performing homeland defense activities, to provide funding assistance through a special military cooperative agreement for the operation and maintenance of any state training center certified by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as capable of providing emergency response training. Requires merit-based or competitive selection procedures to be used in the use of funds for such purpose.

authorizes secretary defense dod respect training national_guard units federal agencies performing homeland defense activities provide funding assistance special military cooperative agreement operation maintenance state training center certified federal_emergency_management_agency fema capable providing emergency response training requires merit based competitive selection procedures use funds purpose


Summary: (This measure has not been amended since it was passed by the Senate on May 24, 2012. The summary of that version is repeated here.) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA) to extend the National Flood Insurance Program, including its funding, through July 31, 2012. Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from estimating subsidized flood insurance premium rates for any residential property which is not the primary residence of an individual (such as a vacation home or second home). Increases by 25% each year the chargeable risk premium rate for flood insurance for residential property which is not the primary residence of an individual until the average risk premium rate for such property is equal to the average of the risk premium rates for any properties within any single risk classification. Declares July 1, 2012, the effective date for the first such increase.

measure amended passed senate summary version repeated amends national_flood_insurance_act extend national_flood_insurance_program including funding july prohibits administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema estimating subsidized flood insurance premium rates residential property primary residence individual vacation home second home increases year risk premium rate flood insurance residential property primary residence individual average risk premium rate property equal average risk premium rates properties single risk classification declares july effective date increase


Summary: FEMA Regional Office Oversight Act - Directs the Office of Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to audit how all regional offices within the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) are carrying out delegated authorities pursuant to the Post-Katrina Emergency Management and Reform Act of 2006 and a memorandum executed in July 2009 by the FEMA Administrator. Requires the audit to assess: (1) the ability of each regional office to support federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation capabilities to respond to an act of terrorism, to foster better regional emergency communications capabilities, to oversee the use of funding to promote preparedness and response capabilities, to coordinate with state, local, and tribal governments and emergency response providers on regional priorities, to identify critical gaps in regional capabilities to respond to populations with special needs, to conduct all procurements in a timely and secure manner that prevents waste and fraud, and to engage in employment practices that are transparent, efficient, and ethical; (2) the impact of the delegation of authorities on the Administrator's ability to achieve consistency throughout the regions; (3) the adequacy of oversight by the Administrator of how the regions are executing the delegated authorities and carrying out assigned responsibilities; and (4) the impact of the delegation of authorities on FEMA and specific regions to address Office of Inspector General and Comptroller General (GAO) recommendations in a timely manner.

fema regional office oversight act_-_directs office_of_inspector_general department_of_homeland_security dhs audit regional offices federal_emergency_management_agency fema carrying delegated authorities pursuant post katrina emergency management reform_act memorandum executed july fema administrator requires audit assess ability regional office support federal preparedness protection response recovery mitigation capabilities respond act terrorism foster better regional emergency communications capabilities oversee use funding promote preparedness response capabilities coordinate state local tribal governments emergency response providers regional priorities identify critical gaps regional capabilities respond populations special needs conduct procurements timely secure manner prevents waste fraud engage employment practices transparent efficient ethical impact delegation authorities administrator ability achieve consistency regions adequacy oversight administrator regions executing delegated authorities carrying assigned responsibilities impact delegation authorities fema specific regions address office_of_inspector_general comptroller_general gao recommendations timely manner


Summary: Disaster Declaration Improvement Act - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to issue a revised rule governing factors to consider in evaluating a governor's request for a major disaster declaration to require: (1) the "estimated cost of assistance" to be considered equally with the other five factors described in the rule; and (2) the "evaluation of localized impacts" to include consideration of the budgetary resources available to local and state governments to respond to and recover from such disaster and the impact of the disaster on a small city or a census-designated place with a population of less than 25,000 or a medium city with a population of less than 250,000 if either is located within a large county with a population of more than 1 million and in a large state with a population of more than 5 million if the level of financial damage in such city exceeds 10% of the city's general fund or $100 per capita of the census-designated place or city.

disaster declaration improvement act_-_directs administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema issue revised rule governing factors consider evaluating governor request major disaster declaration require estimated cost assistance considered equally factors described rule evaluation impacts include consideration budgetary resources available local state governments respond recover disaster impact disaster small city census designated place population medium city population located large county population million large state population million level financial damage city exceeds city general_fund capita census designated place city


Summary: Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to exempt from the statutory 30-day waiting period for a new contract for flood insurance coverage the initial purchase of flood insurance coverage for private property if: (1) the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) determines that the property is affected by flooding on federal land that is a result of, or is exacerbated by, post-wildfire conditions; and (2) such coverage was purchased within 60 days after the fire containment date relating to the wildfire that caused the post-wildfire conditions.

amends national_flood_insurance_act exempt statutory day waiting period new contract flood insurance coverage initial purchase flood insurance coverage private property administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema determines property affected flooding federal land result exacerbated post wildfire conditions coverage purchased days fire containment date relating wildfire caused post wildfire conditions


Summary: Advancing Agricultural Floodplain Management Act of 2012 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Secretary of Agriculture (USDA) to jointly establish a task force to analyze the challenges faced by agricultural areas and rural communities designated as having special flood hazards for purposes of the national flood insurance program. Terminates the task force 120 days after it submits its report to Congress as required by this Act.

advancing agricultural floodplain management act directs administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema secretary agriculture usda jointly establish task_force analyze challenges faced agricultural areas rural communities designated having special flood hazards purposes national_flood_insurance_program terminates task_force days submits report congress required act


Summary: Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to assess options, methods, and strategies for making voluntary community-based flood insurance policies available through the National Flood Insurance Program. Requires the report on the study to specified congressional committees to make recommendations for a strategy to implement voluntary community-based flood insurance policies that would encourage communities to undertake flood mitigation activities, including construction, reconstruction, or improvement of levees, dams, or other flood control structures. Directs the Comptroller General to review the Administrator's report and make comments or recommendations to such congressional committees.

directs administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema assess options methods strategies making voluntary community based flood insurance policies available national_flood_insurance_program requires report study specified congressional committees recommendations strategy implement voluntary community based flood insurance policies encourage communities undertake flood mitigation activities including construction reconstruction improvement levees dams flood control structures directs comptroller_general review administrator report comments recommendations congressional committees


Summary: Disaster Loan Fairness Act of 2012 - Amends the Small Business Act to provide the interest rate to be charged by the Small Business Administration (SBA) for loans made to small businesses beginning on January 1, 2011, and ending four years after the date of enactment of this Act in major disaster areas. Requires such rate to be the lesser of 4% or one-half the prevailing rate for similar loans in the area for those unable to attain credit elsewhere, or three-fourths the prevailing rate for those able to attain credit elsewhere. Requires the SBA Administrator to refund excess interest payments made by qualifying borrowers before the enactment of this Act. Directs the Administrator to report to Congress on whether the reduced rate has resulted in: (1) a greater number of applications for disaster-related loans, (2) a greater number of approvals for such loans, or (3) a decreased default rate. Amends the Internal Revenue Code to prohibit the Secretary of the Treasury, with respect to any presidential election held after 2012, from making any payments from the Presidential Election Campaign Fund (Fund) to any national committee of a political party for political nominating conventions.

disaster loan fairness act amends small_business_act provide interest rate charged small_business_administration sba loans small businesses beginning january ending years date enactment act major disaster areas requires rate lesser half prevailing rate similar loans area unable attain credit prevailing rate able attain credit requires sba administrator refund excess interest payments qualifying borrowers enactment act directs administrator report congress reduced rate resulted greater number applications disaster related loans greater number approvals loans decreased default rate amends_the_internal_revenue_code prohibit secretary treasury respect presidential election held making payments presidential_election_campaign_fund fund national committee political party political nominating conventions


Summary: Claims Licensing Advancement for Interstate Matters Act or CLAIM Act - Authorizes an independent claims adjuster meeting specified requirements to adjust claims for losses related to any disaster occurring in any jurisdiction designated by the President as a major disaster pursuant to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, regardless of state licensure requirements governing the major disaster area. Requires an adjuster to: (1) hold a valid license in his or her home state, and (2) have passed any multi-state examination established and administered by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Urges NAIC to: (1) adopt a certain model independent claims adjuster licensing Act, and (2) develop and administer a multi-state examination for an independent claims adjuster seeking to adjust claims in a jurisdiction other than his or her home state. Sets forth criteria for state compliance with this Act, including reciprocity. Authorizes any independent claims adjuster meeting the requirements of this Act to ascertain, determine, negotiate, or settle a claim in a state that is not in compliance with this Act. Prohibits such a state from imposing additional requirements upon such an adjuster.

claims licensing advancement interstate matters act claim act_-_authorizes independent claims meeting specified requirements adjust claims losses related disaster occurring jurisdiction designated president major disaster pursuant robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act regardless state licensure requirements governing major disaster area requires hold valid license home state passed multi state examination established administered national_association_of_insurance_commissioners naic urges naic adopt certain model independent claims licensing act develop administer multi state examination independent claims seeking adjust claims jurisdiction home state sets forth criteria state compliance act including reciprocity authorizes independent claims meeting requirements act ascertain determine negotiate settle claim state compliance act prohibits state imposing additional requirements


Summary: Investment Savings Access After Catastrophes Act of 2012 - Defines "Hurricane Isaac disaster area" for purposes of this Act as any parish or county of Louisiana or Mississippi in an area in which a major disaster has been declared before September 10, 2012, under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act by reason of Hurricane Isaac. Provides for tax preferences in the Hurricane Isaac disaster area, including: (1) suspension of limitations on the tax deduction for personal casualty losses, (2) an extension of the carryback period for net operating losses, and (3) tax-free distributions from a retirement plan made on or after August 26, 2012, and before September 11, 2014, to an individual whose principal place of abode on August 26, 2012, was located in the Hurricane Isaac disaster area and who sustained an economic loss due to Hurricane Isaac. Rescinds unobligated funds in an amount equal to the reduction in revenues resulting from the enactment of this Act.

investment savings access act defines hurricane disaster area purposes act parish county louisiana mississippi area major disaster declared september robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act reason hurricane provides tax preferences hurricane disaster area including suspension limitations tax deduction personal casualty losses extension carryback period net operating losses tax free distributions retirement plan august september individual principal place abode august located hurricane disaster area sustained economic loss hurricane rescinds unobligated funds equal reduction revenues resulting enactment act


Summary: Taxpayer Protection Act of 2012 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Natural Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding the estimated loss costs associated with reinsurance protection contracts. Requires the Secretary to implement a program that utilizes premiums from eligible state or multi-state plans to pre-fund future natural catastrophe recovery by making available for purchase, only by such plans, contracts for reinsurance coverage. Requires such contracts to cover insured property losses covered under primary insurance contracts to homeowners, mobile home owners, renters, and condominium owners for specified natural perils. Prescribes requirements for the operation of state plans and the terms of reinsurance contracts. Encourages states to create and maintain catastrophe funds for themselves or with other states. Sets forth requirements for the treatment of insured losses and maximum federal liability. Establishes in the Treasury the Catastrophe Preparedness Fund, consisting of contract sales receipts and any amounts borrowed or earned, which shall be used to pay Commission administrative costs and loss payments under reinsurance contracts. Prohibits the authorization or appropriation of federal funds for the Fund or for implementing the reinsurance liquidity protection program. Establishes a post-catastrophe market stabilization program for liquidity loans to: (1) expedite payment of claims under state catastrophe insurance programs, (2) authorize the Secretary to issue loans to assist financial recovery from significant natural catastrophes, and (3) promote the availability of private capital to state catastrophe insurance programs in order to provide liquidity and capacity. Establishes the National Readiness, Preparedness and Mitigation Committee to administer a Readiness, Preparedness, and Mitigation Grant Program of grants to state and local governments, nonprofit organizations, and other appropriate public and private entities to develop programs and initiatives to improve disaster response, citizen preparedness and protection, and prevention and mitigation of losses from natural catastrophes.

taxpayer protection act directs secretary treasury establish national_commission natural catastrophe preparation protection advise secretary estimated loss costs associated reinsurance protection contracts requires secretary implement program utilizes premiums eligible state multi state plans pre fund future natural catastrophe recovery making available purchase plans contracts reinsurance coverage requires contracts cover insured property losses covered primary insurance contracts homeowners mobile home owners condominium owners specified natural prescribes requirements operation state plans terms reinsurance contracts encourages states create maintain catastrophe funds states sets forth requirements treatment insured losses maximum federal liability establishes treasury catastrophe preparedness fund consisting contract sales receipts amounts borrowed earned shall pay commission administrative costs loss payments reinsurance contracts prohibits authorization appropriation federal funds fund implementing reinsurance liquidity protection program establishes post catastrophe market stabilization program liquidity loans expedite payment claims state catastrophe insurance programs authorize secretary issue loans assist financial recovery significant natural promote availability private capital state catastrophe insurance programs order provide liquidity capacity establishes national readiness preparedness mitigation committee administer readiness preparedness mitigation grant program grants state local governments nonprofit organizations appropriate public private entities develop programs initiatives improve disaster response citizen preparedness protection prevention mitigation losses natural


Summary: FEMA Reform Act of 2012 - Requires: (1) 50% of the amount estimated for a preliminary damage assessment by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for any state or local government to be released to such government not later than three days after such assessment is completed, and (2) hazard mitigation funding for a state under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to be disseminated within areas of the state in proportion to the damage of a major disaster in such areas. Permits the President, in addition to authorizing the repair, restoration, or replacement of federal facilities damaged by a major disaster, to make contributions to a state or local government to repair, restore, or replace vehicles and equipment, particularly those used for public safety, transportation, and service. Allows the actual cash value of such a vehicle or equipment that is more than 50% damaged to be used to replace it. Authorizes the President to provide financial assistance under the Stafford Act to repair permanent structures, including rental units, necessary for temporary or transitional housing in areas affected by a major disaster. Requires: (1) FEMA to establish a recruiting and training office in a major disaster area as soon as possible to facilitate the hiring of local individuals to assist with public assistance applications for any major disaster that will require FEMA employees to be available in such area for an extended period; and (2) FEMA, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), and the Department of Energy (DOE) to evaluate, complete, and publish a report outlining recommendations to public and private utilities, including electrical, water, sewer, and telecommunications, to reduce service interruptions during and after a hurricane.

fema reform_act requires estimated preliminary damage assessment federal_emergency_management_agency fema state local government released government later days assessment completed hazard mitigation funding state robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act disseminated areas state proportion damage major disaster areas permits president addition authorizing repair restoration replacement federal facilities damaged major disaster contributions state local government repair restore replace vehicles equipment particularly public safety transportation service allows actual cash value vehicle equipment damaged replace authorizes president provide financial assistance stafford act repair permanent structures including rental units necessary temporary transitional housing areas affected major disaster requires fema establish recruiting training office major disaster area soon possible facilitate hiring local individuals assist public assistance applications major disaster require fema employees available area extended period fema federal_energy_regulatory_commission ferc department_of_energy doe evaluate complete publish report outlining recommendations public private utilities including electrical water sewer telecommunications reduce service interruptions hurricane


Summary: Mass Fatality Planning and Religious Considerations Act - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to require the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide guidance to and coordination with appropriate individuals, including representatives from different communities, private sector businesses, and nonprofit and religious organizations, to prepare for and respond to a natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster that results in mass fatalities.

mass fatality planning religious considerations act_-_amends homeland_security act require administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema provide guidance coordination appropriate individuals including representatives different communities private sector businesses nonprofit religious organizations prepare respond natural disaster act terrorism man disaster results mass fatalities


Summary: Hurricane Sandy Recovery and Rebuilding Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2013 - Makes supplemental appropriations for FY2013 for: (1) the Department of Defense (DOD) for the Corps of Engineers for flood control and coastal emergencies for recovery from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy; (2) the Small Business Administration (SBA) for the Disaster Loans Program Account for the cost of direct loans to repair, rehabilitate, or replace property damaged or destroyed by a natural disaster; and (3) the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for the Disaster Relief Fund for recovery from damage caused by Hurricane Sandy, and for the Disaster Assistance Direct Loan Program Account for the cost of direct loans authorized under the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) to assist state and local governments affected by Hurricane Sandy. Applies Stafford Act provisions regarding community disaster loans to: (1) authorize the President to make loans to state or local governments (currently, limited to local governments) which suffer a substantial loss of tax and other revenues as a result of a major disaster that have demonstrated a need for financial assistance to perform governmental functions; and (2) permit any such loan to exceed $5 million and to be equal to not more than 50% of the annual operating budget of the state or local government in any case in which such government has suffered a loss of 25% or more in tax revenues due to Hurricane Sandy.

hurricane sandy recovery rebuilding supplemental appropriations act makes supplemental appropriations fy2013 department_of_defense dod corps_of_engineers flood control coastal emergencies recovery damage caused hurricane sandy small_business_administration sba disaster loans program account cost direct_loans repair rehabilitate replace property damaged destroyed natural disaster department_of_homeland_security dhs federal_emergency_management_agency fema disaster relief fund recovery damage caused hurricane sandy disaster assistance direct_loan program account cost direct_loans authorized stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act stafford act assist state local governments affected hurricane sandy applies stafford act provisions community disaster loans authorize president loans state local governments currently limited local governments suffer substantial loss tax revenues result major disaster demonstrated need financial assistance perform governmental functions permit loan exceed million equal annual operating budget state local government case government suffered loss tax revenues hurricane sandy


Summary: Fire-Damaged Home Rebuilding Act of 2012 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to prohibit certain mandatory land use and control measures in an area from being considered to be in compliance with land management criteria for participation in the flood insurance program unless those measures authorize the granting of a variance from compliance for a residential structure located in an area having special flood hazards but which is substantially damaged, instead, by non-flood related causes. Requires such a variance to allow for the repair and restoration of the structure to its predamaged condition on its original location without any higher elevation, but only if its owner at the time of the damage repairs and restores the structure for continued occupancy. Allows a variance to be granted only by the appropriate regional director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), subject to specified considerations. Requires chargeable flood insurance premium rates for a residential structure granted such a variance to equal, after repair and restoration, the rates which would have been applicable if the structure had not been substantially damaged, repaired, and restored under the variance.

fire damaged home rebuilding act amends national_flood_insurance_act prohibit certain mandatory land use control measures area considered compliance land management criteria participation flood insurance program measures authorize granting variance compliance residential structure located area having special flood hazards substantially damaged instead non flood related causes requires variance allow repair restoration structure condition original location higher elevation owner time damage repairs restores structure continued occupancy allows variance granted appropriate regional director federal_emergency_management_agency fema subject specified considerations requires flood insurance premium rates residential structure granted variance equal repair restoration rates applicable structure substantially damaged repaired restored variance


Summary: Amends the Wildfire Suppressing Aircraft Transfer Act of 1996 to provide that provisions permitting an agency to order goods or services from that or another agency only if such goods or services cannot be provided as conveniently or cheaply by a commercial enterprise shall not limit the use of interagency agreements with the Air National Guard or Air Force Reserve to procure the services of a unit of the Guard or Reserve to conduct Defense Support to Civil Authority missions utilizing military fixed wing aerial firefighting aircraft, including Modular Airborne Firefighting System (MAFFS) units, in the initial airborne response to fighting wildfires. Makes such limitation inapplicable only when the Incident Commander determines: (1) that privately contracted fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft are unavailable, (2) it is necessary for military fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft including MAFFS units to perform an initial airborne response, or (3) that military fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft including MAFFS units are needed to supplement privately contracted fixed-wing aerial firefighting aircraft.

amends wildfire suppressing aircraft transfer act provide provisions permitting agency order goods services agency goods services provided commercial enterprise shall limit use interagency agreements air_national_guard air_force_reserve procure services unit guard reserve conduct defense support civil authority missions utilizing military fixed wing aerial firefighting aircraft including modular airborne firefighting system units initial airborne response fighting wildfires makes limitation inapplicable incident commander determines privately contracted fixed wing aerial firefighting aircraft unavailable necessary military fixed wing aerial firefighting aircraft including units perform initial airborne response military fixed wing aerial firefighting aircraft including units needed supplement privately contracted fixed wing aerial firefighting aircraft


Summary: Hurricane Sandy Tax Relief Act of 2012 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits for individuals and businesses affected by Hurricane Sandy, including: an exemption from the gross income limitation for deducting casualty losses attributable to Hurricane Sandy; expensing allowances for Hurricane Sandy disaster expenses, disaster assistance property, and environmental remediation expenses; treatment of losses attributable to Hurricane Sandy as net operating losses; suspension of mortgage revenue bond requirements for residences located in the Hurricane Sandy disaster area; an increased charitable tax deduction for Hurricane Sandy disaster relief contributions; a special allocation of the new markets tax credit for investments in community development entities serving the disaster area; special adjustments to the earned income tax credit and the child tax credit for individuals living in the disaster area; a work opportunity tax credit for hiring employees residing in the disaster area; authorization for issuance of Hurricane Sandy bonds to finance disaster relief projects; and an additional allocation of low-income housing credits in states affected by Hurricane Sandy.

hurricane sandy tax relief_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code provide tax benefits individuals businesses affected hurricane sandy including exemption gross income limitation deducting casualty losses attributable hurricane sandy expensing allowances hurricane sandy disaster expenses disaster assistance property environmental remediation expenses treatment losses attributable hurricane sandy net operating losses suspension mortgage revenue bond requirements residences located hurricane sandy disaster area increased charitable tax deduction hurricane sandy disaster relief contributions special allocation new markets tax credit investments community development entities serving disaster area special adjustments earned income tax credit child tax credit individuals living disaster area work opportunity tax credit hiring employees residing disaster area authorization issuance hurricane sandy bonds finance disaster relief projects additional allocation low income housing credits states affected hurricane sandy


Summary: Directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO), in coordination with the National Academy of Engineering, to conduct and submit to Congress a full audit of hurricane protection funding and cost estimates associated with post-Katrina hurricane protection.

directs government_accountability_office gao coordination national_academy_of_engineering conduct submit congress audit hurricane protection funding cost estimates associated post katrina hurricane protection


Summary: Local Disaster Contracting Fairness Act of 2011- Prohibits the head of an executive agency from entering into an agreement for debris removal or demolition services in connection with natural disaster reconstruction efforts unless the agreement specifies that: (1) all of the work under the contract will be performed by the prime contractor or one or more subcontractors at one tier under the contract; (2) any work performed under the contract by subcontractors will be performed by local subcontractors, except to the extent that local subcontractors are not available to perform any such work; (3) the prime contractor will act as the project manager or construction manager for the contract; and (4) the prime contractor has primary responsibility for managing all work under the contract and will be paid a certain percentage of the overall value of the contract as sole compensation for assuming the risk associated with such responsibility. Requires the agency head, in entering into an agreement for debris removal or demolition services in connection with natural disaster reconstruction efforts, to give preference in the source selection process to each offeror who certifies that any work that is to be performed under the contract by subcontractors will be performed by local subcontractors.

local disaster contracting fairness act prohibits head executive agency entering agreement debris removal demolition services connection natural disaster reconstruction efforts agreement specifies work contract performed prime contractor subcontractors tier contract work performed contract subcontractors performed local subcontractors extent local subcontractors available perform work prime contractor act project manager construction manager contract prime contractor primary responsibility managing work contract paid certain percentage overall value contract sole compensation assuming risk associated responsibility requires agency head entering agreement debris removal demolition services connection natural disaster reconstruction efforts preference source selection process offeror certifies work performed contract subcontractors performed local subcontractors


Summary: Child Safety, Care, and Education Continuity Act of 2011 - Authorizes the Secretary of Education to award grants to states and, through them, subgrants to local educational agencies (LEAs) and nonpublic schools for assistance in restarting school operations in major disaster areas. Protects LEAs from cuts in school improvement funds under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 for the fiscal year following the fiscal year in which a major disaster occurs within their service area. Allows LEAs in states to which teachers and paraprofessionals relocate after a major disaster to consider such teachers and paraprofessionals to have met certain federal teaching standards if the state from which they came considered them to have met such standards. Authorizes the Secretary to waive or modify certain requirements relating to maintenance of effort, supplementary use of funds, and matching funds in providing educational assistance to entities affected by a major disaster. Directs the Secretary to provide temporary emergency impact aid to states and, through them, LEAs and Native American schools for the education of students displaced by a major disaster. Authorizes the Secretary to: (1) waive or modify requirements applicable to federal student aid programs under title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 (HEA) that are unreasonable due to the effects of a major disaster; (2) approve Teacher Quality Partnership Grants program modifications that assist states, LEAs, and institutions of higher education (IHEs) recruit and retain faculty for schools in major disaster areas; (3) modify, at the request of an affected institution or other grantee located in a major disaster area, required and allowable uses of funds under the HEA's TRIO, GEAR-UP, Strengthening Institutions, and Strengthening Historically Black Colleges and Universities programs, and any other competitive grant program; and (4) allow financial aid administrators to adjust the expected contribution of students and parents affected by a major disaster. Directs the Secretary to make special efforts to notify students and their parents who qualify for means-tested federal benefit programs of their potential eligibility for a maximum Pell Grant, provided such students attend an IHE affected by a major disaster. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into agreements to extend certain deadlines under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act regarding the provision of special education and related services, including early intervention services, to individuals adversely affected by a major disaster. Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) to provide training and technical assistance, guidance, and resources to Head Start agencies located in a major disaster area or receiving a significant number of children from such an area. Authorizes the waiver of cost-sharing requirements for such agencies and documentation requirements for Head Start participants affected by a major disaster. Authorizes the Secretary of HHS to: (1) waive the application of specified provisions of the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to states affected by a major disaster or serving a significant number of individuals adversely affected by a major disaster; and (2) assist states in providing training, technical assistance, and guidance to child care providers who are serving such individuals. Requires each state that receives funds under such Act to develop a disaster plan. Requires the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to encourage state and local governments to address child care services and facilities in their response and recovery plans, exercises, and training. Directs the Secretary of HHS to provide disaster guidance to states under titles XIX (Medicaid) and XXI (Children's Health Insurance Program [CHIP, formerly known as SCHIP]) of the Social Security Act regarding the requirement that states provide medical assistance to individuals who are residents of the state but are absent. Requires each state to provide disaster guidance to Medicaid and CHIP providers to ensure that low-income children displaced from their home state by a major disaster have continued access to health care services.

child safety care education continuity act authorizes secretary education award grants states subgrants local educational agencies leas nonpublic schools assistance school operations major disaster areas protects leas cuts school improvement funds elementary secondary education act fiscal year following fiscal year major disaster occurs service area allows leas states teachers paraprofessionals relocate major disaster consider teachers paraprofessionals met certain federal teaching standards state came considered met standards authorizes secretary waive modify certain requirements relating maintenance effort supplementary use funds matching funds providing educational assistance entities affected major disaster directs secretary provide temporary emergency impact aid states leas native american schools education students displaced major disaster authorizes secretary waive modify requirements applicable federal student aid programs title higher education act hea unreasonable effects major disaster approve teacher_quality_partnership grants program modifications assist states leas institutions higher education ihes recruit retain faculty schools major disaster areas modify request affected institution grantee located major disaster area required allowable uses funds hea trio gear strengthening institutions strengthening historically black colleges universities programs competitive grant program allow financial aid administrators adjust expected contribution students parents affected major disaster directs secretary special efforts notify students parents qualify means tested federal benefit programs potential eligibility maximum pell_grant provided students attend ihe affected major disaster authorizes secretary enter agreements extend certain deadlines individuals_with_disabilities_education_act provision special education related services including early intervention services individuals adversely affected major disaster directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs provide training technical assistance guidance resources head_start agencies located major disaster area receiving significant number children area authorizes waiver cost sharing requirements agencies documentation requirements head_start participants affected major disaster authorizes secretary hhs waive application specified provisions child_care_and_development_block grant act states affected major disaster serving significant number individuals adversely affected major disaster assist states providing training technical assistance guidance child care providers serving individuals requires state receives funds act develop disaster plan requires administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema encourage state local governments address child care services facilities response recovery plans exercises training directs secretary hhs provide disaster guidance states titles xix medicaid xxi children health insurance program chip known schip social_security_act requirement states provide medical assistance individuals residents state absent requires state provide disaster guidance medicaid chip providers ensure low income children displaced home state major disaster continued access health_care services


Summary: National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring Program Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish within the United States Geological Survey (USGS) a National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring Program, consisting of a national volcano watch office and data center, to oversee and coordinate the activities of USGS regional volcano watch and data centers. Sets forth as Program purposes: (1) to monitor and study volcanic activity throughout the United States at a level commensurate with the threat, and (2) to warn and protect people and property from harm. Requires the Secretary to prepare a management plan for the Program, which shall include: (1) annual cost estimates of operating the Program and updating the data collection, monitoring, and analysis systems; (2) annual standards and performance goals; and (3) recommendations for establishing or enhancing partnerships with state agencies or universities. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements or partnerships under which state agencies or universities are designated as volcano observatory partners for the Program. Directs the Secretary to coordinate activities under this Act with the heads of relevant federal agencies, including the Secretary of Transportation (DOT), the Secretary of Commerce, the Administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Administration (FEMA). Authorizes the Secretary to establish a competitive grant program to support research and monitoring of volcanic activities in furtherance of this Act.

national early warning monitoring program act_-_directs secretary interior establish united_states_geological_survey usgs national early warning monitoring program consisting national watch office data center oversee coordinate activities usgs regional watch data centers sets forth program purposes monitor study volcanic activity united_states level commensurate threat warn protect people property harm requires secretary prepare management plan program shall include annual cost estimates operating program updating data collection monitoring analysis systems annual standards performance goals recommendations establishing enhancing partnerships state agencies universities authorizes secretary enter cooperative agreements partnerships state agencies universities designated partners program directs secretary coordinate activities act heads relevant federal agencies including secretary transportation dot secretary commerce administrator federal_aviation_administration faa director federal emergency management administration fema authorizes secretary establish competitive grant program support research monitoring volcanic activities furtherance act


Summary: Earthquake Insurance Affordability Act - Authorizes the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee holders of debt against loss of principal or interest, or both, on debt issued by eligible state programs designed to: (1) promote the availability of private capital to provide liquidity and capacity to state earthquake (specifically, residential property) insurance programs, and (2) expedite the payment of claims under such programs and better assist financial recovery from significant earthquakes. Prescribes operational requirements for eligible state programs which include an established earthquake insurance program that: (1) offers residential property insurance coverage for insured losses to property, contents, and additional living expenses; and (2) does not require insurers to pool resources to provide property insurance coverage for earthquakes. Includes among such operational requirements that the state: (1) has in effect and enforces, or the appropriate local governments within the state have in effect and enforce, nationally recognized building, seismic-design, and safety codes and consensus-based standards; and (2) has taken actions to establish an insurance rate structure that takes into account measures to mitigate insured losses. Directs the Secretary to establish procedures for certification of an eligible state program. Limits to $5 billion, including interest, the aggregate principal amount of outstanding debt obligations guaranteed by the Secretary. Makes appropriations to satisfy debt guarantee commitments. Requires the Secretary, upon request of an eligible state program, to provide such debt guarantees. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States to the payment of all guarantees issued under this Act.

earthquake insurance affordability act_-_authorizes secretary treasury guarantee holders debt loss principal interest debt issued eligible state programs designed promote availability private capital provide liquidity capacity state earthquake specifically residential property insurance programs expedite payment claims programs better assist financial recovery significant earthquakes prescribes operational requirements eligible state programs include established earthquake insurance program offers residential property insurance coverage insured losses property contents additional living expenses require insurers pool resources provide property insurance coverage earthquakes includes operational requirements state effect enforces appropriate local governments state effect enforce nationally recognized building seismic design safety codes consensus based standards taken actions establish insurance rate structure takes account measures mitigate insured losses directs secretary establish procedures certification eligible state program limits billion including interest aggregate principal outstanding debt obligations guaranteed secretary makes appropriations satisfy debt guarantee commitments requires secretary request eligible state program provide debt guarantees pledges faith credit united_states payment guarantees issued act


Summary: Natural Hazards Risk Reduction Act of 2011 - Title I: Earthquakes - National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the Earthquake Hazards Reduction Act of 1977 to revise and reauthorize the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program through FY2015. (Sec. 103) Repeals provisions establishing the Interagency Coordinating Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction and an associated advisory committee. (Sec. 104) Revises responsibilities of Program agencies, including by making: (1) the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) responsible for research and development to improve building standards and practices; (2) the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), consistent with its all hazards approach, responsible for facilitating the adoption of model building codes; (3) the United States Geological Survey (USGS) responsible for providing real-time earthquake information; and (4) the National Science Foundation (NSF) responsible for funding basic research. (Sec. 105) Makes NIST (currently, USGS) responsible for organizing investigations under the post-earthquake investigations program. Title II: Wind - National Windstorm Impact Reduction Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 to revise and reauthorize the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program through FY2015. (Sec. 203) Repeals provisions requiring the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to establish an Interagency Working Group responsible for the planning, management, and coordination of the Program. (Sec. 204) Designates NIST as the lead agency and sets forth revised responsibilities of NIST and the other Program agencies: FEMA, NSF, and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Title III: Interagency Coordinating Committee on Natural Hazards Risk Reduction - (Sec. 301) Establishes an Interagency Coordinating Committee on Natural Hazards Risk Reduction, chaired by the Director of NIST, to oversee the planning and coordination of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program, the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program, and other federal research for natural hazard mitigation that the Committee considers appropriate. Requires: (1) the Committee to develop strategic plans and coordinated budgets for such Programs; and (2) the Director to establish an Advisory Committee on Earthquake Hazards Reduction and such other advisory committees as necessary to advise NIST on research, development, and technology transfer activities to mitigate the impact of natural disasters. Title IV: National Construction Safety Team Act Amendments - (Sec. 401) Amends the National Construction Safety Team Act to authorize safety teams to be established for deployment after events causing the failure of infrastructure, as well as buildings, leading to a substantial loss of life. Title V: Fire Research Program - (Sec. 501)Amends the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act to include among the types of fires subject to the Fire Research Center's research program fires at the wildland-urban interface.

natural hazards risk reduction act title earthquakes national earthquake hazards reduction program reauthorization act amends earthquake hazards reduction act revise reauthorize national earthquake hazards reduction program fy2015 sec repeals provisions establishing interagency_coordinating_committee earthquake hazards reduction associated advisory_committee sec revises responsibilities program agencies including making national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist responsible research development improve building standards practices federal_emergency_management_agency fema consistent hazards approach responsible facilitating adoption model building codes united_states_geological_survey usgs responsible providing real time earthquake information national_science_foundation nsf responsible funding basic research sec makes nist currently usgs responsible organizing investigations post earthquake investigations program title wind national windstorm impact reduction reauthorization act amends national windstorm impact reduction act revise reauthorize national_windstorm_impact_reduction_program fy2015 sec repeals provisions requiring director office_of_science_and_technology_policy establish interagency_working_group responsible planning management coordination program sec designates nist lead agency sets forth revised responsibilities nist program agencies fema nsf national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa title iii interagency_coordinating_committee natural hazards risk reduction sec establishes interagency_coordinating_committee natural hazards risk reduction chaired director nist oversee planning coordination national earthquake hazards reduction program national_windstorm_impact_reduction_program federal research natural hazard mitigation committee considers appropriate requires committee develop strategic plans coordinated budgets programs director establish advisory_committee earthquake hazards reduction advisory committees necessary advise nist research development technology transfer activities mitigate impact natural disasters title national construction safety team act amendments sec amends national construction safety team act authorize safety teams established deployment events causing failure infrastructure buildings leading substantial loss life title fire research program sec national_institute_of_standards_and_technology_act include types fires subject fire research_center research program fires wildland urban interface


Summary: Southeast Hurricanes Small Business Disaster Relief Act of 2011 - Amends the Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 to direct the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a Southeast Hurricanes Small Business Disaster Relief Program (Program) under which the Administrator may waive, for up to three years and $15,000 total, the interest payments of small businesses that resume operations in a declared disaster area during the period beginning on: (1) September 1, 2005, and ending on October 1, 2006, for loans relating to Hurricanes Katrina or Rita of 2005; or (2) September 1, 2008, and ending on January 1, 2009, for loans relating to Hurricanes Gustav or Ike of 2008. Includes under the Program any small business that demonstrates substantial economic injury as a result of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill of April 20, 2010.

southeast hurricanes small business disaster relief_act amends food conservation energy act direct administrator small_business_administration sba establish southeast hurricanes small business disaster relief program program administrator waive years total interest payments small businesses resume operations declared disaster area period beginning september ending october loans relating hurricanes katrina rita september ending january loans relating hurricanes ike includes program small business demonstrates substantial economic injury result deepwater_horizon oil spill april


Summary: National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of 2011 - Requires the Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere (the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration [NOAA]) to establish a National Hurricane Research Initiative to: (1) conduct research to enable improvement of the understanding and prediction of hurricanes and other tropical storms, development of infrastructure that is resilient to the forces associated with such storms, mitigation of the impacts of hurricanes on coastal populations, the coastal built environment, and natural resources, and improvement of communication with the public about hurricane forecasts and risks associated with hurricanes to reduce the harmful impacts of hurricanes and improve society's response to destructive storms; and (2) provide training for the next generation of hurricane researchers and forecasters. Directs the Under Secretary, in coordination with the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF), to: (1) develop a five-year implementation plan for the Initiative, to be revised at least every five years; (2) establish objectives for hurricane research; (3) facilitate the establishment of a public website for the Initiative; and (4) submit to Congress a coordinated annual report for the Initiative. Allows the Under Secretary to carry out a series of national workshops and conferences to address hurricane-related research questions. Requires: (1) the NSF Director to establish a program to award grants for hurricane research; (2) the Under Secretary to carry out related research; and (3) each entity carrying out research under this Act to collaborate with existing federal and federally funded research centers operating in related fields, for-profit organizations, and governments to gather and share experiential information and to advance scientific and engineering knowledge, technology transfer, and technology commercialization in the course of conducting research and its application to mitigating the impacts of hurricanes and other tropical storms on society.

national hurricane research initiative act requires secretary commerce oceans atmosphere administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa establish national hurricane research initiative conduct research enable improvement understanding prediction hurricanes tropical storms development infrastructure resilient forces associated storms mitigation impacts hurricanes coastal populations coastal built environment natural resources improvement communication public hurricane forecasts risks associated hurricanes reduce harmful impacts hurricanes improve society response destructive storms provide training generation hurricane researchers directs secretary coordination director national_science_foundation nsf develop year implementation plan initiative revised years establish objectives hurricane research facilitate establishment public website initiative submit congress coordinated annual report initiative allows secretary carry series national workshops conferences address hurricane related research questions requires nsf director establish program award grants hurricane research secretary carry related research entity carrying research act collaborate existing federal federally funded research centers operating related fields profit organizations governments gather share experiential information advance scientific engineering knowledge technology transfer technology commercialization course conducting research application mitigating impacts hurricanes tropical storms society


Summary: Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to make any property otherwise in compliance with the national flood insurance program eligible for flood insurance even it has a swimming pool located at ground level or in the space below the lowest floor of a building which is enclosed with non-supporting breakaway walls after November 30 and before June 1 (outside hurricane season).

amends national_flood_insurance_act property compliance national_flood_insurance_program eligible flood insurance swimming pool located ground level space lowest floor building enclosed non supporting walls november june outside hurricane season


Summary: Consumer Option for an Alternative System To Allocate Losses Act of 2011 or COASTAL Act of 2011 - Amends the Integrated Coastal and Ocean Observation System Act of 2009 to direct the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to develop an assessment model for determining the magnitude and variations of coastal storm surges and wind speeds associated with named storms (Named Storm Event Model). Requires the Administrator to: (1) identify named storms that may constitute a threat to the coastal zone, (2) develop a post-event assessment for such named storm, (3) establish a specified protocol to collect and assemble all requisite data to produce post-event assessments, (4) identify federal and state systems capable of collecting such data, and (5) establish the Coastal Wind and Water Event Database. Directs the Comptroller General to audit federal efforts to collect such data. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security (DHS) to establish a system for allocating losses among certain insurers providing coverage against property losses due to wind and water peril. Prescribes procedures allocation of indeterminate loss claims and their payment. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish an arbitration panel for appeals regarding loss allocation for resolving indeterminate claims. Flood Insurance Reauthorization Act of 2011 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (NFIA) to extend through FY2016 the National Flood Insurance Program and the financing for it. Prohibits the Administrator of FEMA from extending a certain subsidy to new or lapsed policies. Requires adjustment of the flood insurance risk premium rate for property in an area participating in the national flood insurance program to reflect the current risk of flood to such property. Requires the Administrator of FEMA to make flood insurance available in only those states or areas that have given satisfactory assurance that by December 31, 2012, state-chartered lending institutions not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) or by the National Credit Union Share Insurance Fund shall be subject to state regulations consistent with NFIA flood insurance purchase and compliance requirements. Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to: (1) increase the maximum civil money penalty against regulated lenders for failure to require flood insurance, (2) modify requirements for the escrow of flood insurance payments, and (3) require policyholder notification by a regulated lending institution that insurance coverage may cease upon policyholder's final mortgage payment.Requires the Administrator of FEMA to continue to work with the insurance industry, state insurance regulators, and other interested parties to implement certain minimum training and education standards for all insurance agents who sell flood insurance policies.

consumer option alternative system allocate losses act coastal act amends integrated coastal ocean observation system act direct administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa develop assessment model determining magnitude variations coastal storm wind associated named storms named storm event model requires administrator identify named storms constitute threat coastal zone develop post event assessment named storm establish specified protocol collect assemble requisite data produce post event assessments identify federal state systems capable collecting data establish coastal wind water event database directs comptroller_general audit federal efforts collect data amends national_flood_insurance_act direct secretary homeland_security dhs establish system allocating losses certain insurers providing coverage property losses wind water prescribes procedures allocation loss claims payment directs administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema establish arbitration panel appeals loss allocation resolving claims flood insurance reauthorization act amends national_flood_insurance_act extend fy2016 national_flood_insurance_program financing prohibits administrator fema extending certain subsidy new lapsed policies requires adjustment flood insurance risk premium rate property area participating national_flood_insurance_program reflect current risk flood property requires administrator fema flood insurance available states areas given satisfactory assurance december state chartered lending institutions insured federal_deposit_insurance_corporation fdic national_credit_union_share_insurance_fund shall subject state regulations consistent flood insurance purchase compliance requirements amends flood disaster protection act increase maximum civil money penalty regulated lenders failure require flood insurance modify requirements escrow flood insurance payments require policyholder notification regulated lending institution insurance coverage cease policyholder final mortgage payment requires administrator fema continue work insurance industry state insurance regulators interested parties implement certain minimum training education standards insurance agents sell flood insurance policies


Summary: FEMA Common Sense and Cost Effectiveness Act of 2011 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act and the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to authorize the construction and maintenance of levees on property acquired under the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) hazard mitigation grant programs, including: (1) a levee that is federally owned and operated; (2) a permanent levee that is federally constructed and nonfederally operated and maintained; (3) a levee that is federally constructed as a nonpermanent levee, that a nonfederal entity desires to operate and maintain as a permanent levee, and the owners of which are participating in, or, in a specified period after the date on which the levee is constructed, will begin participating in, the emergency response to natural disasters program; and (4) a nonfederal levee the owners of which are participating in the program. Authorizes an application to construct or maintain a levee on acquired lands to be denied if the levee poses a significant threat of harm to downstream communities.

fema common sense cost effectiveness act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act national_flood_insurance_act authorize construction maintenance levees property acquired federal_emergency_management_agency fema hazard mitigation grant programs including levee federally owned operated permanent levee federally constructed operated maintained levee federally constructed levee nonfederal entity desires operate maintain permanent levee owners participating specified period date levee constructed begin participating emergency response natural disasters program nonfederal levee owners participating program authorizes application construct maintain levee acquired lands denied levee poses significant threat harm downstream communities


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of Veterans Affairs (VA), notwithstanding existing limitations on the assistance available to disabled veterans eligible for specially adapted housing grants, to award grants to veterans whose homes were previously adapted with such assistance if the adapted home used and occupied by the veteran was destroyed or substantially damaged in a natural or other disaster. Requires any such awarded post-disaster adapted housing grant to be available to acquire a suitable housing unit with special fixtures or moveable facilities made necessary by the veteran's disability along with the land for such housing. Permits the Secretary to: (1) extend up to an additional two months the subsistence allowances of veterans displaced by such disasters while satisfactorily following a program of employment services prescribed in a vocational rehabilitation program for certain veterans with service-connected disabilities; (2) provide or assist in providing a second automobile or other specified conveyance to eligible disabled veterans and members of the Armed Forces if an automobile or other conveyance previously purchased with assistance was destroyed by such a disaster through no fault of the individual and without compensation by a property insurer; and (3) in determining whether certain real estate housing loans are secured by a first lien, disregard or allow for subordination to a superior lien created by a duly recorded covenant running with the realty in favor of a public entity that has provided or will provide assistance in response to a major disaster as determined by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

authorizes secretary veterans_affairs notwithstanding existing limitations assistance available disabled veterans eligible specially adapted housing grants award grants veterans homes previously adapted assistance adapted home occupied veteran destroyed substantially damaged natural disaster requires awarded post disaster adapted housing grant available acquire suitable housing unit special fixtures moveable facilities necessary veteran disability land housing permits secretary extend additional months subsistence allowances veterans displaced disasters satisfactorily following program employment services prescribed vocational rehabilitation program certain veterans service connected disabilities provide assist providing second automobile specified conveyance eligible disabled veterans members armed_forces automobile conveyance previously purchased assistance destroyed disaster fault individual compensation property insurer determining certain real estate housing loans secured lien disregard allow subordination superior lien created duly recorded covenant running favor public entity provided provide assistance response major disaster determined president robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act


Summary: Southeastern Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2011 - Extends certain disaster-related tax relief provisions to the Southeastern disaster area.  Defines "Southeastern disaster area" as an area with respect to which a major disaster has been declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act due to severe storms, tornados, or flooding occurring after April 13, 2011, and before June 7, 2011, in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Oklahoma, and Tennessee. Rescinds $12 billion of appropriated discretionary unexpired and unobligated federal funds to implement this Act.

southeastern disaster tax relief_act extends certain disaster related tax relief provisions southeastern disaster area defines southeastern disaster area area respect major disaster declared president robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act severe storms flooding occurring april june alabama arkansas georgia kentucky mississippi missouri north_carolina oklahoma tennessee rescinds billion appropriated discretionary unexpired unobligated federal funds implement act


Summary: Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to: (1) make communities that reconstruct and improve flood protection systems (in addition to constructing them) eligible for premium flood insurance rates under such Act; and (2) allow entities that own, operate, maintain, or repair flood protection systems (instead of a federal agency) to determine whether a flood protection system is restorable.

amends national_flood_insurance_act communities reconstruct improve flood protection systems addition constructing eligible premium flood insurance rates act allow entities operate maintain repair flood protection systems instead federal agency determine flood protection system


Summary: Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to state that, if a flood has commenced or is in progress before expiration of the 30-day waiting period before a new or modified flood insurance policy becomes effective, the insurance coverage shall take effect upon the expiration of such 30-day period. Allows coverage for damage occurring after expiration of the waiting period, however, only if the property has not suffered damage or loss as a result of such flood before the waiting period expires.

amends national_flood_insurance_act state flood commenced progress expiration day waiting period new modified flood insurance policy effective insurance coverage shall effect expiration day period allows coverage damage occurring expiration waiting period property suffered damage loss result flood waiting period expires