Summary: Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to ensure that any trailer or mobile home purchased by FEMA meets safety standards established by the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development under provisions relating to limitations on hazardous materials in housing to be used in Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs, including any such standards for formaldehyde, lead, or any other hazardous material, contamination, toxic chemical or gas, or radioactive substance that could affect the health or safety of an occupant.

amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act direct administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema ensure trailer mobile home purchased fema meets safety standards established secretary housing_and_urban_development provisions relating limitations hazardous materials housing department_of_housing_and_urban_development hud programs including standards formaldehyde lead hazardous material contamination toxic chemical gas radioactive substance affect health safety occupant


Summary: CJ's Home Protection Act of 2008 - Amends the National Manufactured Housing Construction and Safety Standards Act of 1974 to revise federal standards for manufactured homes (other than one affixed to a permanent foundation) to require each such home to be installed with a weather radio: (1) capable of broadcasting emergency information relating to local weather conditions; (2) equipped with a tone alarm and Specific Alert Message Encoding, or SAME technology; and (3) compliant with the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) Standard 2009-A Performance Specification for Public Alert Receivers (or its current revision). Shields from common law civil liability: (1) manufacturers, installers, or retailers of manufactured homes for any aspect of the installation, furnishing, function, operation, performance, capabilities, or utilization of such a weather radio; and (2) the operator, owner, or employee of a manufactured home community, or the home manufacturer, with respect to the functionality of such a radio owing to any reminder, assistance, or instructions the community operator provides. Exempts modular homes from such installation standards. Requires the consensus committee established under such Act to develop and submit to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development a proposed standard for installed weather radios. Requires the Secretary to study and report to specified congressional committees on conditioning the applicability of the weather radio installation requirement on the geographic location at which a manufactured home is placed.

home protection act amends national manufactured housing construction safety standards act revise federal standards manufactured homes affixed permanent foundation require home installed weather radio capable broadcasting emergency information relating local weather conditions equipped tone alarm specific alert message technology compliant consumer electronics association cea standard performance specification public alert receivers current revision shields common law civil liability manufacturers retailers manufactured homes aspect installation furnishing function operation performance capabilities utilization weather radio operator owner employee manufactured home community home manufacturer respect functionality radio owing assistance instructions community operator provides exempts modular homes installation standards requires consensus committee established act develop submit secretary housing_and_urban_development proposed standard installed weather requires secretary study report specified congressional committees conditioning applicability weather radio installation requirement geographic location manufactured home placed


Summary: Amends the Internal Revenue Code to: (1) extend through 2010 increased depreciation allowances for certain business and investment property located in the Gulf Opportunity Zone (GO Zone) (through 2011 for nonresidential real property or residential rental property in the GO Zone); (2) extend through 2012 special rules relating to the depreciation of buildings in the GO Zone; (3) extend through 2010 the tax credit for rehabilitation expenditures in the GO Zone; (4) increase the new markets tax credit limitation in 2008 and 2009 for investments in community development entities serving the GO Zone; (5) extend through 2012, and increase the authority for, tax-exempt bond financing for bonds issued by Louisiana or a political subdivision thereof; (6) authorize the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to expand an area designated as a renewal community; and (7) extend through 2012 the period for designating areas located in the GO Zone as renewal communities. Amends the Katrina Emergency Tax Relief Act of 2005 to extend for an additional two years the hiring period of employees in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area for purposes of the work opportunity tax credit.

amends_the_internal_revenue_code extend increased depreciation allowances certain business investment property located gulf_opportunity zone zone nonresidential real property residential rental property zone extend special rules relating depreciation buildings zone extend tax credit rehabilitation expenditures zone increase new markets tax credit limitation investments community development entities serving zone extend increase authority tax exempt bond financing bonds issued louisiana political subdivision thereof authorize secretary housing_and_urban_development expand area designated renewal community extend period designating areas located zone renewal communities amends katrina emergency tax relief_act extend additional years hiring period employees hurricane katrina disaster area purposes work opportunity tax credit


Summary: Amends the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act for Defense, the Global War on Terror, and Hurricane Recovery, 2006 to extend the authority of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide funds to state and local governments for utility costs resulting from the provision of temporary housing units to evacuees from Hurricane Katrina and other hurricanes of the 2005 season where the state or local government has previously arranged to pay for such utilities on behalf of the evacuees, to cover the term of any leases for up to 36 months (currently, 24 months) contracted by or prior to February 7, 2006.

amends emergency supplemental appropriations act defense global war terror hurricane recovery extend authority federal_emergency_management_agency fema provide funds state local governments utility costs resulting provision temporary housing units hurricane katrina hurricanes season state local government previously arranged pay utilities behalf cover term leases months currently months contracted prior february


Summary: 8/29 Investigation Team Act - Establishes a bipartisan 8/29 Investigation Team to examine: (1) the events beginning on August 29, 2005, with respect to the failure of the flood protection system in response to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; and (2) each flood control and restoration project that has been carried out since that date in the region in which those events occurred.Prohibits any elected federal official from serving as a Team member. Expresses the sense of Congress regarding member qualifications.Urges the Team to: (1) review findings and recommendations of all studies conducted in the aftermath of the levee failures in Louisiana on or after August 29, 2005; (2) review the ongoing U.S. exposure to flood control system failures; and (3) report on necessary legislative or regulatory changes.

investigation team act establishes bipartisan investigation team examine events beginning august respect failure flood protection system response hurricanes katrina rita flood control restoration project carried date region events occurred prohibits elected federal official serving team member expresses sense congress member qualifications urges team review findings recommendations studies conducted levee failures louisiana august review ongoing exposure flood control system failures report necessary legislative regulatory changes


Summary: Gulf Coast Multifamily and Assisted Housing Recovery Act - Amends the Housing Act of 1959 to authorize additional appropriations to the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development to provide assistance to private nonprofit organizations and consumer cooperatives to expand the supply of supportive housing for low-income elderly persons meeting certain criteria relating to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2005. Amends the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act to authorize additional appropriations to the Secretary to provide the same kind of assistance for low-income persons with disabilities. Authorizes appropriations for the redevelopment (rebuilding or replacement) of housing authorized under the Housing Act of 1959 which was damaged or destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and in the Parish of St. Bernard. Requires the Secretary to adjust the rent levels annually on a budget-based basis for eligible projects in a designated disaster area receiving rental assistance under the Housing Act of 1959 and the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act. Requires the Secretary to report to specified congressional committees on: (1) the number of project-based assistance contracts and units which were terminated in the designated disaster area after September 30, 2005; and (2) the specific developer, project name, location, number of units, and project description for each such project-based assistance contract. Prohibits a project-based assistance payments contract for a covered assisted multifamily housing project from expiring or being terminated because of the damage or destruction of dwelling units in the project by Hurricane Katrina or Hurricane Rita. Deems the expiration date of such a contract to be the later of the date: (1) specified in the contract; or (2) that is not less than three months after the dwelling units in such project, or in a replacement project, are first made habitable. Requires the Secretary to develop and report to specified congressional committees on a written disaster response plan for federally assisted properties that receive assistance pursuant to such Acts.

gulf_coast multifamily assisted housing recovery act_-_amends housing act authorize additional appropriations secretary housing_and_urban_development provide assistance private nonprofit organizations consumer cooperatives expand supply supportive housing low income elderly persons meeting certain criteria relating hurricanes katrina rita amends cranston gonzalez national affordable housing act authorize additional appropriations secretary provide kind assistance low income persons disabilities authorizes appropriations redevelopment rebuilding replacement housing authorized housing act damaged destroyed hurricane katrina new_orleans parish requires secretary adjust rent levels annually budget based basis eligible projects designated disaster area receiving rental assistance housing act cranston gonzalez national affordable housing act requires secretary report specified congressional committees number project based assistance contracts units terminated designated disaster area september specific developer project location number units project description project based assistance contract prohibits project based assistance payments contract covered assisted multifamily housing project expiring terminated damage destruction dwelling units project hurricane katrina hurricane rita deems expiration date contract later date specified contract months dwelling units project replacement project habitable requires secretary develop report specified congressional committees written disaster response plan federally assisted properties receive assistance pursuant acts


Summary: Federal Land Avalanche Protection Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Agriculture, acting through the Chief of the Forest Service, to establish an avalanche protection program to: (1) identify the potential for avalanches on federal land and inform the public about the probability of avalanches and the potential adverse effects; (2) carry out ongoing research to improve avalanche forecasting; and (3) reduce the risks and mitigate the effects of avalanches.Requires the Secretary: (1) to coordinate the program to ensure protection for recreational users of public land under the Secretary's and Secretary of the Interior's jurisdiction, using resources of the Forest Service's National Avalanche Center; (2) to establish an advisory committee to assist in program development and implementation; and (3) with the Secretary of Transportation and the Secretary of the Army, to establish a central depository for weapons, ammunition, and parts for avalanche control purposes.Authorizes the Secretary to make grants to carry out projects and activities to: (1) assist in the prevention, forecasting, detection, and mitigation of avalanches; (2) maintain essential transportation, utilities, and communications; (3) assist avalanche artillery users to ensure the availability of adequate supplies of artillery and explosives required for avalanche control in specified areas; and (4) assist persons in providing public education about avalanches and in conducting research and development activities for alternatives to minimize reliance on military weapons for avalanche control.Directs the Secretary to give priority to projects carried out in avalanche zones with a high frequency or severity of avalanches or in which deaths, injuries, or damage to public facilities and communities have occurred. Requires the Administrator of General Services to transfer specified property suitable for avalanche control purposes to a user of surplus ordnance.

federal land protection act directs secretary agriculture acting chief forest_service establish protection program identify potential federal land inform public probability potential adverse effects carry ongoing research improve forecasting reduce risks mitigate effects requires secretary coordinate program ensure protection recreational users public land secretary secretary interior jurisdiction resources forest_service national center establish advisory_committee assist program development implementation secretary transportation secretary army establish central depository weapons ammunition parts control purposes authorizes secretary grants carry projects activities assist prevention forecasting detection mitigation maintain essential transportation utilities communications assist artillery users ensure availability adequate supplies artillery explosives required control specified areas assist persons providing public education conducting research development activities alternatives minimize reliance military weapons control directs secretary priority projects carried zones high frequency severity deaths injuries damage public facilities communities occurred requires administrator general_services transfer specified property suitable control purposes user surplus ordnance


Summary: Predisaster Hazard Mitigation Act of 2008 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to require the President to: (1) award financial assistance under the pre-disaster hazard mitigation program on a competitive basis; and (2) ensure that the amount of assistance made available to each state is not less than the lesser of $575,000 or the amount that is equal to 1% of the total funds appropriated to carry out such program for the fiscal year, and is not more than 15% of such appropriated funds. Authorizes appropriations for the program for FY2009-FY2013. Repeals the program termination date. Prohibits a state from using more than 25% of the financial assistance made available to the state under the program in a fiscal year for flood control projects.

hazard mitigation act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act require president award financial assistance pre disaster hazard mitigation program competitive basis ensure assistance available state lesser equal total funds appropriated carry program fiscal year appropriated funds authorizes appropriations program fy2009 fy2013 repeals program termination date prohibits state financial assistance available state program fiscal year flood control projects


Summary: Small Business Energy Emergency Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Small Business Act to authorize the Small Business Administration to make disaster loans to assist small businesses that have suffered or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury as the result of a significant increase in the price of heating fuel occurring on or after October 1, 2007. Prohibits such loan from being made if the total amount outstanding and committed to the borrower would exceed $1.5 million, unless the borrower is a major source of employment in its surrounding area. Amends the Consolidated Farm and Rural Development Act to authorize the Secretary of Agriculture to make loans to farm operations that qualify as a small business and that have or are likely to suffer substantial economic injury on or after October 1, 2007, as the result of a significant increase in energy costs in connection with an energy emergency declared by the President or the Secretary.

small business energy emergency relief_act amends small_business_act authorize small_business_administration disaster loans assist small businesses suffered likely suffer substantial economic injury result significant increase price heating fuel occurring october prohibits loan total outstanding committed borrower exceed million borrower major source employment surrounding area amends consolidated_farm rural_development act authorize secretary agriculture loans farm operations qualify small business likely suffer substantial economic injury october result significant increase energy costs connection energy emergency declared president secretary


Summary: Midwestern Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2008 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to provide tax benefits to individuals affected by presidentially-declared natural disasters (i.e., severe storms, tornadoes, or flooding) in the states of Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, and Wisconsin on or after May 20, 2008, and before August 1, 2008 (Midwestern disaster area).Makes specified provisions of the Internal Revenue Code, which currently apply only to residents of the Gulf Opportunity Zone and the Hurricane Katrina disaster area, applicable to the Midwestern disaster area, including: (1) tax-exempt bond financing, the low-income housing tax credit, accelerated depreciation and increased expensing of business assets, an increase in the rehabilitation tax credit, extended carryback of net operating losses, and investment in tax credit bonds; (2) increased tax deductions for tuition and related educational expenses; (3) expensing of environmental remediation costs and demolition and cleanup costs; (4) tax incentives for employer-provided housing; (5) tax-free withdrawals from retirement accounts and recontributions for home purchases; (6) employer tax credits for retention of employees; (7) suspension of limitations on tax deductions for charitable contributions and personal casualty losses; (8) mortgage revenue bonds for owner-occupied residences; (9) tax exemptions for cancellation of indebtedness; and (10) nonrecognition of gain for homes and businesses destroyed in a disaster. Allows taxpayers in the Midwestern disaster area who claimed a tax deduction for a casualty loss to a principal residence and later received a grant under any federal or state program for reimbursement of such loss to file an amended tax return, without incurring tax penalties.Extends through 2009 the additional tax exemption for housing displaced individuals in the Midwestern disaster area. Excludes from gross income, through December 31, 2008, reimbursements to volunteers in the Midwestern disaster area for the use of a personal vehicle for charitable work. Increases the standard mileage rate for the charitable use of personal vehicles.Extends through 2009 the enhanced tax deduction for charitable contributions of food inventories and of book inventories to public schools. Requires tax-exempt charitable organizations to provide the Secretary of the Treasury with specified information, on an annual basis, relating to their disaster relief activities.

disaster tax relief_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code provide tax benefits individuals affected presidentially declared natural disasters severe storms flooding states arkansas illinois indiana iowa kansas michigan minnesota missouri nebraska wisconsin august disaster specified provisions internal_revenue_code currently apply residents gulf_opportunity zone hurricane katrina disaster area applicable disaster area including tax exempt bond financing low income housing tax credit accelerated depreciation increased expensing business assets increase rehabilitation tax credit extended carryback net operating losses investment tax credit bonds increased tax deductions tuition related educational expenses expensing environmental remediation costs demolition cleanup costs tax incentives employer provided housing tax free withdrawals retirement accounts home purchases employer tax credits retention employees suspension limitations tax deductions charitable contributions personal casualty losses mortgage revenue bonds owner occupied residences tax exemptions cancellation indebtedness nonrecognition gain homes businesses destroyed disaster allows taxpayers disaster area claimed tax deduction casualty loss principal residence later received grant federal state program reimbursement loss file amended tax return incurring tax penalties extends additional tax exemption housing displaced individuals disaster area excludes gross income december reimbursements volunteers disaster area use personal vehicle charitable work increases standard mileage rate charitable use personal vehicles extends enhanced tax deduction charitable contributions food inventories book inventories public schools requires tax exempt charitable organizations provide secretary treasury specified information annual basis relating disaster relief activities


Summary: Amends the Higher Education Extension Act of 2005 to extend the programs under the Higher Education Act of 1965 through August 15, 2008.

amends higher education extension act extend programs higher education act august


Summary: Rural Fuel for School Act of 2008 - Directs the Secretary of Education to award triennial grants to rural local educational agencies (LEAs) in amounts equal to between 10% to 50% of each grantee's annual total transportation costs for the previous fiscal year. Makes rural LEAs eligible for such grants if they experience: (1) an increase in annual fuel costs of at least 20% for the fiscal year; (2) an increase in contract transportation costs of at least 20% for the fiscal year; or (3) extreme hardship, as certified by the Secretary, in providing transportation to elementary and secondary students due to increased fuel prices. Terminates the Secretary's authority to make such grants on December 31, 2013.

rural fuel school act directs secretary education award triennial grants rural local educational agencies leas amounts equal grantee annual total transportation costs previous fiscal year makes rural leas eligible grants experience increase annual fuel costs fiscal year increase contract transportation costs fiscal year extreme hardship certified secretary providing transportation elementary secondary students increased fuel prices terminates secretary authority grants december


Summary: Increased Student Achievement Through Increased Student Support Act - Directs the Secretary of Education to award competitive, renewable, five-year grants to partnerships between low-income local educational agencies (LEAs) and schools offering graduate programs in school counseling, social work, or psychology to increase the number of program graduates employed by low-income LEAs. Defines "low-income LEAs" as those that: (1) serve students at least 20% of which are from low-income families; (2) have ratios of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists to students that fall at least 10% below specified target ratios; and (3) have been identified as needing improvement or corrective action or include at least one school identified as needing improvement, corrective action, or restructuring under the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965. Allows the use of grant funds to: (1) provide program graduate students with field training at partnership LEA schools; (2) contribute to program graduates' salaries at such schools for up to three years after they graduate; (3) increase the number of school counselors, social workers, and psychologists per student in such schools; (4) enhance the capacity of partnership graduate schools to train such professionals; (5) develop course work designed to facilitate such graduates' service to low-income LEAs and at-risk students; and (6) provide tuition credits to such graduate students and student loan forgiveness to program graduates employed as school counselors, social workers, or psychologists by low-income LEAs for at least five years. Directs the Secretary to establish a program providing student loan forgiveness to non-participants in this Act's grant program who have been employed for at least five years as school counselors, social workers, or psychologists by low-income LEAs. Requires the Secretary to identify a formula for future use in designating regions as eligible for benefit programs because of having a shortage of such school personnel.

increased student achievement increased student support act_-_directs secretary education award competitive renewable year grants partnerships low income local educational agencies leas schools offering graduate programs school counseling social work psychology increase number program graduates employed low income leas defines low income leas serve students low income families ratios school_counselors social workers psychologists students fall specified target ratios identified needing improvement corrective action include school identified needing improvement corrective action restructuring elementary secondary education act allows use grant funds provide program graduate students field training partnership lea schools contribute program graduates salaries schools years graduate increase number school_counselors social workers psychologists student schools enhance capacity partnership graduate schools train professionals develop course work designed facilitate graduates service low income leas risk students provide tuition credits graduate students student loan forgiveness program graduates employed school_counselors social workers psychologists low income leas years directs secretary establish program providing student loan forgiveness non participants act grant program employed years school_counselors social workers psychologists low income leas requires secretary identify formula future use designating regions eligible benefit programs having shortage school personnel


Summary: Amends the Immigration and Nationality Act to allow a surviving spouse of a U.S. citizen who was married for less than two years at the time of the citizen's death who proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the marriage was entered into in good faith and not for the purpose of obtaining an immigration benefit to self-petition (within the required two years) for continued immediate relative status. (Applies such provision to applications and petitions pending on or after the date of enactment of this Act.) Extends the petition filing deadline for two years after the date of the enactment of this Act if: (1) the alien's U.S. citizen spouse died before the date of the enactment of this Act; (2) the alien and the citizen spouse were married for less than two years at the time of the citizen spouse's death; and (3) the alien has not remarried.

amends immigration_and_nationality_act allow surviving spouse citizen married years time citizen death proves preponderance evidence marriage entered good faith purpose obtaining immigration benefit self petition required years continued immediate relative status applies provision applications petitions pending date enactment act extends petition filing deadline years date enactment act alien citizen spouse died date enactment act alien citizen spouse married years time citizen spouse death alien remarried


Summary: Limitations on Interrogation Techniques Act of 2008 - Prohibits any individual in the custody or control of personnel of an element of the intelligence community or contractor or subcontractor thereof, regardless of nationality or physical location, from being subject to the following interrogation techniques: (1) forcing the individual to be naked, perform sexual acts, or pose in a sexual manner; (2) placing hoods or sacks over the head of the individual or using duct tape over the eyes; (3) applying beatings, electrical shock, burns, or similar forms of physical pain; (4) using the technique known as waterboarding; (5) using military working dogs; (6) inducing hypothermia or heat injury; (7) conducting mock executions; or (8) depriving the individual of adequate food, water, or medical care.

limitations interrogation techniques act prohibits individual custody control personnel element intelligence_community contractor subcontractor thereof regardless nationality physical location subject following interrogation techniques forcing individual perform sexual acts pose sexual manner placing head individual tape eyes applying electrical burns similar forms physical pain technique known military working dogs heat injury conducting individual adequate food water medical care


Summary: United States Capitol Police Administrative Technical Corrections Act of 2008 - Makes technical amendments to the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2001 with respect to the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) of the Capitol Police. Requires the CAO to report to and serve at the pleasure of the Chief of the Capitol Police. Repeals the CAO's authority over the personnel of the Capitol Police Office of Administration.Amends the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, 2003 to authorize the Chief of Police to discipline and suspend Capitol Police employees with or without pay.Establishes a General Counsel to the Chief of Police and the U.S. Capitol Police.Prohibits lump sum payments to terminated U.S. Capitol Police officers or employees for unused compensatory time.

united_states capitol_police administrative technical corrections act makes technical amendments legislative_branch_appropriations_act respect chief administrative officer capitol_police requires report serve pleasure chief capitol_police repeals authority personnel capitol_police office administration amends legislative_branch_appropriations_act authorize chief police discipline suspend capitol_police employees pay establishes general counsel chief police capitol_police prohibits lump sum payments terminated capitol_police officers employees unused compensatory time


Summary: Costal [sic] Homeowners Assistance Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow tax credits for: (1) 25% of the qualified hurricane mitigation property expenditures incurred by a homeowner in a federally declared hurricane disaster area or in a county located in a state which borders the Atlantic Ocean or the Gulf of Mexico, up to $5,000; and (2) 50% of the increases in homeowner insurance premiums in such disaster areas, up to $5,000. Includes within the definition of "qualified hurricane mitigation property expenditures" expenditures to improve the strength of a roof deck attachment, create a secondary water barrier, improve the durability of a roof covering, or protect exterior doors and garages.

sic homeowners assistance_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow tax credits qualified hurricane mitigation property expenditures incurred homeowner federally declared hurricane disaster area county located state borders atlantic_ocean gulf_of_mexico increases homeowner insurance premiums disaster areas includes definition qualified hurricane mitigation property expenditures expenditures improve strength roof deck attachment create secondary water barrier improve durability roof covering protect exterior doors


Summary: Flood Insurance Refund Adjustment Act - Instructs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to modify certain regulations governing premium refunds so that a standard flood insurance policyholder, whose property has been determined not to be in a special flood hazard area as a result of a specified flood map revision, has one year to submit a policy adjustment claim for a policy cancellation and refund. Declares such adjustment claims inapplicable to flood claims that have been paid or are pending.

flood insurance refund adjustment act instructs administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema modify certain regulations governing premium refunds standard flood insurance policyholder property determined special flood hazard area result specified flood map revision year submit policy adjustment claim policy cancellation refund declares adjustment claims inapplicable flood claims paid pending


Summary: Incentive to Serve Tax Act - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow employers a business tax credit for 25% of wages paid to employees while such employees are performing certain services (e.g., services advancing the improvement of education, health care access, energy conservation, economic opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals, and disaster preparedness and response) for charitable organizations and community agencies. Limits the amount of wages eligible for such credit to $100,000 per employee.

incentive serve tax act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow employers business tax credit wages paid employees employees performing certain services services advancing improvement education health_care access energy conservation economic opportunities economically disadvantaged individuals disaster preparedness response charitable organizations community agencies limits wages eligible credit employee


Summary: Authorizes appropriations to the Secretary of the Army for levee and flood protection repairs, restoration, and improvements, critical coastal restoration projects, the dredging of affected waterways, and the beneficial use of dredged material in Louisiana. Requires the Secretary to provide such funds to the state of Louisiana on the later of: (1) a date that is 90 days after the governor of Louisiana submits a plan describing how the funds will be used; or (2) October 1, 2008.

authorizes appropriations secretary army levee flood protection repairs restoration improvements critical coastal restoration projects dredging affected waterways beneficial use dredged material louisiana requires secretary provide funds state louisiana later date days governor louisiana submits plan describing funds october


Summary: Local Disaster Contracting Fairness Act of 2008 - Prohibits the head of an executive agency from entering into an agreement for debris removal or demolition services in connection with natural disaster reconstruction efforts unless the agreement specifies that: (1) all of the work under the contract will be performed by the prime contractor or one or more subcontractors at one tier under the contract; (2) any work performed under the contract by subcontractors will be performed by local subcontractors, except to the extent that local subcontractors are not available to perform any such work; (3) the prime contractor will act as the project manager or construction manager for the contract; and (4) the prime contractor has primary responsibility for managing all work under the contract and is to be paid a certain percentage of the overall value of the contract as sole compensation for assuming the risk associated with such responsibility. Requires the agency head, in entering into an agreement for debris removal or demolition services in connection with natural disaster reconstruction efforts, to give preference in the source selection process to each offeror who certifies that any work that is to be performed under the contract by subcontractors will be performed by local subcontractors.

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


Summary: Flood Insurance Choice Act of 2007 - Amends the Flood Disaster Protection Act of 1973 to permit an individual homeowner not to purchase property flood insurance, even for property in a special flood hazard area, if he or she submits certain written certifications to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the state, community, or local official responsible for zoning and building codes. Declares that such homeowner shall not be required to comply with certain base flood elevation requirements. Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968, with respect to land use controls, financial assistance and mitigation assistance, to shield from penalties for non-compliance those areas that have complied with its requirements but where individuals have opted out pursuant to this Act. Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to deny assistance for individuals who have opted-out of the flood insurance program.

flood insurance choice act amends flood disaster protection act permit individual homeowner purchase property flood insurance property special flood hazard area submits certain written certifications administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema state community local official responsible zoning building codes declares homeowner shall required comply certain base flood elevation requirements amends national_flood_insurance_act respect land use controls financial assistance mitigation assistance shield penalties non compliance areas complied requirements individuals opted pursuant act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act deny assistance individuals opted flood insurance program


Summary: Hurricane Katrina Disaster Inquiry Commission Act of 2009 - Directs the President to establish an independent nonpartisan Commission within the executive branch to discover and assess the circumstances relating to the damage caused by Hurricane Katrina on or between Friday, August 26, 2005, and Tuesday, August 30, 2005. Directs the Commission to: (1) chronicle the trajectory of Hurricane Katrina, including the timetable and locations of its path, and the responses made by the federal, state, and local governments; (2) estimate the loss of life, physical and structural damage, and displacement of residents; (3) recommend corrective actions; and (4) prepare a report to Congress, the President, and the public.

hurricane katrina disaster inquiry commission act directs president establish independent nonpartisan commission executive branch discover assess circumstances relating damage caused hurricane katrina friday august tuesday august directs commission trajectory hurricane katrina including timetable locations path responses federal state local governments estimate loss life physical structural damage displacement residents recommend corrective actions prepare report congress president public


Summary: Homeowners Insurance Protection Act of 2009 - Instructs the Secretary of the Treasury to establish the National Commission on Catastrophe Preparation and Protection to advise the Secretary regarding estimated loss costs associated with contracts for reinsurance coverage.Authorizes the Secretary to make homeowners protection coverage available through contracts for reinsurance coverage. Restricts purchase of such coverage to eligible state programs. Prescribes criteria for state eligibility.Requires each contract for reinsurance coverage to provide insurance coverage against residential property losses to homes, including condominium and cooperative ownership, and the contents of apartment buildings. Cites covered perils.Prescribes a minimum level of retained losses and maximum federal liability.Authorizes any insurer who participates in an eligible state program to establish a Catastrophe Capital Reserve Fund to hold funds on the Secretary's behalf to offset reinsurance claims.Establishes the Consumer Hurricane, Earthquake, Loss Protection (HELP) Fund to: (1) make payments to covered purchasers under contracts for reinsurance coverage for eligible losses; and (2) pay for Commission operating costs and reinsurance program administrative expenses.Directs the Comptroller General to study the national flood insurance program and hurricane-related flooding.

homeowners insurance protection act instructs secretary treasury establish national_commission catastrophe preparation protection advise secretary estimated loss costs associated contracts reinsurance coverage authorizes secretary homeowners protection coverage available contracts reinsurance coverage restricts purchase coverage eligible state programs prescribes criteria state eligibility requires contract reinsurance coverage provide insurance coverage residential property losses homes including condominium cooperative ownership contents apartment buildings cites covered prescribes minimum level retained losses maximum federal liability authorizes insurer participates eligible state program establish catastrophe capital reserve fund hold funds secretary behalf offset reinsurance claims establishes consumer hurricane earthquake loss protection help fund payments covered purchasers contracts reinsurance coverage eligible losses pay commission operating costs reinsurance program administrative expenses directs comptroller_general study national_flood_insurance_program hurricane related flooding


Summary: Smarter Funding for All of America's Homeland Security Act of 2007 [sic] - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a State and Regional First Responder Grant Program under which the Secretary may make grants to states and eligible regional entities on the basis of the threat to a state or region's population and critical infrastructure, as determined by the Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to evaluate and prioritize grant applications, considering factors such as threats to the population, specific economic sectors, major communications nodes and transportation systems, specific elements of the food supply, the water and energy supplies, civic infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, and specific structures of symbolic national importance. Bars the use of grant funds to supplant state or local funds that would otherwise be available for homeland security or first responder projects. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish the Advisory Council on First Responders, which shall report to the Secretary through the head of the Office of State and Local Government Coordination; and (2) revise the Homeland Security Advisory System to require that any designation of a threat level or other warning be accompanied by a designation of the geographic regions and economic sectors to which it applies. Directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to conduct a study of whether there is a need to assign additional bands of frequencies of electromagnetic spectrum to assist first responders.

smarter funding america homeland_security act sic amends homeland_security act direct secretary homeland_security establish state regional responder grant program secretary grants states eligible regional entities basis threat state region population critical infrastructure determined secretary information analysis infrastructure protection requires secretary acting secretary evaluate prioritize grant applications considering factors threats population specific economic sectors major communications transportation systems specific elements food supply water energy supplies civic infrastructure emergency response capabilities specific structures national importance bars use grant funds supplant state local funds available homeland_security responder projects directs secretary establish advisory_council responders shall report secretary head office state local government coordination revise homeland_security advisory system require designation threat level warning accompanied designation geographic regions economic sectors applies directs secretary science_and_technology conduct study need assign additional bands frequencies electromagnetic spectrum assist responders


Summary: Emergency Fueling Station Designation Act of 2009 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to establish a program to address the shortage of fuel along hurricane evacuation routes by providing funds to eligible states (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, and Virginia) to assist in the purchase and installation of transfer switches and generators at designated emergency fueling stations. Requires states applying for funds to provide: (1) identification of hurricane zones and evacuation routes; (2) the estimated number of designated and adjacent emergency fueling stations determined to be necessary by such state using population figures along hurricane evacuation routes as a guide in selecting stations; and (3) specified assurances, including that a fueling station will not be selected as a designated emergency fueling station unless it has not less than 10 fueling positions and is located within one mile of a hurricane evacuation route.Directs the Administrator to make available to an eligible state that applies for funds 50% of the cost for the purchase and installation of transfer switches and generators for designated emergency fueling stations, and 30% of that cost of adjacent emergency fueling stations, selected by the state.

emergency fueling station designation act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act direct administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema establish program address shortage fuel hurricane evacuation routes providing funds eligible states alabama florida georgia louisiana mississippi north_carolina south_carolina texas virginia assist purchase installation transfer switches generators designated emergency fueling stations requires states applying funds provide identification hurricane zones evacuation routes estimated number designated adjacent emergency fueling stations determined necessary state population figures hurricane evacuation routes guide selecting stations specified assurances including fueling station selected designated emergency fueling station fueling positions located mile hurricane evacuation route directs administrator available eligible state applies funds cost purchase installation transfer switches generators designated emergency fueling stations cost adjacent emergency fueling stations selected state


Summary: Skilled Trades Second Responders Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Director of the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences to establish a national program for the training, certification, registration, tracking, and integration of skilled construction workers to assist first responders in responding to disasters, including natural and manmade disasters and terrorist attacks. Requires the Director to coordinate and consult with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), including the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), other relevant agencies, and private organizations, including construction industry contractors, joint labor-management training funds, and building trade unions, that are experienced in providing rescue and recovery assistance to first responders and in the cleanup, demolition, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of disaster sites after recovery operations.

skilled trades second responders act amends public_health_service_act require director national_institute_of_environmental_health_sciences establish national program training certification registration tracking integration skilled construction workers assist responders responding disasters including natural manmade disasters terrorist attacks requires director coordinate consult department_of_homeland_security dhs including federal_emergency_management_agency fema relevant agencies private organizations including construction industry contractors joint labor management training funds building trade unions experienced providing rescue recovery assistance responders cleanup demolition rehabilitation reconstruction disaster sites recovery operations


Summary: National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act of 2009 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to: (1) continue to administer the National Urban Search and Rescue Response System; (2) provide for a national network of standardized search and rescue resources; (3) designate task forces to participate in the System and determine criteria for participation; and (4) enter into an agreement with the required sponsoring agency of each task force regarding participation. Sets forth provisions regarding the composition of task forces and reimbursement. Authorizes the Administrator to appoint a System member for a period of federal service to participate in sponsored or sanctioned exercises, pre-incident staging, major disaster and emergency response activities, and training events. Entitles a member who suffers personal injury, illness, disability, or death while acting in the scope of such appointment to be treated as an employee who sustained the injury in the performance of duty. Sets forth provisions regarding election of benefits, liability, employment and re-employment rights, and licenses and permits. Directs the Administrator to: (1) establish and maintain an advisory committee; (2) enter into an annual preparedness cooperative agreement with each agency; and (3) enter into response cooperative agreements under which the Administrator agrees to reimburse agencies for emergency response costs.

national urban search rescue response system act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act direct administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema continue administer national urban search rescue response system provide national network standardized search rescue resources designate task forces participate system determine criteria participation enter agreement required sponsoring agency task_force participation sets forth provisions composition task forces reimbursement authorizes administrator appoint system member period federal service participate sponsored sanctioned exercises pre incident major disaster emergency response activities training events entitles member suffers personal injury illness disability death acting scope appointment treated employee sustained injury performance duty sets forth provisions election benefits liability employment employment rights licenses permits directs administrator establish maintain advisory_committee enter annual preparedness cooperative agreement agency enter response cooperative agreements administrator agrees reimburse agencies emergency response costs


Summary: Low-Income Rate Payer Disaster Recovery Act of 2009 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President to make contributions to the owner or operator of a private or investor-owned electric utility company serving low-income households for facilities damaged or destroyed by a major disaster only if the costs of repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing such facilities exceed 10% of the facilities' total transmission and distribution rate base minus: (1) accumulated depreciation on the date of the disaster in the case of a single major disaster; or (2) accumulated depreciation on the date of the first major disaster in the case of an aggregation of major disasters during the preceding 12 months. Sets forth application deadlines.Prohibits the total amount of contributions made to an owner or operator from exceeding $50 million in any 12-month period. Authorizes the President, for any major disaster occurring after enactment of this Act, to waive the limit upon determining that the event is of an extraordinary nature. Requires the President to approve or disapprove applications within 30 days after receipt.Allows an owner or operator who determines that the public welfare would not best be served by repairing, restoring, reconstructing, or replacing a facility to elect to receive, in lieu of the cost-based contribution, 75% of the funding that would have been available.

low income rate payer disaster recovery_act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act authorize president contributions owner operator private investor owned electric utility company serving low income households facilities damaged destroyed major disaster costs repairing restoring reconstructing replacing facilities exceed facilities total transmission distribution rate base minus accumulated depreciation date disaster case single major disaster accumulated depreciation date major disaster case aggregation major disasters preceding months sets forth application deadlines prohibits total contributions owner operator exceeding million month period authorizes president major disaster occurring enactment act waive limit determining event extraordinary nature requires president approve disapprove applications days receipt allows owner operator determines public welfare best served repairing restoring reconstructing replacing facility elect receive lieu cost based contribution funding available


Summary: Policyholder Disaster Protection Act of 2009 - 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: Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to provide eligibility for an heir of a deceased homeowner to receive certain housing-related disaster assistance (i.e., financial assistance for the repair or replacement of owner-occupied private residences damaged by a major disaster).

amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act provide eligibility heir deceased homeowner receive certain housing related disaster assistance financial assistance repair replacement owner occupied private residences damaged major disaster


Summary: Whatever It Takes to Rebuild Act - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to: (1) authorize the President to make disaster loans to any state government that suffers a substantial loss of tax and other revenue as a result of a major disaster and demonstrates a need for financial assistance in order to perform its governmental functions; (2) repeal the $5 million cap for disaster loans; and (3) exempt a disaster loan made to a state or local government that suffers a substantial loss of revenues as a result of a major disaster the President determines to be a catastrophic event from the percentage of the annual state or local government operating budget limitations and from the payment of any interest or principal.

takes rebuild act_-_amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act authorize president disaster loans state government suffers substantial loss tax revenue result major disaster demonstrates need financial assistance order perform governmental functions repeal million cap disaster loans exempt disaster loan state local government suffers substantial loss revenues result major disaster president determines catastrophic event percentage annual state local government operating budget limitations payment interest principal


Summary: Community Protection and Response Act of 2009 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to include a terrorist attack, dispersion of radioactive or other contaminants, dispersion of hazardous substances, or other catastrophic event as a "major disaster" eligible for relief under the Act. Includes as a "public facility" for purposes of damages coverage in a major disaster private for-profit telecommunications, phone services, and utilities when losses occur during a homeland security event and are not covered by insurance. Authorizes the President, at the request of a state governor, to declare that a major disaster constitutes a homeland security event and is of such severity and magnitude that effective response is beyond the capacity of the affected state and local government. Provides specified federal assistance under the Act upon such a declaration, including reimbursement and grant assistance for lost compensation, sustained losses, and required repairs. Includes as critical services under the Act education systems, providers of counseling, and providers of assistance to the homeless.Removes the $5 million limit on community disaster loans provided under the Act. Requires or provides for: (1) standards for reporting information concerning disasters involving homeland security events; (2) a special commission to review air quality following a homeland security event; (3) guidelines concerning health risks associated with the release of materials following a homeland security event and associated monitoring and analysis; and (4) grants for data collection during public health emergencies, research on assisting victims, advance preparation for public health emergencies, and disaster relief for local educational agencies.

community protection response_act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act include terrorist attack radioactive contaminants hazardous substances catastrophic event major disaster eligible relief act includes public facility purposes damages coverage major disaster private profit telecommunications phone services utilities losses occur homeland_security event covered insurance authorizes president request state governor declare major disaster constitutes homeland_security event severity magnitude effective response capacity affected state local government provides specified federal assistance act declaration including reimbursement grant assistance lost compensation sustained losses required repairs includes critical services act education systems providers counseling providers assistance homeless removes million limit community disaster loans provided act requires provides standards reporting information concerning disasters involving homeland_security events special commission review air quality following homeland_security event guidelines concerning health risks associated release materials following homeland_security event associated monitoring analysis grants data collection public health emergencies research assisting victims advance preparation public health emergencies disaster relief local educational agencies


Summary: Veterans Reassignment Protection Act - Prohibits a preference eligible federal employee (including a preference eligible serving in or under the U.S. Postal Service) from being involuntarily separated for failing to accept a directed reassignment to a position outside his or her commuting area or to accompany a position outside of such area pursuant to a transfer of function unless such preference eligible: (1) receives written notice of the reassignment at least 30 days before the effective date of the reassignment; and (2) is allowed to elect to have the selection of employees for release conducted in the same manner as would be required in the case of a reduction in force. Entitles a preference eligible involuntarily separated in the circumstances described above to appeal to the Merit Systems Protection Board any failure to comply with the requirements of this Act.

veterans reassignment protection act prohibits preference eligible federal employee including preference eligible serving postal_service involuntarily separated failing accept directed reassignment position outside commuting area accompany position outside area pursuant transfer function preference eligible receives written notice reassignment days effective date reassignment allowed elect selection employees release conducted manner required case reduction force entitles preference eligible involuntarily separated circumstances described appeal merit_systems_protection_board failure comply requirements act


Summary: Smarter Funding for All of America's Homeland Security Act of 2009 - Amends the Homeland Security Act of 2002 to direct the Secretary of Homeland Security to establish a State and Regional First Responder Grant Program under which the Secretary may make grants to states and eligible regional entities on the basis of the threat to a state or region's population and critical infrastructure, as determined by the Under Secretary for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection. Requires the Secretary, acting through the Under Secretary, to evaluate and prioritize grant applications, considering factors such as threats to the population, specific economic sectors, major communications nodes and transportation systems, specific elements of the food supply, the water and energy supplies, civic infrastructure and emergency response capabilities, and specific structures of symbolic national importance. Bars the use of grant funds to supplant state or local funds that would otherwise be available for homeland security or first responder projects. Directs the Secretary to: (1) establish the Advisory Council on First Responders, which shall report to the Secretary through the head of the Office of State and Local Government Coordination; and (2) revise the Homeland Security Advisory System to require that any designation of a threat level or other warning be accompanied by a designation of the geographic regions and economic sectors to which it applies. Directs the Under Secretary for Science and Technology to conduct a study of whether there is a need to assign additional bands of frequencies of electromagnetic spectrum to assist first responders.

smarter funding america homeland_security act amends homeland_security act direct secretary homeland_security establish state regional responder grant program secretary grants states eligible regional entities basis threat state region population critical infrastructure determined secretary information analysis infrastructure protection requires secretary acting secretary evaluate prioritize grant applications considering factors threats population specific economic sectors major communications transportation systems specific elements food supply water energy supplies civic infrastructure emergency response capabilities specific structures national importance bars use grant funds supplant state local funds available homeland_security responder projects directs secretary establish advisory_council responders shall report secretary head office state local government coordination revise homeland_security advisory system require designation threat level warning accompanied designation geographic regions economic sectors applies directs secretary science_and_technology conduct study need assign additional bands frequencies electromagnetic spectrum assist responders


Summary: Property Mitigation Assistance Act of 2009 - 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: Multiple Peril Insurance Act of 2009 - (Sec. 2) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to require the national flood insurance program to enable the purchase of multiperil coverage and optional separate windstorm coverage to protect against loss resulting from physical damage or loss of real or related personal property located in the United States. Defines windstorm as any hurricane, tornado, cyclone, typhoon, or other wind event. Restricts multiperil coverage to areas (or their subdivisions) where an appropriate public body has adopted adequate mitigation measures, including effective enforcement provisions, which the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) finds are consistent with the criteria for construction described in the International Code Council building codes relating to wind mitigation. Prohibits provision of multiperil coverage to any structure (or related personal property ) covered, at any time, by flood insurance under the Act. Requires maintenance of flood insurance coverage under this Act as a prerequisite to windstorm coverage of any structure (or related personal property). States that separate windstorm coverage only covers losses from physical damages from windstorm. Prescribes the nature and terms of coverage and actuarial rates. (Sec. 3) Prohibits duplicative coverage. (Sec. 4) Prohibits new multiperil coverage for property declared by a governmental authority to be in violation of state or local laws, regulations, or ordinances intended to reduce windstorm damage. (Sec. 5) Instructs the Director to: (1) carry out studies and investigations to determine measures for wind hazard prevention; and (2) provide technical assistance to state, interstate, and local governmental agencies to encourage adoption and enforcement of laws, regulations, and ordinances relating to the orderly development and use of areas subject to damage from windstorm risks, and zoning building codes, building permits, and subdivision and other building restrictions for such areas.

multiple insurance act sec amends national_flood_insurance_act require national_flood_insurance_program enable purchase coverage optional separate windstorm coverage protect loss resulting physical damage loss real related personal property located united_states defines windstorm hurricane tornado wind event restricts coverage areas subdivisions appropriate public body adopted adequate mitigation measures including effective enforcement provisions director federal_emergency_management_agency fema finds consistent criteria construction described international code council building codes relating wind mitigation prohibits provision coverage structure related personal property covered time flood insurance act requires maintenance flood insurance coverage act prerequisite windstorm coverage structure related personal property states separate windstorm coverage covers losses physical damages windstorm prescribes nature terms coverage actuarial rates sec prohibits duplicative coverage sec prohibits new coverage property declared governmental authority violation state local laws regulations ordinances intended reduce windstorm damage sec instructs director carry studies investigations determine measures wind hazard prevention provide technical assistance state interstate local governmental agencies encourage adoption enforcement laws regulations ordinances relating orderly development use areas subject damage windstorm risks zoning building codes building permits subdivision building restrictions areas


Summary: Flood Elevation Notification Act of 2009 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to require the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), when establishing projected flood elevations for land use purposes, to first propose such determinations by: (1) providing the chief executive officer of each affected community notice of the elevations, including a copy of the pertinent maps and an explanation of the process to appeal for changes in the elevations; (2) causing notice of the elevations to be published in the Federal Register; (3) publishing the elevations in a prominent local newspaper, as well as a description of the flood determination appeals process, and contact information related to initiating an appeal; and (4) providing specified written notification, by first class mail, to each owner of real property affected by the proposed elevations.

flood elevation notification act amends national_flood_insurance_act require director federal_emergency_management_agency fema establishing projected flood land use purposes propose determinations providing chief executive officer affected community notice including copy pertinent maps explanation process appeal changes causing notice published federal_register publishing prominent local newspaper description flood determination appeals process contact information related initiating appeal providing specified written notification class mail owner real property affected proposed


Summary: Volunteer Firefighter/Emergency Medical Service Gas Price Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow volunteers who provide firefighting or emergency medical services a tax deduction for up to $250 of their travel expenses, whether or not such taxpayer itemizes.

volunteer firefighter emergency medical service gas price relief_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow volunteers provide firefighting emergency medical services tax deduction travel expenses taxpayer itemizes


Summary: Nursing Home Emergency Assistance Act - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to allow the President to provide reimbursement to private for-profit nursing homes for damages and expenses from a major disaster or emergency. Requires that such nursing homes: (1) be located within 30 miles of the disaster or emergency; and (2) have acted during the disaster or emergency in accordance with any relevant requirements applicable to private nonprofit nursing homes seeking reimbursement. Limits the amount of reimbursement to not greater than the amount available under such Act to a public or private nonprofit nursing home for similar damages or expenses after a disaster or emergency.

nursing home emergency assistance act_-_amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act allow president provide reimbursement private profit nursing homes damages expenses major disaster emergency requires nursing homes located miles disaster emergency acted disaster emergency accordance relevant requirements applicable private nonprofit nursing homes seeking reimbursement limits reimbursement greater available act public private nonprofit nursing home similar damages expenses disaster emergency


Summary: Public Safety Enhancement Act of 2009 - Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to allow flood insurance coverage for structures used to provide a public safety or first responder service, including police and firefighting services, even though such structures have been declared in violation of state laws intended to discourage or restrict land development or occupancy in flood-prone areas.

public safety enhancement_act amends national_flood_insurance_act allow flood insurance coverage structures provide public safety responder service including police firefighting services structures declared violation state laws intended discourage restrict land development occupancy flood prone areas


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

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


Summary: Predisaster Hazard Mitigation Act of 2010 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to: (1) increase the amount guaranteed to each state under the predisaster hazard mitigation program to $575,000; (2) require the President to award financial assistance under the program on a competitive basis; (3) eliminate the current termination date for such program (September 30, 2010); and (4) authorize appropriations for the program through FY2013. Prohibits the use of program funds for congressionally directed spending. Directs the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to submit to Congress a certification regarding whether all financial assistance under the program was awarded in accordance with such Act.

hazard mitigation act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act increase guaranteed state hazard mitigation program require president award financial assistance program competitive basis eliminate current termination date program september authorize appropriations program fy2013 prohibits use program funds congressionally directed spending directs administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema submit congress certification financial assistance program awarded accordance act


Summary: Greensburg, Kansas Recovery Extension Act - Requires funds from any national emergency grant made under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 to address the effects of the May 4, 2007, Greensburg, Kansas, tornado to remain available for expenditure through June 30, 2010.

kansas recovery extension act_-_requires funds national emergency grant workforce investment act address effects kansas tornado remain available expenditure june


Summary: Gulf Coast Civic Works Act - Establishes within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Office of the Federal Coordinator of Gulf Coast Rebuilding the Gulf Coast Civic Works Commission. Authorizes any municipality of over 25,000 people in the affected area to designate a local advisory council to advise the Commission. Requires the Commission to: (1) establish regional taskforces and prepare a regional policy plan; (2) establish and administer a Gulf Coast Civic Works Project that employs a minimum of 100,000 Gulf Coast region residents and evacuees for public works projects to rebuild and develop the Gulf Coast region impacted by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita; (3) establish or support existing job-training programs and apprenticeships to recruit and train qualified workers, with emphasis on women and disadvantaged workers from the Gulf Coast region, for specific job vacancies in approved Civic Works Projects and other recovery, rebuilding, and development projects; (4) ensure that all workers are paid wages at not less than the prevailing locality rate (Davis-Bacon Act); and (5) establish or coordinate other infrastructure projects, including environmental restoration, energy efficiency and conservation, search for affordable workforce housing, and youth works projects. Authorizes the Commission to provide grants to Gulf Coast region residents who possess certain skills for: (1) artistic and cultural projects which reflect or preserve the history and culture of the Gulf Coast region; and (2) projects that chronicle the story of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita.

gulf_coast civic works act establishes department_of_homeland_security dhs office federal coordinator gulf_coast rebuilding gulf_coast civic works commission authorizes municipality people affected area designate local advisory_council advise commission requires commission establish regional prepare regional policy plan establish administer gulf_coast civic works project employs minimum gulf_coast region residents public works projects rebuild develop gulf_coast region impacted hurricanes katrina rita establish support existing job training programs apprenticeships recruit train qualified workers emphasis women disadvantaged workers gulf_coast region specific job vacancies approved civic works projects recovery rebuilding development projects ensure workers paid wages prevailing locality rate davis-bacon_act establish coordinate infrastructure projects including environmental restoration energy efficiency conservation search affordable workforce housing youth works projects authorizes commission provide grants gulf_coast region residents possess certain skills artistic cultural projects reflect preserve history culture gulf_coast region projects story hurricanes katrina rita


Summary: Ratepayer Recovery Act of 2009 - 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.

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: Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Modernization Act of 2009 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to direct the President, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to modernize and implement the integrated U.S. public alert and warning system to ensure that the President can alert governmental authorities and the civilian population in areas endangered by disasters under all conditions. Directs the Administrator, consistent with the final recommendations of the Integrated Public Alert and Warning System Advisory Committee (established by this Act), to: (1) establish common alerting and warning protocols, standards, terminology, and operating procedures; (2) include in such system the capability to adapt the distribution and content of communications on the basis of geographic location, risks, or personal user preferences and to alert individuals with disabilities or limited English proficiency; and (3) ensure the conduct of system training, tests, and exercises. Requires the system to: (1) incorporate multiple communications technologies; (2) be designed to incorporate future technologies for communicating directly with the public, to provide alerts to the largest portion of the affected population feasible, including nonresident visitors and tourists, and to improve the ability of remote areas to receive alerts; (3) promote local and regional partnerships to enhance community preparedness and response; and (4) provide redundant alert mechanisms. Authorizes the Administrator to conduct pilot programs to demonstrate the feasibility of using a variety of methods for achieving system requirements.

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


Summary: National Windstorm Impact Reduction Reauthorization Act of 2009 - Amends the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act of 2004 to revise provisions governing the National Windstorm Impact Reduction Program. Designates the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) as the lead agency for Program planning, management, and coordination. Establishes the Interagency Working Group on Wind Impact Reduction (IWG) to coordinate activities and facilitate communication among Program agencies in reducing the impacts of windstorms. (Repeals provisions regarding the existing Interagency Working Group responsible for Program planning, management, and coordination.) Requires the Director of NIST to: (1) establish a Program Office to provide planning, management, and coordination functions; (2) facilitate preparation of a coordinated annual crosscut budget and report for the Program; (3) facilitate preparation of the IWG's biennial report to Congress and the National Science and Technology Council; (4) support research and development for building codes and standards; (5) promote implementation of research results; (6) support deployment of interagency teams to investigate major windstorm events and data collection and analysis; (7) support the organization and deployment of interagency teams to investigate major windstorm events and the gathering, publishing, and archiving of collected data and analysis results; and (8) participate in, coordinate, or support other Program mitigation activities. Sets forth the duties of the Program Office (including ensuring coordination and synergy across Program agencies) and of the IWG (including preparation of an interim working plan for Program operations and a strategic plan for achieving Program objectives). Includes the National Science Foundation (NSF), the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), the Department of Transportation (DOT), the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the Army Corps of Engineers as Program agencies. Authorizes appropriations for the Program for FY2010-FY2014.

national windstorm impact reduction reauthorization act amends national windstorm impact reduction act revise provisions governing national_windstorm_impact_reduction_program designates national_institute_of_standards_and_technology nist lead agency program planning management coordination establishes interagency_working_group wind impact reduction coordinate activities facilitate communication program agencies reducing impacts repeals provisions existing interagency_working_group responsible program planning management coordination requires director nist establish program_office provide planning management coordination functions facilitate preparation coordinated annual crosscut budget report program facilitate preparation biennial report congress national_science_and_technology_council support research development building codes standards promote implementation research results support deployment interagency teams investigate major windstorm events data collection analysis support organization deployment interagency teams investigate major windstorm events gathering publishing archiving collected data analysis results participate coordinate support program mitigation activities sets forth duties program_office including ensuring coordination program agencies including preparation interim working plan program operations strategic plan achieving program objectives includes national_science_foundation nsf national_oceanic_and_atmospheric_administration noaa federal_emergency_management_agency fema department_of_transportation dot national_aeronautics_and_space_administration nasa army_corps_of_engineers program agencies authorizes appropriations program fy2010 fy2014


Summary: Amends the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 to make the cost-share requirement for grants to fire departments to increase the number of firefighters under such Act inapplicable for grants awarded during FY2008.

amends federal_fire_prevention control act cost share requirement grants fire departments increase number firefighters act inapplicable grants awarded fy2008


Summary: California Catastrophic Wildfire Prevention and Community Protection Act - Directs the Secretaries of Agriculture and the Interior to carry out eligible projects on National Forest System lands and public lands, respectively, in California which are within or adjacent to at-risk communities or watersheds if the project is consistent with the applicable community wildfire protection plan or county fire plan. Requires eligible projects on such lands to be carried out in a cost-effective manner that focuses on surface, ladder, and canopy fuels reduction activities or implements forest restoration activities in response to extreme weather events or natural disasters. Requires the Secretaries to: (1) prepare an environmental assessment or an environmental impact statement pursuant to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 for each proposed eligible project; and (2) evaluate and consider an alternative recommendation if a project is or may be inconsistent with its community wildfire protection plan. Requires administrative and judicial review of eligible projects in accordance with the Healthy Forests Restoration Act of 2003.

california catastrophic wildfire prevention community protection act_-_directs secretaries_of_agriculture interior carry eligible projects national_forest_system lands public lands respectively california adjacent risk communities watersheds project consistent applicable community wildfire protection plan county fire plan requires eligible projects lands carried cost effective manner focuses surface ladder canopy fuels reduction activities implements forest restoration activities response extreme weather events natural disasters requires secretaries prepare environmental assessment environmental impact statement pursuant national_environmental_policy_act proposed eligible project evaluate consider alternative recommendation project inconsistent community wildfire protection plan requires administrative judicial review eligible projects accordance healthy_forests_restoration_act


Summary: Evacuees Tax Relief Act of 2009 - Amends the Internal Revenue Code to allow individual taxpayers to elect either a tax credit or tax deduction for up to $5,000 of their voluntary or mandatory evacuation expenses due to a disaster.

tax relief_act amends_the_internal_revenue_code allow individual taxpayers elect tax credit tax deduction voluntary mandatory evacuation expenses disaster


Summary: Predisaster Hazard Mitigation Enhancement Program Act of 2009 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize: (1) the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to make grants on a competitive basis to states and other jurisdictions to assist predisaster hazard mitigation strategies; and (2) the use of technical and financial assistance under such Act to support state programs that provide grants to low income homeowners for wind and flood inspections of their principal residences and for implementation of hazard mitigation improvements.. Limits the use of grants to assist predisaster hazard mitigation improvements to: (1) residential property valued up to $250,000; (2) small business property valued up to $500,000; and (3) residential rental property valued up to the product of the number of rental units in such property and $250,000. Prohibits grants from being used for projects located in the Coastal Barrier Resources System. Directs the Administrator to arrange with the National Academy of Sciences or a similar organization to examine methods to coordinate the functions of man-made and natural storm buffers.

hazard mitigation enhancement program act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act authorize administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema grants competitive basis states jurisdictions assist hazard mitigation strategies use technical financial assistance act support state programs provide grants low income homeowners wind flood inspections principal residences implementation hazard mitigation improvements limits use grants assist hazard mitigation improvements residential property valued small business property valued residential rental property valued product number rental units property prohibits grants projects located coastal barrier resources system directs administrator arrange national_academy_of_sciences similar organization examine methods coordinate functions man natural storm buffers


Summary: First Responder Innovation and Support Act of 2009 - Amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to authorize the President, acting through the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), to make grants to eligible entities (defined as any of the states, the District of Columbia, any federally recognized Indian tribe, and any U.S. territory or possession that has an approved mitigation plan for identifying and mitigating the natural hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities of the area of jurisdiction) to assist innovative natural disaster first responder programs. Directs the President to establish selection criteria for making grants, which shall include consideration of: (1) the severity and frequency of natural disasters that affect the applicant; (2) whether existing natural disaster first responder systems would be improved; (3) whether the grant would provide natural disaster first responder support for special populations, including children, pregnant women, the elderly, and the disabled; and (4) whether the activity assisted is sustainable with non-federal amounts after such grant is made. Requires the President to make grants annually on a competitive basis. Allows eligible entities to apply for multiple grants each year.

responder innovation support act amends robert stafford disaster relief emergency assistance_act authorize president acting administrator federal_emergency_management_agency fema grants eligible entities defined states district_of_columbia federally recognized indian tribe territory possession approved mitigation plan identifying mitigating natural hazards risks vulnerabilities area jurisdiction assist innovative natural disaster responder programs directs president establish selection criteria making grants shall include consideration severity frequency natural disasters affect applicant existing natural disaster responder systems improved grant provide natural disaster responder support special populations including children pregnant women elderly disabled activity assisted sustainable non federal amounts grant requires president grants annually competitive basis allows eligible entities apply multiple grants year


Summary: National Flood Insurance Program Extension Act of 2009 - (Sec. 2) Amends the National Flood Insurance Act of 1968 to extend the national flood insurance program from September 30, 2008, through March 31, 2010. (Sec. 3) Extends through FY2010 the pilot program for mitigation of severe repetitive loss properties. Repeals the termination date for, and thus makes permanent, the authority of the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide assistance to any state or community. (Sec. 4) Extends eligibility for flood insurance at specified maximum premium rates to any community that has made adequate progress on construction (as under current law), reconstruction, or improvement of a flood protection system which will afford flood protection for the one-hundred year frequency flood (without respect to the level of federal investment or participation). Revises the requirement that a revised Flood Insurance Rate Map be prepared for the community to delineate as Zone AR the areas of special flood hazard that result from the disaccreditation of the flood protection system. Specifies that the areas of special flood hazard may be either coastal or riverine. Revises the requirement that a community will be considered to be in the process of restoration if its flood protection system has been deemed restorable by a federal agency in consultation with the local project sponsor. Replaces a federal agency as the deeming authority with the entity or entities that own, operate, maintain, or repair the system. (Sec. 5) Instructs the FEMA Administrator to implement this Act in a manner that will not materially weaken the financial position of the National Flood Insurance Program, or increase the risk of financial liability to federal taxpayers.

national_flood_insurance_program extension act sec amends national_flood_insurance_act extend national_flood_insurance_program september march sec extends fy2010 pilot program mitigation severe repetitive loss properties repeals termination date makes permanent authority director federal_emergency_management_agency fema provide assistance state community sec extends eligibility flood insurance specified maximum premium rates community adequate progress construction current law reconstruction improvement flood protection system afford flood protection year frequency flood respect level federal investment participation revises requirement revised flood insurance rate map prepared community delineate zone areas special flood hazard result flood protection system specifies areas special flood hazard coastal riverine revises requirement community considered process restoration flood protection system deemed federal agency consultation local project sponsor replaces federal agency deeming authority entity entities operate maintain repair system sec instructs fema administrator implement act manner materially weaken financial position national_flood_insurance_program increase risk financial liability federal taxpayers