Summary: Local Government Disaster Relief Act of 2007 - Provides that the federal share of assistance provided under provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act for the repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities because of Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita shall be 100%. Makes this Act applicable to assistance provided on or after August 28, 2005.

local government disaster relief_act provides federal share assistance provided provisions robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act repair restoration replacement damaged facilities hurricane katrina hurricane rita shall makes act applicable assistance provided august


Summary: Gulf Coast Export Recovery Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of Commerce to hire one additional full-time international trade specialist for the United States Export Assistance Center in New Orleans, Louisiana, to provide export promotion services to specified Louisiana parishes. Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to hire to the Office of International Trade of the SBA an additional full-time international finance specialist who shall be located at the Center to carry out export promotion activities in Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.

gulf_coast export recovery_act directs secretary commerce hire additional time international_trade specialist united_states export assistance center new_orleans louisiana provide export promotion services specified louisiana parishes directs administrator small_business_administration sba hire office_of_international_trade sba additional time international finance specialist shall located center carry export promotion activities louisiana mississippi alabama


Summary: Deems $1.2 billion of unexpended amounts, previously made available to the Louisiana Recovery Authority (LRA) under the Hazard Mitigation Grants program of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to have been made available to the LRA pursuant to specified terms and approved by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development for use under the Road Home Program.

deems billion unexpended amounts previously available louisiana recovery authority hazard mitigation grants program federal_emergency_management_agency fema available pursuant specified terms approved secretary housing_and_urban_development use road home program


Summary: Emergency and Disaster Assistance Fraud Penalty Enhancement Act of 2007 - Amends the federal criminal code to impose a fine and/or prison term of up to 30 years for: (1) knowingly falsifying, concealing, or covering up by any trick, scheme, or device any material fact; or (2) making any materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statement or representation, or making or using any false writing or document in any matter involving any benefit authorized, transported, transmitted, transferred, disbursed, or paid in connection with a major disaster or emergency declaration under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, or in connection with the procurement of property or services by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier during a major disaster or emergency declaration.Imposes a maximum fine of $1 million and/or prison term of 30 years for engaging in wire, radio, television, or mail fraud during a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency. Directs the U.S. Sentencing Commission to: (1) promulgate sentencing guidelines or amend existing guidelines to provide for increased penalties for persons convicted of fraud or theft offenses in connection with a major disaster or emergency declaration; and (2) submit to the House and Senate Judiciary Committees an explanation of its guidelines and additional recommendations for combating such fraud or theft offenses.

emergency disaster assistance fraud penalty enhancement_act amends federal criminal code impose fine prison term years knowingly falsifying concealing covering scheme device material fact making materially false fictitious fraudulent statement representation making false writing document matter involving benefit authorized transported transmitted transferred disbursed paid connection major disaster emergency declaration robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act connection procurement property services contractor subcontractor supplier major disaster emergency declaration imposes maximum fine million prison term years engaging wire radio television mail fraud presidentially declared major disaster emergency directs sentencing commission promulgate sentencing guidelines amend existing guidelines provide increased penalties persons convicted fraud theft offenses connection major disaster emergency declaration submit house senate judiciary_committees explanation guidelines additional recommendations combating fraud theft offenses


Summary: Policyholder Disaster Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow insurance companies (other than life insurance companies) to make tax deductible contributions to a tax-exempt policyholder disaster protection fund established by this Act for the payment of policyholders' claims arising from certain catastrophic events, such as windstorms, earthquakes, fires, or floods.

policyholder disaster protection act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow insurance companies life insurance companies tax deductible contributions tax exempt policyholder disaster protection fund established act payment policyholders claims arising certain catastrophic events earthquakes fires floods


Summary: Homeowners Protection Act of 2007 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding: (1) estimated loss costs associated with the contracts for reinsurance coverage; and (2) development of prevention, mitigation, recovery, and rebuilding standards that better prepare and protect the United States from catastrophes. Instructs the Secretary to implement a program designed to make homeowners protection coverage available through contracts for reinsurance. Prescribes guidelines governing: (1) qualified lines of coverage; (2) covered perils; (3) contracts for reinsurance coverage for eligible state programs; and (4) minimum level of retained losses and maximum federal liability. Establishes the Consumer HELP Fund for: (1) payments to covered purchasers under contracts for reinsurance coverage; and (2) operating and administrative costs.

homeowners protection act directs secretary treasury establish national_commission catastrophe preparation protection advise secretary estimated loss costs associated contracts reinsurance coverage development prevention mitigation recovery rebuilding standards better prepare protect united_states instructs secretary implement program designed homeowners protection coverage available contracts reinsurance prescribes guidelines governing qualified lines coverage covered contracts reinsurance coverage eligible state programs minimum level retained losses maximum federal liability establishes consumer help fund payments covered purchasers contracts reinsurance coverage operating administrative costs


Summary: Hurricane and Tornado Mitigation Investment Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual and business taxpayers a tax credit for 25% of their qualified hurricane and tornado mitigation property expenditures up to $5,000 for any taxable year. Defines such expenditures as expenditures in a dwelling unit to improve the strength of a roof deck attachment, create a secondary water barrier, improve the durability of a roof covering, brace gable-end walls, reinforce the connections between a roof and supporting wall, protect against windborne debris, or protect exterior doors and garages.

hurricane tornado mitigation investment act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow individual business taxpayers tax credit qualified hurricane tornado mitigation property expenditures taxable year defines expenditures expenditures dwelling unit improve strength roof deck attachment create secondary water barrier improve durability roof covering end walls connections roof supporting wall protect debris protect exterior doors


Summary: National Hurricane Research Initiative Act of 2007 - Requires the Under Secretary for Oceans and Atmosphere of the Department of Commerce and the Director of the National Science Foundation (NSF) to establish a National Hurricane Research Initiative and to cooperate with other specified federal agencies to carry it out. Requires such Initiative to set research objectives (based on a National Science Board report on the need for such Initiative) to: (1) make recommendations to the Board; (2) assemble the expertise of U.S. science and engineering capabilities through a multi-agency effort focused on infrastructure, the natural environment, and improving understanding of hurricane prediction, intensity, and mitigation on coastal populations; and (3) make grants for hurricane research, including regarding hurricane dynamics, modification, and observation, air-sea interaction, relationships between hurricanes and climate, predicting flooding and storm surge, coastal infrastructure, building construction, emergency communication networks, information utilization by public officials, and sharing computational capability. Directs the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, through the National Science and Technology Council, to coordinate U.S. activities related to the Initiative as a formal program with a well-defined organizational structure and execution plan. Directs the Under Secretary and the Director to: (1) establish a National Infrastructure Database to catalog infrastructure, provide information to improve information public policy related to hurricanes, and provide data to improve researchers' abilities to measure hurricane impacts in order to improve building codes and urban planning; and (2) develop a National Hurricane Research Model to conduct integrative research and facilitate the transfer of research knowledge to operational applications.

national hurricane research initiative act requires secretary oceans atmosphere department_of_commerce director national_science_foundation nsf establish national hurricane research initiative cooperate specified federal agencies carry requires initiative set research objectives based national_science_board report need initiative recommendations board assemble expertise science engineering capabilities multi agency effort focused infrastructure natural environment improving understanding hurricane prediction intensity mitigation coastal populations grants hurricane research including hurricane dynamics modification observation air sea interaction relationships hurricanes climate predicting flooding storm surge coastal infrastructure building construction emergency communication networks information utilization public officials sharing capability directs white_house office_of_science_and_technology_policy national_science_and_technology_council coordinate activities related initiative formal program defined organizational structure execution plan directs secretary director establish national infrastructure database catalog infrastructure provide information improve information public policy related hurricanes provide data improve researchers abilities measure hurricane impacts order improve building codes urban planning develop national hurricane research model conduct integrative research facilitate transfer research knowledge operational applications


Summary: Catastrophic Disaster Recovery Fairness Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), in providing SBA disaster relief assistance for any major disaster declared during the period beginning on August 29, 2005, and ending on October 24, 2005, to waive the prohibition on the duplication of benefits, including whether damage or destruction has been compensated by, credit is available from, activities are reimbursable through, or funds have been made available from any other source. Applies such amendment to any SBA assistance provided on or after August 29, 2005 (thereby ensuring applicability and retroactivity for victims of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma).

catastrophic disaster recovery fairness act directs administrator small_business_administration sba providing sba disaster relief assistance major disaster declared period beginning august ending october waive prohibition duplication benefits including damage destruction compensated credit available activities reimbursable funds available source applies amendment sba assistance provided august ensuring applicability victims hurricanes katrina rita wilma


Summary: James Zadroga Act of 2007 - Amends the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund of 2001 (Fund), part of the Air Transportation Safety and System Stabilization Act, to extend the current December 22, 2003, deadline for filing claims under the Fund for five years following enactment of this Act if the Special Master determines that the individual: (1) was unaware that he or she had suffered physical harm as the result of the September 11, 2001, terrorist-related aircraft crashes until after the deadline and before enactment of this Act; (2) was unaware of his or her eligibility to file a claim until after December 22, 2003; (3) suffered psychological harm as a result of the crashes; or (4) in the case of an individual who had previously filed a claim, suffered a significantly greater physical harm than was known to the individual as of the date the claim was filed, but did not know its full extent until after the claim was filed and before enactment of this Act. Allows the filing of a claim also during the five years after the individual first knew that he or she had suffered physical or psychological harm as the result of such crashes, if he or she did not know that until on or after enactment of this Act. Extends the same five-year filing allowance to anyone who did not know the full extent of the harm suffered until on or after the enactment of this Act, even though he or she had previously filed a claim and had suffered a significantly greater physical or psychological harm than was known to the individual as of the date the claim was filed. Waives the single claim requirement in such circumstances. Makes a claimant eligible for compensation based on the psychological harm suffered as a result of the crashes. Defines "immediate aftermath" for compensation eligibility purposes as any period of time after the crashes that was sufficiently close in time to them that there was a demonstrable risk to the claimant of resulting physical or psychological harm, including the period of time during which related rescue, recovery, and cleanup activities were conducted.

james act amends september 11th victim compensation fund fund air_transportation_safety_and_system_stabilization_act extend current december deadline filing claims fund years following enactment act special master determines individual suffered physical harm result september terrorist related aircraft crashes deadline enactment act eligibility file claim december suffered psychological harm result crashes case individual previously filed claim suffered significantly greater physical harm known individual date claim filed know extent claim filed enactment act allows filing claim years individual knew suffered physical psychological harm result crashes know enactment act extends year filing allowance know extent harm suffered enactment act previously filed claim suffered significantly greater physical psychological harm known individual date claim filed waives single claim requirement circumstances makes claimant eligible compensation based psychological harm suffered result crashes defines immediate compensation eligibility purposes period time crashes sufficiently close time demonstrable risk claimant resulting physical psychological harm including period time related rescue recovery cleanup activities conducted


Summary: Growth Opportunity Act of 2007 - Authorizes the Secretary of Commerce to award grants to states to establish revolving loan funds to provide loans to small manufacturers (less than $50 million in annual sales) for new product development. Limits grants to $10 million each and requires states to contribute at least 25% of the grant funds provided.

growth opportunity act authorizes secretary commerce award grants states establish revolving loan funds provide loans small manufacturers million annual sales new product development limits grants million requires states contribute grant funds provided


Summary: First Response Broadcasters Act of 2007 - Authorizes appropriations to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) for facility and equipment expenses to construct an additional 25 Primary Entry Point stations (radio broadcast stations designated to provide public information following emergencies where there is no commercial power) in the continental United States and territories.Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a pilot program, the Broadcast Disaster Preparedness Grant Program, under which the Administrator may make grants to first response broadcasters. Sets forth provisions regarding priorities in making grants, use of funds, the federal share, and termination of grant authority.Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to: (1) include specified assistance to first response broadcasters among the essential assistance that federal agencies may provide to meet immediate threats to life and property resulting from a major disaster; (2) prohibit a federal officer or employee from confiscating fuel, water, or food from such a broadcaster during a disaster if that broadcaster documents that such supplies will be used to enable the broadcast of essential disaster-related public information in the affected area; and (3) direct the head of a federal agency to allow access to the area affected by a major disaster for technical personnel, broadcast engineers, and equipment needed to restore, repair, or resupply any facility or equipment critical to such a broadcaster's ability to continue to acquire, produce, and transmit essential disaster-related public information, subject to specified limitations. Establishes guidelines for press access to a disaster area.

response broadcasters act authorizes appropriations administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema facility equipment expenses construct additional primary entry point stations radio broadcast stations designated provide public information following emergencies commercial power continental united_states territories directs secretary homeland_security establish pilot program broadcast disaster preparedness grant program administrator grants response broadcasters sets forth provisions priorities making grants use funds federal share termination grant authority amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act include specified assistance response broadcasters essential assistance federal agencies provide meet immediate threats life property resulting major disaster prohibit federal officer employee fuel water food broadcaster disaster broadcaster documents supplies enable broadcast essential disaster related public information affected area direct head federal agency allow access area affected major disaster technical personnel broadcast engineers equipment needed restore repair facility equipment critical broadcaster ability continue acquire produce transmit essential disaster related public information subject specified limitations establishes guidelines press access disaster area


Summary: Kansas Disaster Tax Relief Assistance Act - Extends to businesses and individuals in certain Kansas counties declared by the President as major disaster areas under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (FEMA-1699-DR) by reason of severe storms and tornados beginning on May 4, 2007 (qualifying area) provisions of the Internal Revenue Code allowing: (1) suspension of certain limitations on personal casualty losses; (2) an extension of the period for replacing damaged property without recognizing gain; (3) an employee retention tax credit for affected businesses through 2007; (4) 50% bonus depreciation for affected businesses; (5) increased expensing of small business assets; (6) expensing of demolition and cleanup costs; (7) extended net operating loss carryback periods for losses attributable to storms and tornadoes and for public utility property disaster losses; (8) relaxed income verification requirements for tenants in low-income rental projects; and (9) penalty-free withdrawals and loans from individual retirement accounts and other tax-exempt pension plans. Directs the Secretary of Education to carry out a program of student loan repayment for college graduates residing or employed in a qualifying area.Amends the Internal Revenue Code with respect to individuals in a qualifying area to allow: (1) a tax credit for the lesser of 10% or $5,000 of the purchase price of a principal residence; (2) a capital loss deduction for the sale or exchange of a principal residence; and (3) the establishment of tax-exempt homestead accounts for the payment of education, business, medical, and other expenses.Allows: (1) business-related tax credits for investment in certain buildings and small businesses in rural areas; and (2) accelerated deprecation of investment property in rural areas.

kansas disaster tax relief assistance_act extends businesses individuals certain kansas counties declared president major disaster areas robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act reason severe storms beginning qualifying area provisions internal_revenue_code allowing suspension certain limitations personal casualty losses extension period replacing damaged property recognizing gain employee retention tax credit affected businesses bonus depreciation affected businesses increased expensing small business assets expensing demolition cleanup costs extended net operating loss carryback periods losses attributable storms public utility property disaster losses income verification requirements tenants low income rental projects penalty free withdrawals loans individual retirement accounts tax exempt pension plans directs secretary education carry program student loan repayment college graduates residing employed qualifying area amends_the_internal_revenue_code respect individuals qualifying area allow tax credit lesser purchase price principal residence capital loss deduction sale exchange principal residence establishment tax exempt accounts payment education business medical expenses allows business related tax credits investment certain buildings small businesses rural areas accelerated investment property rural areas


Summary: Federal Emergency Management Improvement Act of 2007 - Reestablishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Requires FEMA to be headed by a Director appointed by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates the Director as the principal advisor to the President, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Homeland Security for all matters relating to emergency management in the United States. Directs the President to designate the Director to serve as a Cabinet member in the event of natural disasters, terrorist acts, or other man-made disasters.Sets forth provisions regarding FEMA's primary mission and the Director's responsibilities. Provides for 10 regional offices in FEMA, each headed by a Regional Administrator. Requires each Regional Administrator to: (1) establish a Regional Advisory Council; and (2) oversee multi-agency strike teams. Establishes a National Integration Center as FEMA's principal operations center. Requires the Director to: (1) ensure that the National Response Plan provides for a clear chain of command to lead and coordinate the federal response to disasters; (2) enter into a memorandum of understanding with specified individuals to collaborate on developing standards for deployment capabilities, including credentialing of personnel and typing of resources; and (3) appoint a Disability Coordinator. Transfers specified functions and personnel to FEMA. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to make necessary determinations regarding such functions and incidental dispositions of personnel, assets, and property.

federal emergency management improvement act reestablishes federal_emergency_management_agency fema independent establishment executive branch requires fema headed director appointed president advice consent senate designates director principal advisor president homeland_security council secretary homeland_security matters relating emergency management united_states directs president designate director serve cabinet member event natural disasters terrorist acts man disasters sets forth provisions fema primary mission director responsibilities provides regional offices fema headed regional administrator requires regional administrator establish regional advisory_council oversee multi agency strike teams establishes national integration center fema principal operations center requires director ensure national response plan provides clear chain command lead coordinate federal response disasters enter memorandum understanding specified individuals collaborate developing standards deployment capabilities including credentialing personnel resources appoint disability coordinator transfers specified functions personnel fema authorizes director office_of_management_and_budget omb necessary determinations functions incidental dispositions personnel assets property


Summary: Improved Hurricane Tracking and Forecasting Act of 2007 - Directs the Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to carry out a program for an improved ocean surface winds vector satellite for purposes including: (1) to address science and application questions related to air-sea interaction, coastal circulation, and biological productivity; (2) to improve forecasting for hurricanes, coastal winds and storm surge, and other weather-related disasters; (3) to ensure continuity of quality for satellite ocean surface vector wind measurements so that existing weather forecasting and warning capabilities are not degraded; and (4) to advance satellite ocean surface vector wind data capabilities.

improved hurricane tracking forecasting act directs administrator national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa carry program improved ocean surface satellite purposes including address science application questions related air sea interaction coastal circulation biological productivity improve forecasting hurricanes coastal storm surge weather related disasters ensure continuity quality satellite ocean surface wind measurements existing weather forecasting warning capabilities degraded advance satellite ocean surface wind data capabilities


Summary: Kansas Disaster Tax Relief Assistance Act - Extends to businesses and individuals in certain Kansas counties declared by the President as major disaster areas under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (FEMA-1699-DR, as in effect on the date of enactment of this Act) by reason of severe storms and tornados beginning on May 4, 2007, provisions of the Internal Revenue Code allowing: (1) suspension of certain limitations on personal casualty losses; (2) an extension of the period for replacing damaged property without recognizing gain; (3) an employee retention tax credit for affected businesses through 2007; (4) 50% bonus depreciation for affected businesses; (5) increased expensing of small business assets; (6) increased expensing of demolition and cleanup costs; (7) extended net operating loss carryback periods for losses attributable to storms and tornadoes and for public utility property disaster losses; (8) relaxed income verification requirements for tenants in low-income rental projects; and (9) penalty-free withdrawals and loans from individual retirement accounts and other tax-exempt pension plans.

kansas disaster tax relief assistance_act extends businesses individuals certain kansas counties declared president major disaster areas robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act effect date enactment act reason severe storms beginning provisions internal_revenue_code allowing suspension certain limitations personal casualty losses extension period replacing damaged property recognizing gain employee retention tax credit affected businesses bonus depreciation affected businesses increased expensing small business assets increased expensing demolition cleanup costs extended net operating loss carryback periods losses attributable storms public utility property disaster losses income verification requirements tenants low income rental projects penalty free withdrawals loans individual retirement accounts tax exempt pension plans


Summary: Providing for Commonsense Rebuilding Act of 2007 - Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from prohibiting the use by Louisiana under its Road Home Program of amounts provided under FEMA's hazard mitigation grant program because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita based upon the existence of a Program requirement that: (1) limits the amount made available to an eligible homeowner who does not agree to remain an owner and occupant of a home in Louisiana; or (2) waives the applicability of such limitation for homeowners who are elderly or senior citizens.

providing commonsense rebuilding act prohibits administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema prohibiting use louisiana road home program amounts provided fema hazard mitigation grant program hurricanes katrina rita based existence program requirement limits available eligible homeowner agree remain owner occupant home louisiana waives applicability limitation homeowners elderly senior citizens


Summary: Gulf Coast Housing Recovery Act of 2007 - Requires the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to allow specified uses by Louisiana of certain funds under the Road Home Program.Requires state reports, made public on the Internet, on each state grant program for household assistance programs funded with community development block grant (CDBG) disaster assistance.Directs the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to require Louisiana to make certain funds available for specified community development pilot programs in Orleans and other parishes.Authorizes additional funds for the Road Home Program.Permits a state or locality to use, as a matching requirement, share, or contribution for any other federal program, certain CDBG funds previously made available for disaster relief, long-term recovery, and infrastructure restoration in major disaster areas affected by Hurricane Katrina, Rita, or Wilma.Authorizes appropriations to HUD, via FEMA, of certain Hurricane-related unobligated disaster relief funds to reimburse metropolitan cities and urban counties for amounts used to provide rental housing assistance to hurricane-evacuated families.Directs the Secretary to provide for an independent survey of public housing residents of New Orleans about returning to a repaired public housing or comparable dwelling unit.Sets a deadline for the Housing Authority of New Orleans (Authority) to make a certain number of dwelling units available for occupancy.Grants a right of return to previous public housing households. Prohibits the Authority from: (1) preventing such households from occupying a replacement dwelling unit, except as prohibited by federal law; or (2) demolishing or disposing of any public housing dwelling unit operated or administered by it (including any uninhabitable unit), except pursuant to a HUD-approved replacement plan.Requires the Secretary to report to certain congressional committees on all public housing projects in the Katrina or Rita disaster areas for which plans exist to transfer ownership to other entities or agencies.Authorizes appropriations for repair and rehabilitation of the Authority's public housing. Extends through June 30, 2008, the HUD Disaster Voucher Program and the Secretary's authority to waive specified requirements related to section 8 rental assistance.Provides for: (1) tenant replacement vouchers for all lost units; (2) voucher assistance for households receiving FEMA assistance, including residents of FEMA trailers; (3) voucher assistance for supportive housing; (4) waiver of limitations on project-basing of vouchers; (5) preservation of project-based housing assistance payments contracts for dwelling units damaged or destroyed; and (6) reimbursement to landlords for damages resulting from abrogation by FEMA of commitments entered into under the city lease program.Prohibits the HUD Secretary from denying conveyance of property title to HUD and payment of hazard or flood insurance benefits in specified circumstances.Establishes within HUD an FHA-New Orleans Homeownership Opportunities Initiative.Authorizes appropriations for the fair housing initiatives program.Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to Congress on methods of improving distribution of federal housing funds to assist states with hurricane recovery.Commends the actions and efforts by individuals and organizations who contributed to the hurricane relief effort.

gulf_coast housing recovery_act requires administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema allow specified uses louisiana certain funds road home program requires state reports public internet state grant program household assistance programs funded community development block grant cdbg disaster assistance directs secretary housing_and_urban_development hud require louisiana certain funds available specified community development pilot programs orleans parishes authorizes additional funds road home program permits state locality use matching requirement share contribution federal program certain cdbg funds previously available disaster relief long term recovery infrastructure restoration major disaster areas affected hurricane katrina rita wilma authorizes appropriations hud fema certain hurricane related unobligated disaster relief funds reimburse metropolitan cities urban counties amounts provide rental housing assistance hurricane evacuated families directs secretary provide independent survey public housing residents new_orleans returning repaired public housing comparable dwelling unit sets deadline housing authority new_orleans authority certain number dwelling units available occupancy grants right return previous public housing households prohibits authority preventing households occupying replacement dwelling unit prohibited federal law disposing public housing dwelling unit operated administered including unit pursuant hud approved replacement plan requires secretary report certain congressional committees public housing projects katrina rita disaster areas plans exist transfer ownership entities agencies authorizes appropriations repair rehabilitation authority public housing extends june hud disaster voucher program secretary authority waive specified requirements related section rental assistance provides tenant replacement vouchers lost units voucher assistance households receiving fema assistance including residents fema trailers voucher assistance supportive housing waiver limitations project basing vouchers preservation project based housing assistance payments contracts dwelling units damaged destroyed reimbursement damages resulting fema commitments entered city lease program prohibits hud secretary denying conveyance property title hud payment hazard flood insurance benefits specified circumstances establishes hud fha new_orleans homeownership opportunities initiative authorizes appropriations fair housing initiatives program directs comptroller_general study report congress methods improving distribution federal_housing funds assist states hurricane recovery actions efforts individuals organizations contributed hurricane relief effort


Summary: Weather Mitigation Research and Development Policy Authorization Act of 2007 - Establishes in the National Science Foundation (NSF) the Weather Mitigation Advisory and Research Board to establish and coordinate the national research and development program on weather mitigation described in this Act. Requires the Executive Director of the Board to submit a plan for the establishment and coordination of the Program. Requires the Board to promote and fund research and development (R&D), studies, and investigations with respect to: (1) improved forecast and decisionmaking technologies for weather mitigation operations, including tailored computer workstations and software and new observation systems with remote sensors; and (2) assessments and evaluations of the efficacy of weather mitigation. Authorizes the Board to establish a grant program for the awarding of grants to eligible entities (state agencies, institutions of higher education, and nonprofits that have expertise in the field of weather mitigation and experience working with state agencies) for R&D projects that pertain to weather mitigation. Permits a grant recipient to only use the grant for a R&D project that: (1) pertains to weather mitigation; and (2) was in operation on the day before the grant was awarded. Requires the submission of annual reports to the President and Congress on the activities conducted pursuant to this Act.

weather mitigation research development policy authorization act establishes national_science_foundation nsf weather mitigation advisory research board establish coordinate national research development program weather mitigation described act requires executive director board submit plan establishment coordination program requires board promote fund research development studies investigations respect improved forecast decisionmaking technologies weather mitigation operations including tailored computer software new observation systems remote sensors assessments evaluations efficacy weather mitigation authorizes board establish grant program awarding grants eligible entities state agencies institutions higher education nonprofits expertise field weather mitigation experience working state agencies projects pertain weather mitigation permits grant recipient use grant project pertains weather mitigation operation day grant awarded requires submission annual reports president congress activities conducted pursuant act


Summary: Volunteer Emergency Services Recruitment and Retention Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow sponsors of certain deferred compensation plans to elect to include length of service award plans for bona fide volunteers providing fire fighting and prevention services, emergency medical services, ambulance services, and emergency rescue services.Directs the Secretary of Labor to issue regulations exempting a length of service award program from treatment as an employee pension benefit plan under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).

volunteer_emergency_services_recruitment retention act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow sponsors certain deferred compensation plans elect include length service award plans bona fide volunteers providing fire fighting prevention services emergency medical services ambulance services emergency rescue services directs secretary labor issue regulations exempting length service award program treatment employee pension benefit plan employee retirement income security act erisa


Summary: Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from barring the use by Louisiana under its Road Home Program of specified amounts provided under FEMA's hazard mitigation grant program because of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita based upon the existence of a Program requirement that: (1) limits the amount made available to an eligible homeowner who does not agree to remain an owner and occupant of a home in Louisiana; or (2) waives the applicability of such limitation for homeowners who are elderly or senior citizens. Directs the Administrator to implement mechanisms to simplify the expedited distribution of such funds, including: (1) creating a programmatic cost-benefit analysis to provide a means of conducting cost-benefit analysis by project type and geographic factors rather than on a structure-by-structure basis; and (2) developing a streamlined environmental review process to significantly speed the approval of project applications.Requires the President to waive requirements regarding minimum project criteria under the Hazard Mitigation Program Grant and regarding the payment of claims or specify alternative requirements if requested by Louisiana to facilitate the timely use of funds or a guarantee provided under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. Prohibits the President from waiving any requirement relating to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, or the environment.

prohibits administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema barring use louisiana road home program specified amounts provided fema hazard mitigation grant program hurricanes katrina rita based existence program requirement limits available eligible homeowner agree remain owner occupant home louisiana waives applicability limitation homeowners elderly senior citizens directs administrator implement mechanisms simplify expedited distribution funds including creating programmatic cost benefit analysis provide means conducting cost benefit analysis project type geographic factors structure structure basis developing streamlined environmental review process significantly speed approval project applications requires president waive requirements minimum project criteria hazard mitigation program grant payment claims specify alternative requirements requested louisiana facilitate timely use funds guarantee provided robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act prohibits president waiving requirement relating fair housing nondiscrimination labor standards environment


Summary: Amends the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act to include the states of Idaho and Montana among affected areas for purposes of payments to individuals with certain medical conditions who were exposed to fallout emitted during the U.S. government's atmospheric nuclear tests

amends radiation_exposure_compensation_act include states idaho montana affected areas purposes payments individuals certain medical conditions exposed fallout emitted government atmospheric nuclear tests


Summary: National Flood Mapping Act of 2007 - Establishes the Technical Mapping Advisory Council to make certain recommendations to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), including: (1) how to improve in a cost-effective manner the accuracy and dissemination of flood insurance rate maps and risk data; (2) mapping standards and guidelines for flood insurance rate maps and data integrity; (3) how to maintain on an ongoing basis flood insurance rate maps and flood risk identification; and (4) procedures for delegating mapping activities to state and local mapping partners.Instructs the Administrator to: (1) report to certain congressional committees on actions taken to address such recommendations; and (2) establish an ongoing program to review, update, and maintain the National Flood Insurance Program rate maps.Requires the Secretary of Homeland Security, the Administrator, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and the heads of each federal entity implementing such activities to work together to ensure that flood risk determination data and geospatial data are shared among federal agencies.Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to repeal the limitation placed upon state contributions for updating flood maps.Directs the Administrator to contract with the National Academy of Public Administration to study and report to Congress on how the FEMA: (1) should improve interagency and intergovernmental coordination on flood mapping; and (2) can establish joint funding mechanisms with federal agencies and governmental entities to share data among all governmental users.

national flood mapping act establishes technical mapping advisory_council certain recommendations administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema including improve cost effective manner accuracy dissemination flood insurance rate maps risk data mapping standards guidelines flood insurance rate maps data integrity maintain ongoing basis flood insurance rate maps flood risk identification procedures delegating mapping activities state local mapping partners instructs administrator report certain congressional committees actions taken address recommendations establish ongoing program review update maintain national_flood_insurance_program rate maps requires secretary homeland_security administrator director office_of_management_and_budget heads federal entity implementing activities work ensure flood risk determination data geospatial data shared federal agencies amends national_flood_insurance_act repeal limitation placed state contributions updating flood maps directs administrator contract national_academy_of_public_administration study report congress fema improve interagency intergovernmental coordination flood mapping establish joint funding mechanisms federal agencies governmental entities share data governmental users


Summary: Kids in Disasters Well-being, Safety, and Health Act of 2007 - Establishes the National Commission on Children and Disasters, which shall: (1) conduct a comprehensive study that assesses childrens' needs as they relate to preparation for, response to, and recovery from all hazards, including major disasters and emergencies; (2) identify, review, and evaluate existing laws, regulations, policies, and programs relevant to such needs; (3) identify, review, and evaluate the lessons learned from past disasters relative to addressing such needs; and (4) report to the President and Congress on its findings and recommendations to address such needs, including regarding the need for a national resource center on children and disasters, coordination of resources and services, administrative actions, policies, regulations, and legislative changes.Sets forth provisions regarding the Commission's powers, staffing, reporting, and record-keeping requirements, and termination. Authorizes appropriations.

kids disasters safety health act establishes national_commission children disasters shall conduct comprehensive study assesses childrens needs relate preparation response recovery hazards including major disasters emergencies identify review evaluate existing laws regulations policies programs relevant needs identify review evaluate lessons learned past disasters relative addressing needs report president congress findings recommendations address needs including need national_resource_center children disasters coordination resources services administrative actions policies regulations legislative changes sets forth provisions commission powers staffing reporting record keeping requirements termination authorizes appropriations


Summary: Rate Payer Recovery Act of 2007 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to cite conditions under which the President is authorized to make disaster assistance contributions for the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of private or investor-owned power transmission and distribution facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster. Cites conditions for large in-lieu contributions to a private or investor-owned power facility in any case in which the owner determines that the public welfare would not best be served by repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing the facility.

rate payer recovery_act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act cite conditions president authorized disaster assistance contributions repair restoration reconstruction replacement private investor owned power transmission distribution facilities damaged destroyed major disaster cites conditions large lieu contributions private investor owned power facility case owner determines public welfare best served repairing restoring reconstructing replacing facility


Summary: Agricultural Emergency Financial Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the U.S. Troop Readiness, Veterans' Care, Katrina Recovery, and Iraq Accountability Appropriations Act, 2007 to extend the date for which emergency crop assistance and livestock indemnity payments and livestock compensation program assistance is available for disaster-caused losses.

agricultural emergency financial assistance_act amends troop readiness veterans care katrina_recovery iraq_accountability_appropriations_act extend date emergency crop assistance livestock indemnity payments livestock compensation program assistance available disaster caused losses


Summary: Louisiana Road Home Act - Authorizes appropriations for the state of Louisiana to carry out the Road Home Program, provided that as of June 1, 2007, the state has provided at least $1 billion for the Program.

louisiana road home act_-_authorizes appropriations state louisiana carry road home program provided june state provided billion program


Summary: Community Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to authorize the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to publish, through the issuance of national flood insurance rate maps, specified notes to designate areas protected by certified flood control structures against at least: (1) the 100-year flood (1% annual chance); and (2) the 500-year flood (.2% annual chance).Provides that publication of such a note shall not be considered a requirement of participation in the national flood insurance program.

community protection act amends national_flood_insurance_act authorize director federal_emergency_management_agency fema publish issuance national flood insurance rate maps specified notes designate areas protected certified flood control structures year flood annual chance year flood annual publication note shall considered requirement participation national_flood_insurance_program


Summary: Federal Emergency Management Advancement Act of 2007 or the FEMA Act - Reestablishes the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as an independent establishment in the executive branch. Requires FEMA to be headed by a Director appointed by the President, with the advice and consent of the Senate. Designates the Director as the principal advisor to the President, the Homeland Security Council, and the Secretary of Homeland Security for all matters relating to emergency management in the United States. Directs the President to designate the Director to serve as a Cabinet member in the event of specified disasters.Establishes as FEMA's primary mission to reduce the loss of life and property and protect the nation from all hazards, including natural and man-made disasters, through a risk-based, comprehensive emergency management system of preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation.Prescribes the Director's responsibilities. Provides for 10 regional offices. Requires each Regional Administrator to: (1) establish a Regional Advisory Council; and (2) oversee multi-agency strike teams. Establishes a National Operations Center. Requires the Director to: (1) establish Area Offices in appropriate Regional Offices; (2) defer to substantiating documentation submitted by states in determining the duration of a major disaster and in establishing the eligibility period for assistance; (3) establish and implement the voluntary private sector preparedness accreditation and certification program; (4) ensure that the National Response Plan provides for a clear chain of command to lead and coordinate the federal response to disasters; and (5) enter into a memorandum of understanding with specified individuals to collaborate on developing standards for deployment capabilities. Transfers specified functions and personnel to FEMA. Authorizes the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to make necessary determinations regarding such functions and incidental dispositions of personnel, assets, and property.

federal emergency management advancement act fema act reestablishes federal_emergency_management_agency fema independent establishment executive branch requires fema headed director appointed president advice consent senate designates director principal advisor president homeland_security council secretary homeland_security matters relating emergency management united_states directs president designate director serve cabinet member event specified disasters establishes fema primary mission reduce loss life property protect nation hazards including natural man disasters risk based comprehensive emergency management system preparedness protection response recovery mitigation prescribes director responsibilities provides regional offices requires regional administrator establish regional advisory_council oversee multi agency strike teams establishes national operations center requires director establish area offices appropriate regional offices defer documentation submitted states determining duration major disaster establishing eligibility period assistance establish implement voluntary private sector preparedness accreditation certification program ensure national response plan provides clear chain command lead coordinate federal response disasters enter memorandum understanding specified individuals collaborate developing standards deployment capabilities transfers specified functions personnel fema authorizes director office_of_management_and_budget omb necessary determinations functions incidental dispositions personnel assets property


Summary: Homeowner's Flood Insurance Protection Act of 2007 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 with respect to any area that: (1) previously was not designated as a special flood hazard area because it was protected by a flood protection system; and (2) becomes so designated as a result of the decertification of that flood protection system pursuant to any updating, reviewing, or remapping of flood insurance program rate maps. Sets the chargeable flood insurance premium rate for any property that, before enactment of this Act, was located within such an area at 50% of the chargeable risk premium rate otherwise applicable. Terminates such discount rate five years after the area's initial designation as a special flood hazard area.

homeowner flood insurance protection act amends national_flood_insurance_act respect area previously designated special flood hazard area protected flood protection system designated result decertification flood protection system pursuant updating reviewing flood insurance program rate maps sets flood insurance premium rate property enactment act located area risk premium rate applicable terminates discount rate years area initial designation special flood hazard area


Summary: Flood Insurance Reform and Modernization Act of 2007 - (Sec. 4) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 (Act) to extend the national flood insurance program (Program) though FY2013. (Sec. 5) Requires the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make national flood insurance available for multifamily properties of more than four units. (Sec. 6) Requires the FEMA Director to estimate the exclusion of certain prospective insureds from purchasing flood insurance at risk premium rates less than those estimated for specified properties (including any property not an individual's primary residence, severe repetitive loss property, and any business property). Sets an annual risk premium rate limitation of 25% for such properties. Prohibits the Director from providing flood insurance to prospective insureds at risk premium rates less than those otherwise estimated for new or lapsed policies. Increases from 10% to 15% the annual limitation on risk premium rate increases for any properties within any single risk classification. (Sec. 7) Instructs FEMA to issue final regulations establishing revised definitions of special flood hazard areas, including residual risk areas. Subjects such areas to mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements. (Sec. 8) Requires adjustment of flood insurance risk premium rates to reflect the current risk of flood to property located in an area participating in the Program. (Sec. 9) Adds a new requirement for those states and areas where flood insurance must be made available. Requires such states or areas to give satisfactory assurance that by December 31, 2008, state-chartered lending institutions not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation shall be subject to state regulations consistent with the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973. (Sec. 10) Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to increase from $350 to $2000 the civil monetary penalty for a single violation of the Act. Repeals the limitation upon the maximum penalty amount that may be imposed against any single regulated lending institution or enterprise in any calendar year. (Sec. 11) Revises the requirement that federal entities responsible for lending regulation require by regulation the payment of flood insurance premiums to a mortgage lender for deposit in an escrow account. Changes the property reference from real estate or mobile home to any property for which a loan has been made for purposes of acquisition or construction. Extends the same requirement to state entities responsible for lending regulations with respect to lending institutions they supervise. Requires any regulated lending institution, upon final payment of a mortgage, to notify the policyholder: (1) that insurance coverage may cease with such final payment; and (2) how flood insurance coverage may be continued after the life of the loan. (Sec. 12) Declares that the Secretary of the Treasury relinquishes the right to any repayment of loans to FEMA, subject to specified conditions, to the extent such borrowed sums were used to fund the payment of flood insurance claims resulting from the hurricanes of 2005. Increases from $1.5 billion to $20.775 billion, during FY2008 only, the maximum amount of loans and obligations the FEMA Director may issue to the Secretary of the Treasury with the President's approval for the Program. (Sec. 13) Prescribes minimum deductibles for claims under the Program for specified properties. Specifies the minimum annual deductible for pre-FIRM properties (containing a structure neither constructed nor substantially improved after the later of December 31, 1974, or the effective date of the initial rate map published by the FEMA Director under the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 for the pertinent area) as: (1) $1,500, if the flood insurance covers structural damage of $100,000 or less; and (2) $2,000, if the flood insurance covers structural damage greater than $100,000. Sets the minimum annual deductible for post-FIRM properties at $750 in the first instance, and $1,000 in the second. (Sec. 14) Revises requirements for the FEMA Director's prescription of chargeable flood insurance premium rates. Repeals the requirement that the Director consult with certain entities before prescribing rates. Requires such rates, in addition to meeting other conditions, to be adequate, on the basis of accepted actuarial principles, to cover the average historical loss year obligations incurred by the National Flood Insurance Fund. (Sec. 15) Instructs the Director to establish in the Treasury a National Flood Insurance Reserve Fund, which shall maintain 1% of the sum of the total potential loss exposure of all outstanding flood insurance policies in force in the prior fiscal year, or any higher percentage the Director determines appropriate. (Sec. 16) Requires any funds borrowed by FEMA for the Program to include a repayment schedule, which shall be transmitted not only to the Secretary but to specified congressional committees. (Sec. 17) Prohibits FEMA from denying payment of certain flood insurance claims by condominium owners who purchased such flood insurance separate and apart from the flood insurance purchased by the condominium association, based on the flood insurance coverage of the association or others on the association's overall property. (Sec. 18) Establishes the Technical Mapping Advisory Council to recommend mapping standards and guidelines for flood insurance rate maps. (Sec. 19) Requires the FEMA Director, in coordination with the Technical Mapping Advisory Council, to establish an ongoing program for review, update, and maintenance of Program rate maps. Authorizes appropriations for FY2008-FY2013. (Sec. 20) Removes the limitation placed upon state or local government contributions for the cost of updating flood maps. (Sec. 21) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security, the FEMA Director, the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the heads of specified federal agencies to: (1) coordinate and share data on flood risk determination and geospatial data; and (2) report to Congress an interagency budget crosscut report that displays the budget proposed for agencies working on flood risk determination data and digital elevation models, including planned agency transfers. (Sec. 22) Directs the National Academy of Public Administration to study and report to Congress on how FEMA can: (1) improve interagency coordination on flood mapping, including a funding strategy to leverage and coordinate budgets and expenditures; and (2) establish joint funding mechanisms with other governmental agencies. (Sec. 23) Exempts from certain floor insurance purchase requirements any area located within the 500-year flood plain. (Sec. 24) Amends the Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974 (RESPA) to require that certain public information booklets include the availability of federal flood insurance. (Sec. 25) States that a temporary residential structure built for the purpose of testing certain new flood proofing technology in any state or community receiving flood mitigation assistance may not be construed to violate any flood risk mitigation plan developed by that state or community and approved by FEMA. (Sec. 26) Requires the FEMA Director, upon state insurance commissioner request, to cause Program representatives to participate in state disaster claims mediation programs. (Sec. 27) Directs FEMA to: (1) continue to work to implement minimum training and education standards for insurance agents who sell flood insurance policies; and (2) report to Congress on implementation of the Bunning-Bereuter-Blumenauer Flood Insurance Reform Act of 2004. (Sec. 28) Directs the FEMA Director to collect additional information regarding certain claims payments by private sector companies authorized to participate in the Write Your Own program (WYO). (Sec. 29) Authorizes such companies to make specified biennial expense reports to Congress. Requires the FEMA Director to conduct rulemaking proceedings to: (1) devise a data collection methodology to allow FEMA to collect information on the expenses of property and casualty insurance companies participating in the WYO program for selling, writing, and servicing, standard flood insurance policies; and (2) formulate revised reimbursements to property and casualty insurance companies participating in the WYO program for their related expenses. Directs the Comptroller General to study and report to specified congressional committees on the efficacy, adequacy, and sufficiency of such rules. (Sec. 30) Extends the pilot program for mitigation of severe repetitive loss properties through FY2013. Directs FEMA to report to Congress on the implementation status of the program. (Sec. 31) Establishes in FEMA the Office of the Flood Insurance Advocate to assist insureds in resolving problems with FEMA. Requires such Office to report annually to Congress directly, without any prior review or comment from FEMA, Department of Homeland Security, or OMB. Provides for appointment of regional flood insurance advocates, as well as temporary state or local offices following a flood event. Authorizes the National Flood Insurance Advocate, upon application by a qualified insured, to issue a Flood Insurance Assistance Recommendation to take or refrain from taking specified action, if the qualified insured is suffering a significant hardship, such as a significant delay in resolving claims while incurring significant resulting costs, or where the insured is at risk of adverse action, including the loss of property, as a result of the manner in which the flood insurance laws are being administered by the FEMA Director. Specifies required responses by the FEMA Director to such a Recommendation. (Sec. 32) Requires the Comptroller General to report to Congress on: (1) expansion of the Program; (2) pre-FIRM structures receiving discounted premiums; and (3) a review of the three largest FEMA contractors used in administering the Program.

flood insurance reform modernization act sec amends national_flood_insurance_act act extend national_flood_insurance_program program fy2013 sec requires director federal_emergency_management_agency fema national flood insurance available multifamily properties units sec requires fema director estimate exclusion certain prospective insureds purchasing flood insurance risk premium rates estimated specified properties including property individual primary residence severe repetitive loss property business property sets annual risk premium rate limitation properties prohibits director providing flood insurance prospective insureds risk premium rates estimated new lapsed policies increases annual limitation risk premium rate increases properties single risk classification sec instructs fema issue final regulations establishing revised definitions special flood hazard areas including residual risk areas subjects areas mandatory flood insurance purchase requirements sec requires adjustment flood insurance risk premium rates reflect current risk flood property located area participating program sec adds new requirement states areas flood insurance available requires states areas satisfactory assurance december state chartered lending institutions insured federal_deposit_insurance_corporation shall subject state regulations consistent flood disaster protection act sec amends flood disaster protection act increase civil monetary penalty single violation act repeals limitation maximum penalty imposed single regulated lending institution enterprise calendar year sec revises requirement federal entities responsible lending regulation require regulation payment flood insurance premiums mortgage lender deposit escrow account changes property reference real estate mobile home property loan purposes acquisition construction extends requirement state entities responsible lending regulations respect lending institutions supervise requires regulated lending institution final payment mortgage notify policyholder insurance coverage cease final payment flood insurance coverage continued life loan sec declares secretary treasury relinquishes right repayment loans fema subject specified conditions extent borrowed sums fund payment flood insurance claims resulting hurricanes increases billion billion fy2008 maximum loans obligations fema director issue secretary treasury president approval program sec prescribes minimum deductibles claims program specified properties specifies minimum annual deductible pre firm properties containing structure constructed substantially improved later december effective date initial rate map published fema director national_flood_insurance_act pertinent area flood insurance covers structural damage flood insurance covers structural damage greater sets minimum annual deductible post firm properties instance second sec revises requirements fema director prescription flood insurance premium rates repeals requirement director consult certain entities prescribing rates requires rates addition meeting conditions adequate basis accepted actuarial principles cover average historical loss year obligations incurred national flood insurance fund sec instructs director establish treasury national flood insurance reserve fund shall maintain sum total potential loss exposure outstanding flood insurance policies force prior fiscal year higher percentage director determines appropriate sec requires funds borrowed fema program include repayment schedule shall transmitted secretary specified congressional committees sec prohibits fema denying payment certain flood insurance claims condominium owners purchased flood insurance separate apart flood insurance purchased condominium association based flood insurance coverage association association overall property sec establishes technical mapping advisory_council recommend mapping standards guidelines flood insurance rate maps sec requires fema director coordination technical mapping advisory_council establish ongoing program review update maintenance program rate maps authorizes appropriations fy2008 fy2013 sec removes limitation placed state local government contributions cost updating flood maps sec directs secretary homeland_security fema director director office_of_management_and_budget omb heads specified federal agencies coordinate share data flood risk determination geospatial data report congress interagency budget crosscut report displays budget proposed agencies working flood risk determination data digital elevation models including planned agency transfers sec directs national_academy_of_public_administration study report congress fema improve interagency coordination flood mapping including funding strategy leverage coordinate budgets expenditures establish joint funding mechanisms governmental agencies sec exempts certain floor insurance purchase requirements area located year flood plain sec amends real_estate_settlement_procedures_act respa require certain public information include availability federal flood insurance sec states temporary residential structure built purpose testing certain new flood technology state community receiving flood mitigation assistance construed violate flood risk mitigation plan developed state community approved fema sec requires fema director state insurance commissioner request cause program representatives participate state disaster claims mediation programs sec directs fema continue work implement minimum training education standards insurance agents sell flood insurance policies report congress implementation bereuter flood insurance reform_act sec directs fema director collect additional information certain claims payments private sector companies authorized participate write program sec authorizes companies specified biennial expense reports congress requires fema director conduct rulemaking proceedings devise data collection methodology allow fema collect information expenses property casualty insurance companies participating program selling writing servicing standard flood insurance policies formulate revised reimbursements property casualty insurance companies participating program related expenses directs comptroller_general study report specified congressional committees efficacy adequacy sufficiency rules sec extends pilot program mitigation severe repetitive loss properties fy2013 directs fema report congress implementation status program sec establishes fema office flood insurance advocate assist insureds resolving problems fema requires office report annually congress directly prior review comment fema department_of_homeland_security omb provides appointment regional flood insurance advocates temporary state local offices following flood event authorizes national flood insurance advocate application qualified insured issue flood insurance assistance recommendation refrain taking specified action qualified insured suffering significant hardship significant delay resolving claims incurring significant resulting costs insured risk adverse action including loss property result manner flood insurance laws administered fema director specifies required responses fema director recommendation sec requires comptroller_general report congress expansion program pre firm structures receiving discounted premiums review largest fema contractors administering program


Summary: Commission on Natural Catastrophe Risk Management and Insurance Act of 2007 - Establishes the Commission on Natural Catastrophe Risk Management and Insurance to report to Congress on its findings and assessments regarding the risks posed to the United States by natural catastrophes, and means for mitigating those risks and paying for losses caused by such catastrophes. Requires the Commission to assess: (1) the condition of the property and casualty insurance and reinsurance markets prior to and in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma in 2005, and the four major hurricanes that struck the United States in 2004; (2) the current condition of, as well as the outlook for, the availability and affordability of insurance in all regions of the country; and (3) the current ability of states, communities, and individuals to mitigate their natural catastrophe risks, including the affordability and feasibility of such activities.Directs the Commission to report its findings and assessments to certain congressional committees on December 1, 2008.

commission natural catastrophe risk management insurance act establishes_the_commission natural catastrophe risk management insurance report congress findings assessments risks posed united_states natural means mitigating risks paying losses caused requires commission assess condition property casualty insurance reinsurance markets prior hurricanes katrina rita wilma major hurricanes united_states current condition outlook availability affordability insurance regions country current ability states communities individuals mitigate natural catastrophe risks including affordability feasibility activities directs commission report findings assessments certain congressional committees december


Summary: Homeowners' Defense Act of 2007 - Establishes the National Catastrophe Risk Consortium as a nonprofit, nonfederal entity to: (1) maintain an inventory of catastrophe risk obligations held by state reinsurance funds, and state residual insurance market entities; (2) issue, on a conduit basis, securities and other financial instruments linked to catastrophe risks insured or reinsured through Consortium members; and (3) act as a centralized repository of state risk information accessible by certain private-market participants. Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to implement a national homeowners' insurance stabilization program to make liquidity loans and catastrophic loans to qualified reinsurance programs to: (1) ensure their solvency; (2) improve the availability and affordability of homeowners' insurance; (3) provide incentive for risk transfer to the private capital and reinsurance markets; and (4) spread the risk of catastrophic financial loss resulting from natural disasters and catastrophic events. Authorizes the Secretary to establish and collect, from qualified and precertified reinsurance programs, a reasonable fee to offset expenses of the program. Instructs the Secretary to require full repayment of all loans made under this Act.

homeowners defense act establishes national catastrophe risk consortium nonprofit nonfederal entity maintain inventory catastrophe risk obligations held state reinsurance funds state residual insurance market entities issue conduit basis securities financial instruments linked catastrophe risks insured consortium members act centralized repository state risk information accessible certain private market participants instructs secretary treasury implement national homeowners insurance stabilization program liquidity loans catastrophic loans qualified reinsurance programs ensure solvency improve availability affordability homeowners insurance provide incentive risk transfer private capital reinsurance markets spread risk catastrophic financial loss resulting natural disasters catastrophic events authorizes secretary establish collect qualified reinsurance programs reasonable fee offset expenses program instructs secretary require repayment loans act


Summary: Homeowners Insurance Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers in certain hurricane disaster areas a tax credit for 50% of their homeowner insurance premiums, up to $250 annually.

homeowners insurance assistance_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow individual taxpayers certain hurricane disaster areas tax credit homeowner insurance premiums annually


Summary: Property Mitigation Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Assistance and Emergency Relief Act to direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a grant program to provide assistance to states to promote pre-disaster property mitigation measures within their jurisdictions.Requires a state, to be eligible for assistance, to have: (1) submitted a mitigation plan; (2) established a process for accepting and processing grant and loan applications from individual homeowners and business owners; (3) established a revolving loan fund to which any grant amounts received under this Act shall be deposited; and (4) submitted a detailed plan for how terms and conditions for authorized loans and grants will be set.Directs the Administrator to allocate grant amounts to eligible states according to a formula based on specified factors, including the nature and extent of potential hazards to property in the state, the number of properties at risk in the event that a hazard or natural disaster should occur, the amount of prior property damage incurred by the state during any previous hazard or natural disaster, and any available data on the future risk of occurrence of any hazard or natural disaster in a state.Sets forth provisions regarding baseline amounts for eligible states and matching requirements. Authorizes each state to make grants or loans to assist individual homeowners and businesses in undertaking pre-disaster property mitigation measures from a revolving loan fund established under this Act.

property mitigation assistance_act amends robert stafford disaster assistance emergency relief_act direct administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema establish grant program provide assistance states promote pre disaster property mitigation measures jurisdictions requires state eligible assistance submitted mitigation plan established process accepting processing grant loan applications individual homeowners business owners established revolving loan fund grant amounts received act shall deposited submitted detailed plan terms conditions authorized loans grants set directs administrator allocate grant amounts eligible states according formula based specified factors including nature extent potential hazards property state number properties risk event hazard natural disaster occur prior property damage incurred state previous hazard natural disaster available data future risk occurrence hazard natural disaster state sets forth provisions baseline amounts eligible states matching requirements authorizes state grants loans assist individual homeowners businesses undertaking pre disaster property mitigation measures revolving loan fund established act


Summary: Case Management Services Improvement Act of 2007 - Amends provisions of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act that authorize the President to provide case management services for victims of major disasters to require private sector recipients to be nonprofit or faith-based organizations with experience in case management services. Makes this provision applicable to any major disaster declared on or after January 1, 2005.

case management services improvement act amends provisions robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act authorize president provide case management services victims major disasters require private sector recipients nonprofit faith based organizations experience case management services makes provision applicable major disaster declared january


Summary: Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: (1) establish criteria for determining whether individual temporary housing units stored by FEMA are in usable condition; (2) complete an assessment to determine the number of units FEMA needs in stock to respond appropriately to major disasters; and (3) implement a plan to store such number of units, to sell, transfer, or donate excess units in usable condition, and to dispose of units not in usable condition. Makes the plan subject to Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act disposal requirements and other applicable law. Directs the Administrator to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of the distribution, sale, transfer, or other disposal of unused units. Makes any sale, transfer, donation, or disposal of a unit under the plan subject to Stafford Act disposal requirements and other applicable law, except with respect to such sale or other actions to states, other governmental entities, and voluntary organizations for the purpose of providing temporary housing to victims of incidents caused by hazards that do not result in a declaration of a major disaster or emergency by the President if the governor of the affected state certifies that there is an urgent need for the units and the state is unable to provide such units in a timely manner. Directs the Administrator to report to the appropriate congressional committees on the status of the distribution, sale, transfer, donation, or other disposal of units. (Sec. 2) Directs the President, acting through the FEMA Administrator, in providing in lieu contributions for damages suffered in Louisiana and Mississippi as a result of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita (covered hurricane damages), to provide that the federal share of the estimated cost of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing the facility and of management expenses for both public facilities and private nonprofit facilities shall be 90%.Authorizes and encourages the President to use alternative dispute resolution (ADR) procedures for appeals of decisions made under the Stafford Act regarding the award or denial of assistance or the amount of assistance provided to a state, local government, or owner or operator of a private facility for covered hurricane damages. Requires the President to: (1) provide to such entity written notice of a denial of a request to use ADR procedures for an appeal; and (2) submit quarterly reports to specified committees on denials, a report on how ADR procedures are being used and recommendations on whether the President should be given the authority to use such procedures on a permanent basis, and a report regarding the status of recovery for Louisiana and Mississippi from Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Authorizes the President to use simplified procedures for covered hurricane damages if requested by such entity for a project for which the federal estimate of the cost is less than $100,000.(Sec. 3) Authorizes the President to provide case management services or assistance under the Stafford Act for victims of any major disaster relating to Hurricanes Katrina or Rita.(Sec. 4) Directs the Administrator to review, update, and revise the individual assistance factors considered to measure the severity, magnitude, and impact of a disaster.

directs administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema establish criteria determining individual temporary housing units stored fema usable condition complete assessment determine number units fema needs stock respond appropriately major disasters implement plan store number units sell transfer donate excess units usable condition dispose units usable condition makes plan subject robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act disposal requirements applicable law directs administrator report appropriate congressional committees status distribution sale transfer disposal unused units makes sale transfer donation disposal unit plan subject stafford act disposal requirements applicable law respect sale actions states governmental entities voluntary organizations purpose providing temporary housing victims incidents caused hazards result declaration major disaster emergency president governor affected state certifies urgent need units state unable provide units timely manner directs administrator report appropriate congressional committees status distribution sale transfer donation disposal units sec directs president acting fema administrator providing lieu contributions damages suffered louisiana mississippi result hurricanes katrina rita covered hurricane damages provide federal share estimated cost repairing restoring reconstructing replacing facility management expenses public facilities private nonprofit facilities shall encourages president use alternative dispute resolution procedures appeals decisions stafford act award denial assistance assistance provided state local government owner operator private facility covered hurricane damages requires president provide entity written notice denial request use procedures appeal submit quarterly reports specified committees denials report procedures recommendations president given authority use procedures permanent basis report status recovery louisiana mississippi hurricanes katrina rita authorizes president use simplified procedures covered hurricane damages requested entity project federal estimate cost authorizes president provide case management services assistance stafford act victims major disaster relating hurricanes katrina directs administrator review update revise individual assistance factors considered measure severity magnitude impact disaster


Summary: Mortgage and Rental Disaster Relief Act of 2007 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to provide temporary assistance in the form of mortgage or rental payments to or on behalf of individuals and households who, as a result of financial hardship caused by a major disaster, have received written notice of dispossession or eviction from a residence because of a foreclosure of mortgage or lien, cancellation of sales contract, or lease termination, entered into before such disaster. Defines such a "financial hardship" to include: (1) the loss of employment or significant income because a job, a business, or a business interest was located in a disaster area; or (2) suffering financially because of travel restrictions or station or road closures affecting residents of such area.Restricts eligibility for such assistance to individuals or households who have an adjusted gross income of not more than $75,000 ($100,000 for individuals or households who resided in an area with a high cost of living). Directs the President to adjust the limits annually to reflect inflation. Allows assistance to be provided for the duration of the period of financial hardship caused by the disaster, not to exceed 18 months. Requires recipients determined to be ineligible to return the full amount of assistance to the government.Makes this Act applicable to any major disaster declared on or after October 21, 2007.

mortgage rental disaster relief_act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act authorize president provide temporary_assistance form mortgage rental payments behalf individuals households result financial hardship caused major disaster received written notice eviction residence foreclosure mortgage lien cancellation sales contract lease termination entered disaster defines financial hardship include loss employment significant income job business business interest located disaster area suffering financially travel restrictions station road closures affecting residents area restricts eligibility assistance individuals households adjusted gross income individuals households resided area high cost living directs president adjust limits annually reflect inflation allows assistance provided duration period financial hardship caused disaster exceed months requires recipients determined ineligible return assistance government makes act applicable major disaster declared october


Summary: Disaster Rebuilding Assistance Act of 2007 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to increase the maximum amount of assistance available to individuals and households to $50,000 (the current limit is $25,000) with respect to a single major disaster. Authorizes the President to increase the amount for an individual or household residing in a state with a high cost of living. Makes this Act applicable to any major disaster declared on or after October 21, 2007.

disaster rebuilding assistance_act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act increase maximum assistance available individuals households current limit respect single major disaster authorizes president increase individual household residing state high cost living makes act applicable major disaster declared october


Summary: Streamlining Mitigation Actions and Recovery Tools and Regional Evacuation and Sheltering Planning of Overarching Networks for Severe Emergencies Act or the SMART RESPONSE Act - Prohibits the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from prohibiting or restricting the use by Louisiana under its Road Home Program of specified funds designated for that state under FEMA's hazard mitigation grant program for damage caused by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita based upon: (1) any Program requirement that limits the amount made available to an eligible homeowner who does not agree to remain an owner and occupant of a home in Louisiana or that waives the applicability of such limitation for homeowners who are elderly or senior citizens; or (2) the fact that an applicant for Program assistance commenced construction on a structure otherwise eligible for hazard mitigation assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act without the Administrator's approval. Requires the Administrator to transfer such funds to the state as soon as practicable. Directs the Administrator to identify and implement mechanisms to simplify program requirements and ensure the expedited distribution of such funds, including: (1) creating a programmatic cost-benefit analysis by similar project type, similar geographic factors, and other similarities rather than on a structure-by-structure basis; and (2) developing a streamlined environmental review process to speed the approval of project applications. Requires the President to waive requirements under the hazard mitigation grant program that a project be cost-effective and substantially reduce the risk of future damage, hardship, loss, or suffering resulting from a major disaster or specify alternative requirements if a state requests such waiver to facilitate the timely use of funds. Prohibits the President from waiving any such requirement relating to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, or the environment.Allows an individual grant recipient to receive funds before performance of the project for which that individual is seeking a grant if: (1) the Administrator approves the project; and (2) the recipient certifies to the state, and the state certifies to the Administrator, that the grant will be used in the performance of the project. Requires the individual grant recipient, after the expenditure of all grant funds, to submit a certification to the state grant recipient, and the state to submit a certification to the Administrator, regarding whether the funds were used in the performance of the approved project. Authorizes the Administrator to design and implement appropriate audit procedures and requirements. Directs the Administrator to provide annual reports to specified congressional committees on the mechanisms that are being utilized to expedite funding distribution.(Sec. 4) Directs the Administrator: (1) in coordination with the heads of appropriate federal agencies with responsibilities under the National Response Plan (NRP), states, local governments, and appropriate nongovernmental organizations, to submit to Congress regional evacuation and sheltering plans that address national interstate major disasters or emergencies, that incorporate all appropriate modes of transportation, that clearly define the roles and responsibilities of federal, state, and local governments in the evacuation plan, and that identify regional and national shelters capable of housing evacuees and victims of an emergency or major disaster in any part of the United States; (2) with the head of any federal agency with responsibilities under those plans, to implement those plans; and (3) in coordination with states, local governments, and appropriate nongovernmental entities, to develop a national database inventorying available shelters that can be shared with states and local governments.Requires the Administrator to conduct an analysis comparing the costs, benefits, and health and safety concerns of evacuating versus sheltering individuals with special needs during an emergency or major disaster, considering: (1) areas with populations of not less than 20,000 individuals needing medical assistance or lacking the ability to self evacuate; and (2) areas that do not have an all hazards resistance shelter.Directs the Administrator: (1) to provide technical assistance to states and local governments in developing and exercising evacuation and sheltering plans which identify and use regional shelters, manpower, logistics, physical facilities, and modes of transportation to evacuate and shelter large groups of people; and (2) in coordination with the heads of appropriate federal agencies with NRP responsibilities, to obtain and share with state, local, regional, and tribal governments information on evacuation statistics and monitoring from the Department of Transportation's (DOT) Evacuation Traffic Information System and other transportation data for planning purposes. Requires the Comptroller General to submit to Congress a report assessing the need to update that System to adequately address the needs of state, local, regional, and tribal governments.

streamlining mitigation actions recovery tools regional evacuation planning networks severe emergencies act smart response_act prohibits administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema prohibiting restricting use louisiana road home program specified funds designated state fema hazard mitigation grant program damage caused hurricane katrina hurricane rita based program requirement limits available eligible homeowner agree remain owner occupant home louisiana waives applicability limitation homeowners elderly senior citizens fact applicant program assistance commenced construction structure eligible hazard mitigation assistance robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act administrator approval requires administrator transfer funds state soon practicable directs administrator identify implement mechanisms simplify program requirements ensure expedited distribution funds including creating programmatic cost benefit analysis similar project type similar geographic factors similarities structure structure basis developing streamlined environmental review process speed approval project applications requires president waive requirements hazard mitigation grant program project cost effective substantially reduce risk future damage hardship loss suffering resulting major disaster specify alternative requirements state requests waiver facilitate timely use funds prohibits president waiving requirement relating fair housing nondiscrimination labor standards environment allows individual grant recipient receive funds performance project individual seeking grant administrator approves project recipient certifies state state certifies administrator grant performance project requires individual grant recipient expenditure grant funds submit certification state grant recipient state submit certification administrator funds performance approved project authorizes administrator design implement appropriate audit procedures requirements directs administrator provide annual reports specified congressional committees mechanisms utilized expedite funding directs administrator coordination heads appropriate federal agencies responsibilities national response plan states local governments appropriate nongovernmental organizations submit congress regional evacuation plans address national interstate major disasters emergencies incorporate appropriate modes transportation clearly define roles responsibilities federal state local governments evacuation plan identify regional national shelters capable housing victims emergency major disaster united_states head federal agency responsibilities plans implement plans coordination states local governments appropriate nongovernmental entities develop national database inventorying available shelters shared states local governments requires administrator conduct analysis comparing costs benefits health safety concerns versus individuals special needs emergency major disaster considering areas populations individuals needing medical assistance lacking ability self areas hazards resistance shelter directs administrator provide technical assistance states local governments developing exercising evacuation plans identify use regional shelters manpower logistics physical facilities modes transportation shelter large groups people coordination heads appropriate federal agencies responsibilities obtain share state local regional tribal governments information evacuation statistics monitoring department_of_transportation dot evacuation traffic information system transportation data planning purposes requires comptroller_general submit congress report assessing need update system adequately address needs state local regional tribal governments


Summary: Suspends limitations on the tax deduction for personal casualty losses for losses arising on or after January 1, 2007, and before March 1, 2008, in areas declared as major disasters due to tornado damage.

suspends limitations tax deduction personal casualty losses losses arising january march areas declared major disasters tornado damage