H.R. 10281: FEMA for Safe Recovery Act

This bill would direct FEMA to create rules and guidance aimed at reducing gender-based violence, human trafficking, and sexual exploitation during and after disasters.

What FEMA would have to do

Within one year of enactment, FEMA would need to issue regulations and guidance covering how disaster response and temporary housing should better protect people at risk of abuse or exploitation. The bill focuses on disaster shelters, temporary housing, and short-term recovery operations.

Main changes the bill would require

• Set up a coordinated federal and local response structure immediately after disasters, involving FEMA, the Red Cross, state and local governments, and anti-violence service providers.
• Use more stable staff assignments after disasters so survivors can build trust and receive more consistent help.
• Require FEMA check-ins with all adult household members, not just one household head, so more people have a chance to report abuse or ask for help.
• Create ways to reduce repeated moves for survivors staying in hotels or other temporary housing.
• Establish a non-disciplinary reporting process for complaints about landlords or temporary housing providers who may be committing abuse, criminal conduct, or exploitation.
• Prioritize moving the person to safer temporary housing when appropriate and referring allegations to law enforcement or victim service providers, with the person's informed consent.
• Develop guidance on having trained victim-service personnel at shelters where possible.
• Create model shelter notices and signs that explain victim assistance resources, hotlines, and contact information in appropriate languages.
• Review post-disaster procedures to better account for survivors’ emotional well-being, especially for people with mental health conditions or who may be more vulnerable to harm.
• Issue guidance for emergency managers on the special needs of people at high risk of violence or trafficking, including items such as feminine hygiene products, baby formula, and over-the-counter medicine and supplies.
• Clarify which costs tied to helping victims of gender-based violence can already be reimbursed under FEMA’s Public Assistance and Individual Assistance programs, and train FEMA staff on those costs.

Training and existing programs

The bill would also amend the Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act so FEMA’s crisis counseling and training programs explicitly include gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. It would require the President to ensure all FEMA employees are trained to identify victims and survivors and refer them to appropriate services.

Limits and flexibility

The bill says it should not be read to require FEMA to hire permanent staff or create new offices. It also says it would not override state, local, tribal, or territorial emergency management authority, and it would not stop those governments from offering stronger protections. The bill would only be carried out if funding is available.

Relevant Companies

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