H.R. 2254: Don’t Penalize Victims Act

This bill, titled the "Don’t Penalize Victims Act," aims to amend existing disaster relief legislation, specifically the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act. The primary change proposed in this bill focuses on the issue of "duplication of benefits."

Key Provisions

1. **Duplication of Benefits**: The bill seeks to modify Section 312(a) of the Stafford Act by removing the phrase "or any other source." This adjustment is significant as it addresses how financial assistance is awarded to individuals affected by disasters.

Impact on Disaster Victims

The intention behind this amendment is to ensure that victims of disasters are not penalized when receiving multiple forms of aid. Often, disaster-affected individuals may receive support from various federal, state, and local programs, as well as from private organizations. The existing regulation can sometimes lead to situations where victims face restrictions or penalties for receiving assistance from different sources. This bill aims to clarify that such assistance should not be considered as a duplication of benefits, thereby allowing victims to receive the needed support without the fear of losing out on aid due to overlapping funds.

Context of the Bill

The legislation arises from the need to support individuals recovering from natural disasters by simplifying the aid process. By preventing the penalties associated with receiving support from multiple sources, the bill aims to streamline the recovery process for disaster victims, facilitating their return to normalcy.

Relevant Companies

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