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FLORIDA - A bipartisan bill led by a Florida congressman would give disaster survivors more time to challenge FEMA assistance decisions.
The Post-Disaster Protection Act, introduced by Rep. Maxwell Frost, would extend the deadline for appealing Federal Emergency Management Agency decisions from 60 days to 90 days. The proposal, designated H.R. 8409, advanced through the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee in September.
Current law allows applicants 60 days after receiving notice to appeal a FEMA decision involving eligibility for disaster assistance or the amount awarded. FEMA has up to 90 days after receiving an appeal to issue a ruling. The legislation would establish the same 90-day period for applicants and the agency.
Supporters say the additional month would help people recovering from hurricanes, floods, wildfires and other disasters gather documents, correct errors and prepare appeals while managing immediate recovery needs.
The proposed deadline would apply to individual survivors and public applicants seeking assistance under the Stafford Act. Public applicants include states, counties, cities, local governments and utilities requesting reimbursement for eligible disaster expenses.
Republican Rep. Mike Ezell of Mississippi and Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds of the Northern Mariana Islands joined Frost in leading the bipartisan measure. Several members of Florida’s congressional delegation have signed on as cosponsors.
The National Association of Counties, National League of Cities, U.S. Conference of Mayors, National Emergency Management Association and Community Associations Institute support the bill.
Committee approval does not make the proposal law. It must still pass the full House and Senate before reaching the president. If enacted, the measure would provide applicants 30 additional days to appeal but would not reverse denials or guarantee funding.