Summary: Disaster Response, Recovery, and Mitigation Enhancement Act of 2009 - Title I: Major Disaster and Emergency Assistance Administration - (Sec. 101) Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (Stafford Act) to: (1) require the President to award financial assistance under the pre-disaster hazard mitigation program on a competitive basis; and (2) authorize appropriations for such program through FY2012. Directs the President to ensure that the amount of financial assistance for pre-disaster hazard mitigation made available to a state for a fiscal year: (1) is not less than the lesser of $575,000 (currently, $500,000) or the amount equal to 1% of the total funds appropriated for the program for the fiscal year; and (2) does not exceed 15% of the total funds appropriated for that fiscal year for such assistance. (Sec. 102) Makes temporary or intermittent employees of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) hired in the aftermath of a disaster eligible to enroll in the Federal Employees Health Benefits Plan. Requires the President to report annually to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure and the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs (relevant congressional committees) on the implementation of this requirement. (Sec. 103) Authorizes the President to transfer excess materials, supplies, or equipment acquired for response or recovery efforts in connection with a major disaster or emergency to a state, local government, or relief organization to assist survivors of other major disasters, emergencies, or incidents. (Sec. 104) Directs the Administrator of FEMA to: (1) continue to administer the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System (System); (2) provide for a national network of standardized search and rescue resources to assist states and local governments in responding to hazards; (3) designate task forces to participate in the System and determine participation criteria; and (4) enter into annual preparedness cooperative agreements with task force sponsoring agencies. Treats a System member who is appointed into federal service under this section, who suffers personal injury, illness, disability, or death as a result of a personal injury sustained while acting in the scope of such appointment, as though the member were an employee who had sustained the injury in the performance of duty. Sets forth provisions regarding election of benefits, reimbursement for state or local benefits, liability protection, and employment and reemployment rights. Directs the Administrator to establish and maintain an advisory committee to assist in administering the System. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2012. (Sec. 105) Provides for the establishment in the Treasury of a Disaster Relief Fund. Makes amounts in the Fund available to the President: (1) to provide assistance in response to a major disaster or emergency; and (2) for FEMA programs and activities that support the provision of such assistance. Limits amounts available from the fund to $350 million in any fiscal year. Directs the President to report to Congress annually on the uses of the Fund. Authorizes appropriations. Title II: Major Disaster and Emergency Assistance Programs - (Sec. 201) Amends the Stafford Act to authorize the President to: (1) increase disaster mitigation assistance to states that are actively enforcing approved building codes; and (2) provide temporary assistance in the form of mortgage or rental payments for individuals and families who, because of financial hardship caused by a major disaster, are at imminent risk of dispossession or eviction from a residence. (Sec. 204) Directs the Administrator to: (1) implement a plan to ensure that FEMA is the lead federal agency in coordinating and managing case management services for survivors of a major disaster; and (2) report to the relevant congressional committees detailing actions taken to ensure that FEMA is the lead agency and to involve qualified relief or disaster assistance organizations to assist in providing case management services. (Sec. 205) Authorizes the President, in any emergency, to provide assistance for rescue, care, shelter, and essential needs to individuals with household pets and service animals and to such pets and animals. (Sec. 206) Directs the Administrator to: (1) complete an assessment to determine the number of temporary housing units that FEMA needs to maintain in stock to respond appropriately to emergencies or major disasters occurring after the enactment of this Act; and (2) establish criteria for determining whether the individual temporary housing units stored by FEMA are in suitable condition. Requires the Administrator to establish a plan for: (1) storing the number of temporary housing units that FEMA needs to maintain in stock; (2) selling, transferring, donating, or otherwise disposing of the temporary housing units in FEMA's inventory that are in excess of the number of temporary housing units that FEMA needs to maintain in stock and that are in suitable condition; and (3) disposing of temporary housing units in FEMA's inventory that the Administrator determines are not in suitable condition. Requires the Administrator to implement such plan not later than nine months after the enactment of this Act and to complete the sale, transfer, donation, or other disposal of all housing units within two years after enactment. Requires the Administrator of General Services (GSA) to dispose of temporary housing units in a manner that ensures that the trailers are not able to be used for housing and are salvaged or scrapped. Authorizes the Administrator to transfer or donate to states, on a priority basis, excess temporary housing units in FEMA's inventory that are in suitable condition. Requires the states to agree to specified conditions, including: (1) to use the units to provide temporary housing to survivors of incidents that are caused by hazards and that the governor of the state determines require state assistance; (2) to pay to store and maintain the units in suitable condition; (3) to test the units for formaldehyde; (4) to ensure that the formaldehyde levels of the units do not exceed the threshold determined acceptable by the state before making the units available to house survivors of an incident; (5) in the event of a major disaster or emergency declared for the state by the President under the Stafford Act, to make the units available to the President or use the units to provide housing directly to survivors; (6) to comply with the Stafford Act's nondiscrimination provisions; and (7) to obtain and maintain hazard and flood insurance on the units. (Sec. 207) Amends the Stafford Act to allow the Administrator to sell excess temporary housing units to a state, governmental entity, or voluntary organization to provide temporary housing to disaster victims in disasters and incidents caused by a hazard that do not result in a declaration of a major disaster or emergency, subject to specified requirements. (Sec. 208) Directs the President to establish the criteria required under the Stafford Act regarding administration of hazard mitigation assistance by states. (Sec. 209) Amends the Stafford Act to allow an increase (from 10% to 15%) in the amount of pre-disaster mitigation program funds that a state may use to disseminate information about cost-effective mitigation technologies, if approved by the President. Title III: Other Matters - (Sec. 301) Amends the Stafford Act to authorize the Administrator to make grants to provide for implementation of the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC). Makes states and the Administrator of EMAC eligible to receive grants. Requires grants to be used to: (1) carry out recommendations identified in the EMAC after-action reports for the 2004 and 2005 hurricane seasons; (2) administer Compact operations on behalf of states that have enacted the Compact; (3) continue coordination with FEMA and appropriate federal agencies; (4) continue coordination with states and local governments and their respective national organizations; and (5) assist state and local governments, emergency response providers, and organizations representing such providers with credentialing the providers and the typing of emergency response resources. Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2012. Repeals previous grant authority for EMAC under the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006. (Sec. 302) Authorizes the President to make grants for disaster relief with funds or other bequests, gifts, and donations. (Sec. 303) Directs the Administrator, in cooperation with representatives of state and local emergency management agencies, to review, update, and revise through rulemaking the factors considered to measure the severity, magnitude, and impact of a disaster, in evaluating the need for disaster assistance to individuals. (Sec. 305) Requires federal coordinating officers: (1) not later than one month after the declaration of a major disaster or emergency, to make an initial appraisal of the types of recovery assistance needed that incorporates recommendations of the federal interagency disaster recovery task force (established by this Act); and (2) coordinate with state government officials the establishment of detailed short-term and long-term recovery plans and methods for implementing such plans. (Sec. 306) Directs the President to establish a federal interagency disaster recovery task force, chaired by the Administrator, to: (1) identify, maintain a catalogue of, and submit to the relevant congressional committees at least annually a report describing the federal programs that may be used to assist in recovery efforts after a major disaster or emergency and make such report available to the public on the Internet; and (2) ensure ongoing communication between the federal departments and agencies determined by the President to administer such programs to enhance and expedite the recovery efforts of the federal government with respect to a major disaster or emergency. (Sec. 307) Requires the federal share for debris removal under the Stafford Act to be increased by 5% for states and local governments that: (1) have a debris management plan approved by the Administrator; and (2) have prequalified two or more debris and wreckage removal contractors before the date of declaration of the major disaster. Requires a debris management plan to be resubmitted to the Administrator for approval every four years to qualify for the increased federal share. (Sec. 308) Directs the President to: (1) review, not later than one year after the enactment of this Act, regulations and policies relating to federal disaster assistance to eliminate regulations the President determines are no longer relevant, to harmonize contradictory regulations, and to simplify and expedite disaster recovery and assistance; and (2) report on such review to the relevant congressional committees . (Sec. 309) Changes the deadline by which a decision on appeals on disaster assistance must be rendered, from 90 days to 60 days of receiving notice of the appeal. Requires: (1) a federal official who fails to satisfy that requirement to provide a written explanation of such failure to the applicant for appeal; and (2) the President to transmit quarterly reports to the relevant congressional committees on such failures. (Sec. 310) Revises requirements relating to the repair, restoration, and replacement of public facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster. Reduces from $20 million to $5 million the monetary threshold for contributions to states or local governments for repair, restoration, and replacement of public facilities about which the President must notify specified congressional committees. Requires the President to transmit, not less frequently than every 180 days, to the relevant congressional committees, a report on the status of applications, obligations, and contributions with respect to each major disaster. Requires the President, not later than 180 days after the enactment of this Act, to issue and begin to implement regulations to provide for cost estimation procedures that expedite recovery and to reduce the costs and time for completion of recovery projects through the creation of financial and performance incentives. (Sec. 311) Authorizes the President to utilize special procedures to assist states in which a major disaster has caused extensive and widespread damage and destruction in expediting the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of eligible facilities. Requires the President, within 10 days after making an affirmative determination that assistance is appropriate (or at a later date if requested by the state's governor), to provide the state with assistance to develop a plan. Authorizes the President: (1) to provide financial and technical assistance to states, including assistance through EMAC; and (2) in providing assistance under the special procedures, to make a contribution of up to 100% of the federal share of the federal estimate of the cost of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing a facility, for large in-lieu contributions, if the President determines a contribution in that amount is in the public interest. Directs the Administrator to issue: (1) an interim final rule to establish special procedures within 180 days of the enactment of this Act; and (2) a final rule to establish such procedures within two years after the interim final rule takes effect, after considering public comments and the findings of the Inspector General of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Requires the Administrator to consider, at a minimum: (1) the Administrator's authority and procedures used under the Stafford Act; and (2) whether modifications of or alternatives to the special procedures are warranted in the event of widespread and extensive damage and destruction to expedite the repair, restoration, reconstruction, or replacement of eligible facilities and to assist a state in implementing a plan. Directs the Inspector General, within 90 days after the interim final rule takes effect, to submit to the Administrator a report on implementation of the special procedures, with recommendations on improved implementation and any recommendations for legislation.

disaster response recovery mitigation enhancement_act title major disaster emergency assistance administration sec amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act stafford act require president award financial assistance pre disaster hazard mitigation program competitive basis authorize appropriations program fy2012 directs president ensure financial assistance pre disaster hazard mitigation available state fiscal year lesser currently equal total funds appropriated program fiscal year exceed total funds appropriated fiscal year assistance sec makes temporary intermittent employees federal_emergency_management_agency fema hired disaster eligible enroll federal_employees_health benefits plan requires president report annually house_committee_on_transportation_and_infrastructure senate_committee_on_homeland_security governmental_affairs relevant congressional committees implementation requirement sec authorizes president transfer excess materials supplies equipment acquired response recovery efforts connection major disaster emergency state local government relief organization assist survivors major disasters emergencies incidents sec directs administrator fema continue administer national urban search rescue response system system provide national network standardized search rescue resources assist states local governments responding hazards designate task forces participate system determine participation criteria enter annual preparedness cooperative agreements task_force sponsoring agencies treats system member appointed federal service section suffers personal injury illness disability death result personal injury sustained acting scope appointment member employee sustained injury performance duty sets forth provisions election benefits reimbursement state local benefits liability protection employment reemployment rights directs administrator establish maintain advisory_committee assist administering system authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2012 sec provides establishment treasury disaster relief fund makes amounts fund available president provide assistance response major disaster emergency fema programs activities support provision assistance limits amounts available fund million fiscal year directs president report congress annually uses fund authorizes appropriations title major disaster emergency assistance programs sec amends stafford act authorize president increase disaster mitigation assistance states actively enforcing approved building codes provide temporary_assistance form mortgage rental payments individuals families financial hardship caused major disaster imminent risk eviction residence sec directs administrator implement plan ensure fema lead federal agency coordinating managing case management services survivors major disaster report relevant congressional committees detailing actions taken ensure fema lead agency involve qualified relief disaster assistance organizations assist providing case management services sec authorizes president emergency provide assistance rescue care shelter essential needs individuals household pets service animals pets animals sec directs administrator complete assessment determine number temporary housing units fema needs maintain stock respond appropriately emergencies major disasters occurring enactment act establish criteria determining individual temporary housing units stored fema suitable condition requires administrator establish plan storing number temporary housing units fema needs maintain stock selling transferring donating disposing temporary housing units fema inventory excess number temporary housing units fema needs maintain stock suitable condition disposing temporary housing units fema inventory administrator determines suitable condition requires administrator implement plan later months enactment act complete sale transfer donation disposal housing units years enactment requires administrator general_services gsa dispose temporary housing units manner ensures trailers able housing authorizes administrator transfer donate states priority basis excess temporary housing units fema inventory suitable condition requires states agree specified conditions including use units provide temporary housing survivors incidents caused hazards governor state determines require state assistance pay store maintain units suitable condition test units formaldehyde ensure formaldehyde levels units exceed threshold determined acceptable state making units available house survivors incident event major disaster emergency declared state president stafford act units available president use units provide housing directly survivors comply stafford act nondiscrimination provisions obtain maintain hazard flood insurance units sec amends stafford act allow administrator sell excess temporary housing units state governmental entity voluntary organization provide temporary housing disaster victims disasters incidents caused hazard result declaration major disaster emergency subject specified requirements sec directs president establish criteria required stafford act administration hazard mitigation assistance states sec amends stafford act allow increase pre disaster mitigation program funds state use disseminate information cost effective mitigation technologies approved president title iii matters sec amends stafford act authorize administrator grants provide implementation emergency management assistance compact makes states administrator eligible receive grants requires grants carry recommendations identified action reports hurricane administer compact operations behalf states enacted compact continue coordination fema appropriate federal agencies continue coordination states local governments respective national organizations assist state local governments emergency response providers organizations representing providers credentialing providers emergency response resources authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2012 repeals previous grant authority post-katrina_emergency_management_reform_act sec authorizes president grants disaster relief funds bequests gifts donations sec directs administrator cooperation representatives state local emergency management agencies review update revise rulemaking factors considered measure severity magnitude impact disaster evaluating need disaster assistance individuals sec requires federal coordinating officers later month declaration major disaster emergency initial appraisal types recovery assistance needed incorporates recommendations federal interagency disaster recovery task_force established act coordinate state government officials establishment detailed short term long term recovery plans methods implementing plans sec directs president establish federal interagency disaster recovery task_force chaired administrator identify maintain catalogue submit relevant congressional committees annually report describing federal programs assist recovery efforts major disaster emergency report available public internet ensure ongoing communication federal departments agencies determined president administer programs enhance expedite recovery efforts federal_government respect major disaster emergency sec requires federal share debris removal stafford act increased states local governments debris management plan approved administrator debris removal contractors date declaration major disaster requires debris management plan resubmitted administrator approval years qualify increased federal share sec directs president review later year enactment act regulations policies relating federal disaster assistance eliminate regulations president determines longer relevant harmonize regulations simplify expedite disaster recovery assistance report review relevant congressional committees sec changes deadline decision appeals disaster assistance rendered days days receiving notice appeal requires federal official fails satisfy requirement provide written explanation failure applicant appeal president transmit quarterly reports relevant congressional committees failures sec revises requirements relating repair restoration replacement public facilities damaged destroyed major disaster reduces million million monetary threshold contributions states local governments repair restoration replacement public facilities president notify specified congressional committees requires president transmit frequently days relevant congressional committees report status applications obligations contributions respect major disaster requires president later days enactment act issue begin implement regulations provide cost estimation procedures expedite recovery reduce costs time completion recovery projects creation financial performance incentives sec authorizes president utilize special procedures assist states major disaster caused extensive widespread damage destruction expediting repair restoration reconstruction replacement eligible facilities requires president days making affirmative determination assistance appropriate later date requested state governor provide state assistance develop plan authorizes president provide financial technical assistance states including assistance providing assistance special procedures contribution federal share federal estimate cost repairing restoring reconstructing replacing facility large lieu contributions president determines contribution public interest directs administrator issue interim final rule establish special procedures days enactment act final rule establish procedures years interim final rule takes effect considering public comments findings inspector_general department_of_homeland_security dhs requires administrator consider minimum administrator authority procedures stafford act modifications alternatives special procedures warranted event widespread extensive damage destruction expedite repair restoration reconstruction replacement eligible facilities assist state implementing plan directs inspector_general days interim final rule takes effect submit administrator report implementation special procedures recommendations improved implementation recommendations legislation


Summary: Declares inapplicable to any area located in Coastal Barrier Resources System unit P30 or FL-92 in Gulf County, Florida,certain federal expenditure limitations in the Coastal Barrier Resources Act and certain limitations on flood insurance coverage in the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968.

declares inapplicable area located coastal barrier resources system unit gulf county florida certain federal expenditure limitations coastal_barrier_resources_act certain limitations flood insurance coverage national_flood_insurance_act


Summary: Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to prohibit the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) from updating a flood plain area or a flood risk zone in a geographic area that meets the following conditions: (1) the area is intended to be protected by a levee that the Army Corps of Engineers determines has a design deficiency; (2) the entity responsible for the repair of such levee has implemented a repair plan that has been developed by the Corps or a professional licensed engineer and approved by the Corps or FEMA, that is based on sufficient and reasonably current design data that accurately reflects the condition of such levee and other flood protection facilities in the area, that will provide protection from the 1% annual chance flood for the area, and that includes an adequate financing mechanism; and (3) each state or local government with jurisdiction over any portion of the geographic area has implemented a surveillance and operations plan to provide for timely alerts and immediate remedial action when significant underseepage or potential failure occurs, has an evacuation plan, and has implemented an outreach and communication plan to advise occupants of potential flood risks, the opportunity to purchase flood insurance, and the consequences of failure to purchase insurance. Exempts a geographic area if the Director: (1) determines that the area is protected by a system that provides protection from the 1% annual chance flood; or (2) has suspended the updating of flood plain areas or flood risk zones in such area in accordance with this Act for seven consecutive years.

amends national_flood_insurance_act prohibit director federal_emergency_management_agency fema updating flood plain area flood risk zone geographic area meets following conditions area intended protected levee army_corps_of_engineers determines design deficiency entity responsible repair levee implemented repair plan developed corps professional licensed engineer approved corps fema based sufficient reasonably current design data accurately reflects condition levee flood protection facilities area provide protection annual chance flood area includes adequate financing mechanism state local government jurisdiction portion geographic area implemented surveillance operations plan provide timely alerts immediate remedial action significant potential failure occurs evacuation plan implemented outreach communication plan advise occupants potential flood risks opportunity purchase flood insurance consequences failure purchase insurance exempts geographic area director determines area protected system provides protection annual chance flood suspended updating flood plain areas flood risk zones area accordance act seven consecutive years


Summary: Disaster Assistance Voting Act of 2009 - Applies certain protections for absent military and overseas voters to individuals evacuated (eligible evacuees) as a result of a major disaster. Requires any eligible evacuee to be treated in the same manner as an absentee uniformed services voter and overseas voter for purposes of the Uniformed and Overseas Citizens Absentee Voting Act. Deems such an individual to be entitled to vote by absentee ballot for purposes of the National Voter Reigistration Act of 1993 and the Help America Vote Act of 2002. Directs the Election Assistance Commission to make grants to eligible states to: (1) restore and replace supplies, materials, and equipment used in the state election administration which were damaged as a result of a major natural disaster; and (2) conduct outreach and education for voters displaced for the same reason. Amends the National Voter Registration Act of 1993 to require delay for at least three (currently, two) consecutive federal general elections before removal of eligible evacuees from the official list of voters by reason of their not voting or appearing to vote in several consecutive such elections. Requires each motor vehicle authority and each voter registration agency in a state to take necessary steps to notify individuals to whom their services are provided of the protections afforded by this Act and of the requirements for obtaining them, including submission of an affidavit stating that the individual intends to return to the place of residence where the individual is otherwise qualified to vote. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the President to send a similar notice to each individual and household receiving assistance under that Act.

disaster assistance voting act applies certain protections absent military overseas voters individuals evacuated eligible result major disaster requires eligible treated manner absentee uniformed_services voter overseas voter purposes uniformed overseas citizens absentee voting act deems individual entitled vote absentee ballot purposes national voter act help_america_vote_act directs election_assistance_commission grants eligible states restore replace supplies materials equipment state election administration damaged result major natural disaster conduct outreach education voters displaced reason amends national voter registration act require delay currently consecutive federal general elections removal eligible official list voters reason voting appearing vote consecutive elections requires motor vehicle authority voter registration agency state necessary steps notify individuals services provided protections afforded act requirements obtaining including submission affidavit stating individual intends return place residence individual qualified vote amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act direct president send similar notice individual household receiving assistance act


Summary: Smart Housing in Disasters Act of 2009 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to cover as a major disaster any "catastrophic incident" as defined by the Homeland Security Act, namely any natural disaster, act of terrorism, or other man-made disaster that results in extraordinary levels of casualties or damage or disruption severely affecting the population (including mass evacuations), infrastructure, environment, economy, national morale, or government functions in an area. Amends the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006 to direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to develop, as an annex to the National Disaster Housing Strategy, lifecycle plans and tracking procedures for housing units provided to individuals and households affected by an emergency or major disaster that establishes policies for procurement, delivery, installation, maintenance, deactivation, and disposal of the units. Requires the plan to: (1) emphasize the acquisition of housing units that can be recycled and reused for multiple emergencies or major disasters; and (2) include a process for the Administrator to track each housing unit from its date of acquisition through its date of disposal. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the President to alter any housing unit unsuitable for habitation, before its disposal through sale to a recycler or other purchaser, in a manner that will prevent the unit from being used for habitation.

smart housing disasters act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act cover major disaster catastrophic incident defined homeland_security act natural disaster act terrorism man disaster results extraordinary levels casualties damage disruption severely affecting population including mass infrastructure environment economy national morale government functions area amends post-katrina_emergency_management_reform_act direct administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema develop annex national disaster housing strategy lifecycle plans tracking procedures housing units provided individuals households affected emergency major disaster establishes policies procurement delivery installation maintenance disposal units requires plan emphasize acquisition housing units recycled multiple emergencies major disasters include process administrator track housing unit date acquisition date disposal amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act direct president alter housing unit unsuitable habitation disposal sale purchaser manner prevent unit habitation


Summary: Disaster Recovery Improvement Act - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to increase the maximum total contributions for a major disaster by 5% under such Act if, at the time of a declaration of a major disaster, the affected state has in effect and is actively enforcing an approved building code. Sets forth state building code submission and approval requirements, including use of the nationally recognized model building code as a minimum standard. Directs the President, in making a contribution to a state or local government or a person that owns a nonprofit facility for repair, restoration, and replacement of a damaged facility, to provide not less than 50% of the President's initial estimate of the federal share as an initial payment. Provides for expedited payments. Requires the federal share for debris removal to be increased by 5% for states and local governments that have: (1) a debris management plan approved by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA); (2) prequalified two or more debris and wreckage removal contractors before the date of declaration of the major disaster; and (3) resubmitted such plan to the Administrator for approval every four years. Allows a recipient of a debris removal grant to: (1) use funds for the costs of recycling debris and wreckage resulting from a major disaster; and (2) retain any financial benefit received from the salvage. Increases the period for appeals of disaster assistance decisions. Directs the Administrator to review, update, and revise the factors considered to measure the severity, magnitude, and impact of a disaster. Authorizes the President to provide emergency assistance to pets and animals and their owners.

disaster recovery improvement act_-_amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act authorize president increase maximum total contributions major disaster act time declaration major disaster affected state effect actively enforcing approved building code sets forth state building code submission approval requirements including use nationally recognized model building code minimum standard directs president making contribution state local government person owns nonprofit facility repair restoration replacement damaged facility provide president initial estimate federal share initial payment provides expedited payments requires federal share debris removal increased states local governments debris management plan approved administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema debris removal contractors date declaration major disaster resubmitted plan administrator approval years allows recipient debris removal grant use funds costs recycling debris resulting major disaster retain financial benefit received salvage increases period appeals disaster assistance decisions directs administrator review update revise factors considered measure severity magnitude impact disaster authorizes president provide emergency assistance pets animals owners


Summary: Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, upon determining that there is extensive damage resulting from a major disaster, to allow a state or local government or private nonprofit facility to consolidate contributions received as a lump sum payment to repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace more than one public facility. Allows a state or local government and a private nonprofit facility to choose whether or not to repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace one or more of such facilities after assessing the need.Sets the federal cost share for a public facility at 100% of: (1) the federal estimate of the cost of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing the facilities; and (2) management expenses.

amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act authorize president determining extensive damage resulting major disaster allow state local government private nonprofit facility consolidate contributions received lump sum payment repair restore reconstruct replace public facility allows state local government private nonprofit facility choose repair restore reconstruct replace facilities assessing need sets federal cost share public facility federal estimate cost repairing restoring reconstructing replacing facilities management expenses


Summary: Disaster Relief and Recovery Development Act of 2009 - Directs the Comptroller General to conduct a study on the ability of existing alert and warning systems to provide information relating to disasters to individuals with limited English proficiency. Requires the President to: (1) review regulations and policies relating to federal disaster assistance to eliminate regulations that are no longer relevant, to harmonize contradictory regulations, and to simplify and expedite disaster recovery and assistance; and (2) issue and implement regulations required under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide procedures for estimating the cost of repairing or replacing a facility damaged or destroyed by a major disaster that expedite recovery and reduce the costs and time for completion of recovery projects through the creation of financial and performance incentives. Amends such Act to: (1) prohibit a state or local government from using more than 15% (currently, 10%) of the financial assistance received by it for implementing approved predisaster hazard mitigation measures for a fiscal year under such Act to fund activities to disseminate information regarding cost-effective mitigation technologies; and (2) require the federal coordinating officer of a major disaster area to make an initial appraisal of the recovery assistance needed within one month after the disaster is declared and to coordinate detailed recovery plans with state officials. Directs the President: (1) in carrying out requirements to form federal emergency support teams for major disaster areas, to establish at least three national recovery teams, sufficient regional recovery teams, including Regional Office strike teams, and other teams as necessary to meet incident management responsibilities; (2) to establish a federal interagency disaster recovery task force to maintain a catalogue of, and ensure communications among, federal programs that may be used to assist in disaster recovery efforts; and (3) to notify specified congressional committees before making any contribution in an amount greater than $5 million (currently, $20 million) for the repair, restoration, and replacement of damaged facilities,. Permits the President, upon determining that there is extensive and widespread damage and destruction resulting from a major disaster, to allow a state or local government or a private nonprofit facility to consolidate contributions received as a lump sum payment to repair, restore, reconstruct, or replace more than one public facility.

disaster relief recovery development act directs comptroller_general conduct study ability existing alert warning systems provide information relating disasters individuals limited english proficiency requires president review regulations policies relating federal disaster assistance eliminate regulations longer relevant harmonize regulations simplify expedite disaster recovery assistance issue implement regulations required robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act provide procedures estimating cost repairing replacing facility damaged destroyed major disaster expedite recovery reduce costs time completion recovery projects creation financial performance incentives amends act prohibit state local government currently financial assistance received implementing approved hazard mitigation measures fiscal year act fund activities disseminate information cost effective mitigation technologies require federal coordinating officer major disaster area initial appraisal recovery assistance needed month disaster declared coordinate detailed recovery plans state officials directs president carrying requirements form federal emergency support teams major disaster areas establish national recovery teams sufficient regional recovery teams including regional office strike teams teams necessary meet incident management responsibilities establish federal interagency disaster recovery task_force maintain catalogue ensure communications federal programs assist disaster recovery efforts notify specified congressional committees making contribution greater million currently million repair restoration replacement damaged facilities permits president determining extensive widespread damage destruction resulting major disaster allow state local government private nonprofit facility consolidate contributions received lump sum payment repair restore reconstruct replace public facility


Summary: Small Business Disaster Readiness and Reform Act of 2009 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Small Business Act to prohibit the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA), in making a small business disaster loan of $250,000 or less, from requiring a borrower to use the borrower's home as collateral. (Sec. 3) Increases the SBA disaster loan limit to $3 million. Prohibits the Administrator from requiring repayment on such loans until 12 months after final disbursement of the approved loan amount. (Sec. 5) Provides specific disbursement directions for each of the following categories of loans: (1) $150,000 or less; (2) more than $150,000 up to $500,000; and (3) more than $500,000. (Sec. 6) Authorizes the Administrator to make a disaster assistance grant of up to $100,000 to a small business that: (1) is located in an area affected by a major disaster; (2) certifies its intention to reestablish the business in the same county as originally located; (3) has applied and was rejected for a conventional disaster assistance loan; and (4) was in existence for at least two years before the disaster declaration. Provides a grant priority for small businesses determined to be economically viable but unable to meet short-term financial obligations. Authorizes grants of $100 million for each of FY2010-FY2011 and authorizes appropriations for such grants. (Sec. 7) Directs the Administrator to develop a disaster preparedness and response plan for each SBA region. Requires each plan to identify the three disasters, natural or manmade, most likely to occur in such region. (Sec. 8) Authorizes the Administrator to make outreach grants for loan application assistance to the following in areas affected by a disaster: (1) a women's business center; (2) a small business development center; (3) a veterans business outreach center; and (4) a chamber of commerce. Authorizes grants for each of FY2010-FY2011. (Sec. 9) Authorizes the Administrator to make a loan to any homeowner whose primary residence has been adversely impacted by the installation of toxic drywall manufactured in China. Allows the loan to be used only for the repair or replacement of such drywall. (Sec. 10) Authorizes appropriations for FY2010-FY2011 for administrative expenses and small business disaster assistance loans.

small business disaster readiness reform_act sec amends small_business_act prohibit administrator small_business_administration sba making small business disaster loan requiring borrower use borrower home collateral sec increases sba disaster loan limit million prohibits administrator requiring repayment loans months final disbursement approved loan sec provides specific disbursement directions following categories loans sec authorizes administrator disaster assistance grant small business located area affected major disaster certifies intention reestablish business county originally located applied rejected conventional disaster assistance loan existence years disaster declaration provides grant priority small businesses determined economically viable unable meet short term financial obligations authorizes grants million fy2010 fy2011 authorizes appropriations grants sec directs administrator develop disaster preparedness response plan sba region requires plan identify disasters natural manmade likely occur region sec authorizes administrator outreach grants loan application assistance following areas affected disaster women business center small business development center veterans business outreach center chamber commerce authorizes grants fy2010 fy2011 sec authorizes administrator loan homeowner primary residence adversely impacted installation toxic drywall manufactured china allows loan repair replacement drywall sec authorizes appropriations fy2010 fy2011 administrative expenses small business disaster assistance loans


Summary: Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009 - (Sec. 2) Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to reauthorize through FY2014 the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA's) Assistance to Firefighters Grants (AFG) program and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) program. Modifies the scope of the AFG program, including by permitting the use of grant funds for volunteer, non-fire service emergency medical services organizations and for certifying fire and building inspectors employed by a fire department or serving as a volunteer building inspector with a fire department. Prohibits providing program funds to the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) or any of its affiliates, subsidiaries, or allied organizations. Increases: (1) funding for fire prevention and firefighter safety programs; and (2) maximum AFG grant amounts. Lowers matching and maintenance of expenditure requirements and authorizes the Administrator of FEMA to waive or reduce such requirements for applicants facing demonstrated economic hardship. Revises grant allocation requirements to require 25% of grant amounts for a fiscal year to be allocated to each of: (1) career fire departments; (2) volunteer fire departments; (3) combination fire departments. Requires remaining amounts to be awarded on a competitive basis among such fire departments. Revises grant limits based on jurisdiction populations. Sets forth new limits on awards to state fire training academies. Limits grant amounts used to obtain training to training that complies with applicable national voluntary consensus standards. Amends SAFER program provisions to: (1) limit the period of program grants to three years; (2) require grantees to commit to retaining firefighters hired for the entire grant period, with an economic hardship exception; and (3) limit to 80% the portion of the cost of hiring firefighters for each fiscal year that may be provided under a grant. (Sec. 3) Directs the Administrator of FEMA to make grants directly to career, volunteer, and combination fire departments for the purpose of increasing the number of firefighters to help communities meet industry minimum standards and attain 24-hour staffing to provide adequate protection from fire and fire-related hazards and to fulfill traditional missions of fire departments that antedate the creation of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). (Sec. 4) Requires the Administrator of the United States Fire Administration, in conjunction with the National Fire Protection Association, to conduct and report to Congress on a study to: (1) define the current roles and activities associated with the fire services on a national, state, regional, and local level: (2) identify the equipment, staffing, and training required to fulfill such roles and activities; (3) conduct an assessment to identify gaps between what fire departments currently possess and what they require on a national and state-by-state basis; and (4) measure the impact of the AFG program in meeting the needs and filling the gaps identified. Authorizes appropriations. (Sec. 5) Directs the Secretary of Homeland Security to: (1) conduct a survey to ascertain whether each career fire department, volunteer fire department, and combination fire department in the United States is in compliance with the national voluntary consensus standards for staffing, training, safe operations, personal protective equipment, and fitness; and (2) establish a Task Force to Enhance Firefighter Safety. (Sec. 6) Prohibits using any funds appropriated to carry out this Act for a congressional earmark.

fire grants reauthorization act sec amends federal_fire_prevention control act reauthorize fy2014 federal_emergency_management_agency fema assistance firefighters grants program staffing adequate fire emergency response safer program modifies scope program including permitting use grant funds volunteer non fire service emergency medical services organizations certifying fire building inspectors employed fire department serving volunteer building inspector fire department prohibits providing program funds association_of_community_organizations_for_reform acorn affiliates subsidiaries allied organizations increases funding fire prevention firefighter safety programs maximum grant amounts lowers matching maintenance expenditure requirements authorizes administrator fema waive reduce requirements applicants facing demonstrated economic hardship revises grant allocation requirements require grant amounts fiscal year allocated career fire departments volunteer fire departments combination fire departments requires remaining amounts awarded competitive basis fire departments revises grant limits based jurisdiction populations sets forth new limits awards state fire training academies limits grant amounts obtain training training complies applicable national voluntary consensus standards amends safer program provisions limit period program grants years require grantees commit retaining firefighters hired entire grant period economic hardship exception limit portion cost hiring firefighters fiscal year provided grant sec directs administrator fema grants directly career volunteer combination fire departments purpose increasing number firefighters help communities meet industry minimum standards attain hour staffing provide adequate protection fire fire related hazards fulfill traditional missions fire departments creation department_of_homeland_security dhs sec requires administrator united_states_fire_administration conjunction national fire protection association conduct report congress study define current roles activities associated fire services national state regional local level identify equipment staffing training required fulfill roles activities conduct assessment identify gaps fire departments currently possess require national state state basis measure impact program meeting needs filling gaps identified authorizes appropriations sec directs secretary homeland_security conduct survey ascertain career fire department volunteer fire department combination fire department united_states compliance national voluntary consensus standards staffing training safe operations personal protective equipment fitness establish task_force enhance firefighter safety sec prohibits funds appropriated carry act congressional earmark


Summary: Catastrophe Obligation Guarantee Act of 2009 - Directs the Secretary of the Treasury to guarantee holders against loss of principal, interest, or both, on obligations issued by eligible state programs that are established to provide insurance and reinsurance coverage for residential property in the case of catastrophic events. Prescribes standards for eligible state programs, and for catastrophic debt guarantees. Limits the aggregate principal amount of guaranteed debt following a catastrophic event to the amount by which the insured losses expected to be sustained by the state program as a result of the events exceed 80% of: (1) the qualifying assets of an eligible state program as stated in its most recent quarterly financial statement filed with the domiciliary regulator; or (2) a state's unrestricted net assets as stated in its annual financial statement. Pledges the full faith and credit of the United States to the payment of all guarantees issued under the program. Limits the aggregate total principal amount of guaranteed debt obligations to: (1) $5 billion for earthquake peril; and (2) $20 billion for all other perils. Makes appropriations to satisfy debt guarantee commitments and attendant administrative expenses.

catastrophe obligation guarantee act directs secretary treasury guarantee holders loss principal interest obligations issued eligible state programs established provide insurance reinsurance coverage residential property case catastrophic events prescribes standards eligible state programs catastrophic debt guarantees limits aggregate principal guaranteed debt following catastrophic event insured losses expected sustained state program result events exceed qualifying assets eligible state program stated recent quarterly financial statement filed domiciliary regulator state unrestricted net assets stated annual financial statement pledges faith credit united_states payment guarantees issued program limits aggregate total principal guaranteed debt obligations billion earthquake billion makes appropriations satisfy debt guarantee commitments attendant administrative expenses


Summary: Directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS), with respect to a state in the calculation for it of the Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (FMAP), to substitute the state's average historical per capita income for a year in any instance for which the Secretary would use the state's per capita income for such year if: (1) in such year the state's per capita income exceeds the average historical per capita income by at least 8%; and (2) during such year or any of the two previous years a major disaster was declared in the state by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.

directs secretary health_and_human_services hhs respect state calculation federal medical assistance percentage fmap substitute state average historical capita income year instance secretary use state capita income year year state capita income exceeds average historical capita income year previous years major disaster declared state president robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act


Summary: Fair Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to make permanent: (1) the enhanced tax deduction for net losses incurred in federally declared disasters; (2) the $500 limit on the tax deduction for individual casualty losses; (3) expensing of certain disaster abatement and cleanup expenses; (4) the tax deduction for net operating losses attributable to a federally declared disaster; (5) eligibility for tax-exempt bond financing for repair of principal residences destroyed or damaged in a federally declared disaster; and (6) the bonus depreciation allowance for property in a disaster area.

fair disaster tax relief_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code permanent enhanced tax deduction net losses incurred federally declared disasters limit tax deduction individual casualty losses expensing certain disaster abatement cleanup expenses tax deduction net operating losses attributable federally declared disaster eligibility tax exempt bond financing repair principal residences destroyed damaged federally declared disaster bonus depreciation allowance property disaster area


Summary: Disaster Assistance Reform Act of 2009 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the President to provide assistance under such Act to an individual or household adversely affected by a major disaster if: (1) such individual or household resides in a county included in a request for a major disaster declaration made by the governor of a state; (2) such state is contiguous to a state for which a major disaster has been declared; and (3) certain counties in each state have comparable damage estimates. Sets forth criteria for determining whether damage estimates are comparable.

disaster assistance reform_act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act direct president provide assistance act individual household adversely affected major disaster individual household resides county included request major disaster declaration governor state state contiguous state major disaster declared certain counties state comparable damage estimates sets forth criteria determining damage estimates comparable


Summary: Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to provide that an increase in the risk premium rate charged for covered properties mapped into a higher-risk flood zone as the result of an update to a Flood Insurance Rate Map (post-FIRM properties) shall be limited to an annual increase for 5 years of 20% per year of the difference between: (1) the risk premium rate otherwise chargeable pursuant to such update; and (2) the chargeable risk premium rate for such property that existed before such update.

amends national_flood_insurance_act provide increase risk premium rate charged covered properties higher risk flood zone result update flood insurance rate map post firm properties shall limited annual increase years year difference risk premium rate pursuant update risk premium rate property existed update


Summary: Amends the Heartland Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 to extend through 2010 provisions of such Act allowing residents of the Midwestern disaster area to: (1) use amounts from tax-exempt retirement accounts without a tax penalty to purchase a new principal residence or repair an existing one; (2) recontribute amounts withdrawn for such purposes to such accounts; and (3) exclude from gross income income resulting from a cancellation of mortgage indebtedness incurred in such disaster area.

amends disaster tax relief_act extend provisions act allowing residents disaster area use amounts tax exempt retirement accounts tax penalty purchase new principal residence repair existing recontribute amounts withdrawn purposes accounts exclude gross income income resulting cancellation mortgage indebtedness incurred disaster area


Summary: Rural Disaster Assistance Improvement Act of 2009 - Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): (1) in order to provide more objective criteria for evaluating the need for assistance to individuals and to speed a declaration of a major disaster under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, to review, update, and revise the factors considered when evaluating a governor's request for such a declaration to measure the severity, magnitude, and impact of a disaster; and (2) to consider any disproportionate impacts of disasters on rural areas.

rural disaster assistance improvement act directs administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema order provide objective criteria evaluating need assistance individuals speed declaration major disaster robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act review update revise factors considered evaluating governor request declaration measure severity magnitude impact disaster consider disproportionate impacts disasters rural areas


Summary: Kids Wish II Act - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to: (1) include child care facilities among public or private nonprofit facilities covered by such Act; (2) make a private for-profit child care facility eligible for assistance under the Act to the same extent as a private nonprofit child care facility; and (3) include child care within provisions regarding essential services, critical services, and federal assistance to individuals and households to address necessary expenses from a major disaster. Directs the President to: (1) encourage states and localities to include consideration of services and facilities for children within all phases of their disaster planning, training, and exercises; (2) take necessary actions to include the provision of services and facilities for children within national planning activities; (3) ensure that disaster plans for services and facilities for children incorporate specific measurable capabilities for shelter-in-place, evacuation, relocation, family reunification, temporary operating standards, and accommodation of children with disabilities and chronic health needs and other special needs child populations; and (4) establish a single federal disaster case management program with an emphasis on achieving tangible, positive outcomes for all children and families who are victims of a major disaster. Authorizes the President to: (1) provide mass care shelters for victims of major disasters, which shall provide a safe and secure mass care shelter environment for children; and (2) provide financial and other assistance for victims of a major disaster to ensure an expedited transition into permanent housing, especially for families with children who have disabilities or other special health, mental health, or educational needs. Directs the President to: (1) give priority to families with children in providing disaster housing assistance; and (2) develop a standardized, interoperable national evacuee tracking and family reunification system that ensures the safety and well-being of children. Requires disaster related information to be made available to individuals affected by a major disaster or emergency in formats that can be understood by children.

kids wish act_-_amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act include child care facilities public private nonprofit facilities covered act private profit child care facility eligible assistance act extent private nonprofit child care facility include child care provisions essential services critical services federal assistance individuals households address necessary expenses major disaster directs president encourage states localities include consideration services facilities children phases disaster planning training exercises necessary actions include provision services facilities children national planning activities ensure disaster plans services facilities children incorporate specific measurable capabilities shelter place evacuation relocation family reunification temporary operating standards accommodation children disabilities chronic health needs special needs child populations establish single federal disaster case management program emphasis achieving tangible positive outcomes children families victims major disaster authorizes president provide mass care shelters victims major disasters shall provide safe secure mass care shelter environment children provide financial assistance victims major disaster ensure expedited transition permanent housing especially families children disabilities special health mental health educational needs directs president priority families children providing disaster housing assistance develop standardized interoperable national tracking family reunification system ensures safety children requires disaster related information available individuals affected major disaster emergency formats understood children


Summary: Emegency Health Services for Haitian Earthquake Victims Act of 2010 - Directs the President, acting through the National Disaster Medical System, to reimburse states for expenses incurred in providing treatment for health conditions and illnesses resulting from the earthquake in Haiti on January 12, 2010.

health services haitian earthquake victims act directs president acting national disaster medical system reimburse states expenses incurred providing treatment health conditions illnesses resulting earthquake haiti january


Summary: Southeast Hurricanes Small Business Disaster Relief Act of 2010 - Directs the Administrator of the Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a Southeast Hurricanes Small Business Disaster Relief Program under which the Administrator may waive, for up to three years and $15,000 total, the interest payments of small businesses that resume operations in a declared disaster area during the period beginning on: (1) September 1, 2005, and ending on October 1, 2006, for loans relating to Hurricanes Katrina or Rita of 2005; or (2) September 1, 2008, and ending on January 1, 2009, for loans relating to Hurricanes Gustav or Ike of 2008.

southeast hurricanes small business disaster relief_act directs administrator small_business_administration sba establish southeast hurricanes small business disaster relief program administrator waive years total interest payments small businesses resume operations declared disaster area period beginning september ending october loans relating hurricanes katrina rita september ending january loans relating hurricanes ike


Summary: Authorizes the Secretary of the Army, acting through the Corps of Engineers, to acquire all right, title, and interest of the city of New Bedford and the town of Fairhaven, Massachuetts, to the New Bedford-Fairhaven hurricane barrier if an offer is made by the city and the town to convey it to the Secretary, by quitclaim deed without consideration, within two years of this Act's enactment. Permits the city and the town to retain an easement authorizing the construction and recreational use of a boardwalk as a bike path, pedestrian path, boardwalk, and noncommercial fishing pier. Makes the Secretary responsible for the operation and maintenance, repair, replacement, rehabilitation, and structural integrity of the barrier in coordination with the city and the town.

authorizes secretary army acting corps_of_engineers acquire right title interest city new town new hurricane barrier offer city town convey secretary quitclaim deed consideration years act enactment permits city town retain easement authorizing construction recreational use path pedestrian path noncommercial fishing pier makes secretary responsible operation maintenance repair replacement rehabilitation structural integrity barrier coordination city town


Summary: National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System Act - Directs the Secretary of the Interior, acting through the Director of the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), to establish within USGS a National Volcano Early Warning and Monitoring System program to monitor volcanic activity and to warn and protect U.S. citizens from harm. Sets forth as System purposes to organize, modernize, standardize, and stabilize monitoring systems of U.S. volcano observatories and to unify monitoring systems into a single interoperative system. Sets forth as System objectives to monitor all U.S. volcanoes at a level commensurate with the threat they pose by upgrading existing networks on monitored volcanoes and installing new networks on unmonitored volcanoes. Requires the System to include: (1) a national volcano watch office that is operational 24 hours a day, seven days a week; (2) a national volcano data center; and (3) an external grants program to support research in volcano monitoring science and technology. Directs the Secretary to: (1) submit to Congress a five-year management plan for establishing and operating the System and an annual report; (2) establish an advisory committee; and (3) coordinate activities under this Act with the heads of relevant federal agencies. Authorizes the Secretary to enter into cooperative agreements with universities and state agencies as volcano observatory partners.

national early warning monitoring system act_-_directs secretary interior acting director geological survey usgs establish usgs national early warning monitoring system program monitor volcanic activity warn protect citizens harm sets forth system purposes organize modernize standardize stabilize monitoring systems monitoring systems single system sets forth system objectives monitor level commensurate threat pose upgrading existing networks monitored installing new networks requires system include national watch office operational hours day seven days week national data center external grants program support research monitoring science_and_technology directs secretary submit congress year management plan establishing operating system annual report establish advisory_committee coordinate activities act heads relevant federal agencies authorizes secretary enter cooperative agreements universities state agencies partners