,i #aacth ,,congress #ast ,session ,h4 ,r4 #affi ,,in ,,the ,,house ,,of ,,representatives ,april #bc1 #bjac ,ms4 ,velzquez 7for herself1 ,mr4 ,rangel1 ,mr4 ,serrano1 and ,mr4 ,jeffries7 introduced the following bill2 which was referred to the ,committee on ,financial ,services ,a ,,bill ,to require large public housing agencies to develop disaster response and relief plans to guide and prepare staff and residents of such agencies1 the local community1 and ,federal1 ,state1 and local governments for disasters affecting public housing projects4 #a4 ,short title ,this ,act may be cited as the ,public ,housing ,disaster ,preparedness ,act of #bjac4 #b4 ,disaster ,response and ,relief ,plan ,the ,united ,states ,housing ,act of #aicg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adcg et seq47 is amended by adding at the end the following new title3 ,v ,disaster ,preparedness #eja4 ,definitions ,in this title3 7#a7 ,covered public housing agency ,the term covered public housing agency means a public housing agency that owns1 operates1 or assists no less than #ejj dwelling units in public housing projects4 7#b7 ,disaster ,the term disaster has the same meaning given the term major disaster in section #ajb7b7 of the ,robert ,t4 ,stafford ,disaster ,relief and ,emergency ,assistance ,act 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #eabb7b77 and includes any natural catastrophe 7including any hurricane1 tornado1 storm1 high water1 wind driven water1 tidal wave1 tsunami1 earthquake1 volcanic eruption1 landslide1 mudslide1 snowstorm1 or drought71 or1 regardless of cause1 any fire1 flood1 or explosion1 which in the determination of a relevant ,state or local official causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant disaster assistance in alleviating the damage1 loss1 hardship1 or suffering caused thereby4 7#c7 ,secretary ,the term ,secretary means the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development4 #ejb4 ,requirement of disaster response and relief plan 7a7 ,in general ,the ,secretary shall require each covered public housing agency to develop a disaster response and relief plan in accordance with the provisions of this title to provide-- 7#a7 guidance for-- 7,a7 public housing agencies and staff2 7,b7 residents of dwelling units in public housing2 7,c7 relevant ,federal1 ,state1 and local agencies and officials2 and 7,d7 community-based organizations2 and 7#b7 comprehensive information regarding pre-disaster1 disaster impact1 and post-disaster policies1 standards1 procedures1 and protocols4 7b7 ,submission with annual and #e-year plans ,a disaster response and relief plan developed under this title shall be included in the annual and #e-year plans required to be submitted under section #e;,a of this ,act4 7c7 ,,hud approval 7#a7 ,in general ,a disaster response and relief plan developed under this title shall be submitted to the ,secretary for approval before implementation of such plan4 7#b7 ,response ,the ,secretary shall have #fj days to respond to each submission made pursuant to paragraph 7#a74 7d7 ,feedback ,a covered public housing agency shall seek input from resident or tenant associations and advocacy groups during the development of the disaster relief plan described in subsection 7a74 7e7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this title prohibits a covered public housing agency from developing and submitting to the ,secretary multiple plans tailored to address specific disasters4 #ejc4 ,establishing communication and support 7a7 ,in general ,a covered public housing agency shall include in the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title protocols for receiving1 analyzing1 and disseminating information regarding disasters before1 during1 and after such disaster4 7b7 ,coordination and dissemination of information ,a covered public housing agency shall-- 7#a7 provide structure and organization within such agency by establishing a clearly defined chain of command with set responsibilities for each individual or group of individuals involved2 and 7#b7 identify #a or more individuals or groups of individuals at each agency and each building that is owned1 operated1 or assisted by each agency that are responsible for-- 7,a7 coordinating disaster relief efforts2 and 7,b7 disseminating information regarding emergency protocols under the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title to each resident of a dwelling unit in public housing owned1 operated1 or assisted by such agency and other stakeholder groups1 including community-based organizations that may provide assistance to such resident following a disaster4 #ejd4 ,resident preparedness 7a7 ,in general ,a covered public housing agency shall disseminate information about the emergency protocols established under the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title to each resident of a dwelling unit in public housing owned1 operated1 or assisted by such agency-- 7#a7 prior to such resident moving into their dwelling unit2 7#b7 annually2 and 7#c7 if possible1 prior to an impending disaster4 7b7 ,information ,such information disseminated under subsection 7a7 shall include-- 7#a7 information on how to prepare for a disaster2 7#b7 if necessary1 mandatory evacuation protocols2 7#c7 a list of covered public housing agency and resident rights and responsibilities1 as applicable under ,federal1 ,state1 and local law and regulations1 and covered public housing agency rules and emergency protocols before1 during1 and after a disaster as they relate to-- 7,a7 disaster preparedness2 7,b7 evacuations2 7,c7 disaster relief2 7,d7 basic human needs assistance2 7,e7 utility restoration2 7,f7 resident relocation2 7,g7 supportive services2 7,h7 payment of rent and eligible rent exemptions2 and 7,i7 assessing and repairing physical damage to public housing buildings2 and 7#d7 any other items that the ,secretary may require through regulations prescribed pursuant to this title4 7c7 ,method of dissemination ,the information described under subsection 7b7-- 7#a7 shall be disseminated by-- 7,a7 giving notices and flyers to each resident of a dwelling unit in public housing and posted in high-traffic areas2 7,b7 having an automated system to contact residents2 7,c7 posting on the official ,web site of the covered public housing agency with links to the appropriate ,web pages regarding the impending disaster2 and 7,d7 any other means the ,secretary may require through regulations prescribed pursuant to this title2 and 7#b7 may be disseminated by-- 7,a7 visiting door-to-door to each dwelling unit and providing such information to each resident2 7,b7 phone trees2 and 7,c7 toll-free numbers for residents to call4 7d7 ,accessibility of information ,the information described under this section shall be accessible to individuals with limited ,english proficiency4 7e7 ,inclusion of residents ,a covered public housing agency is strongly encouraged to include residents of public housing owned1 operated1 or assisted by such agency in the execution of the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title4 #eje4 ,immediate disaster response ,a disaster response and relief plan developed under this title shall include detailed information on how the authorities plan to allocate and station staff before1 during1 and after a disaster4 ,the plan should reflect reasonable emergency work hours and ensure staff is on call and prepared for a disaster4 #ejf4 ,protecting special needs of residents 7a7 ,list ,a covered public housing agency shall maintain a list1 updated annually1 of the members of each family residing in a dwelling unit in public housing owned1 operated1 or assisted by such agency1 and identify the following 7as such information is provided by residents73 7#a7 ,the special needs of certain residents because of a disability1 physical or mobility impairment1 or medical condition4 7#b7 ,the units in which residents who are elderly reside4 7#c7 ,the units in which residents who have limited ,english proficiency reside and the primary languages of such residents4 7b7 ,dissemination of list ,the list described in subsection 7a7 shall be provided to the individual or individuals identified under section #ejc7;b7 and other relevant staff of the covered public housing agency4 7c7 ,special populations 7#a7 ,in general ,a covered public housing agency shall analyze the challenges of providing disaster relief assistance with respect to the health and medical needs to certain populations of residents of a dwelling unit in public housing owned1 operated1 or assisted by such agency and include such analysis in the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title4 7#b7 ,populations ,the populations analyzed under paragraph 7#a7 include-- 7,a7 residents of a dwelling unit in public housing who-- 7i7 are disabled2 7ii7 require life-support equipment or have other severe medical conditions2 7iii7 are elderly2 or 7iv7 have a physical or mobility impairment2 and 7,b7 other populations of residents identified by the ,secretary through regulations prescribed pursuant to this title4 #ejg4 ,safe evacuation of residents and staff 7a7 ,in general ,a covered public housing agency shall include in the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title information on evacuating residents of a dwelling unit in public housing owned1 operated1 or assisted by1 and staff of1 such agency4 7b7 ,required information ,the information required under subsection 7a7 shall include the following3 7#a7 ,detailed protocols regarding evacuating residents and staff of a covered public housing agency safely and orderly4 7#b7 ,transportation options1 in addition to public transportation which may be out of service or delayed1 for transporting residents and staff to safe locations4 7#c7 ,a list of pre-approved public housing agency safe locations for residents and staff4 7#d7 ,a list of pre-approved public housing agency fall-back locations for staff to monitor a disaster safely and launch response efforts following the conclusion of such a disaster4 7#e7 ,options for oral and written translation services for residents with limited ,english proficiency4 7#f7 ,any other information the ,secretary may require through regulations prescribed pursuant to this title4 #ejh4 ,supporting short- and long-term relocation of residents 7a7 ,in general ,a covered public housing agency shall include in the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title protocols for relocating residents in the event that the unit in which such resident resides becomes uninhabitable4 7b7 ,required information ,the protocols described in subsection 7a7 shall include short-term1 long-term1 and permanent relocation possibilities4 #eji4 ,providing relief to other victims ,a covered public housing agency shall include in the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title protocols for temporarily renting vacant units of public housing to local victims of a disaster who are not residents of public housing4 #eaj4 ,protecting tenants from eviction 7a7 ,in general ,no covered public housing agency shall begin1 continue1 or complete an eviction of a resident of a dwelling unit in public housing owned1 operated1 or assisted by such agency during the moratorium period defined in subsection 7c74 7b7 ,exception ,subsection 7a7 shall not apply if an eviction of a resident is for-- 7#a7 a drug-related or violent criminal activity2 7#b7 a felony charge2 or 7#c7 a sex crime or any violation of ,federal or ,state law related to such resident's status as a sex offender4 7c7 ,moratorium period ,the term moratorium period means the time period beginning on the date that a disaster is declared by applicable ,federal1 ,state1 or local officials and ending on the date that the ,secretary determines that a covered public housing agency's disaster relief efforts have concluded4 #eaa4 ,rental payment fairness ,a covered public housing agency shall prorate1 for each month1 the rental amount1 and1 if applicable1 the tenant-paid utility amount of a dwelling unit assisted under this ,act for each family residing in a dwelling unit in public housing owned1 assisted1 or operated by such agency in accordance with the rent abatement policies under the agency's rules1 the property lease executed between the resident and the agency1 or any relevant ,federal1 ,state1 or local laws or regulations4 #eab4 ,ensuring residents receive basic human needs and assistance 7a7 ,in general ,not later than #bd hours after the conclusion of a disaster1 in such manner as the ,secretary may require1 a covered public housing agency shall provide to each resident of a dwelling unit in public housing owned1 operated1 or assisted by such agency the following3 7#a7 ,contact information for ,federal1 ,state1 local agencies1 or other local organizations that can provide supportive services and disaster relief support and assistance1 including-- 7,a7 potable water2 7,b7 food2 7,c7 shelter2 7,d7 first aid2 and 7,e7 any other support and assistance that the ,secretary may identify through regulations prescribed pursuant to this title4 7#b7 ,specific information about household and individual assistance available from-- 7,a7 the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7,b7 any other ,federal1 ,state1 and local emergency relief agencies2 and 7,c7 local organizations and public housing agency partners4 7#c7 ,information regarding the personal property damage claims process of a covered public housing agency1 including-- 7,a7 how to file a claim2 7,b7 eligibility guidelines for filing a claim2 7,c7 coverage of the policy2 and 7,d7 the time period to file and process claims4 7b7 ,creating partnerships 7#a7 ,in general ,a covered public housing agency shall create partnerships to provide basic human needs1 additional supportive services1 and security before1 during1 and after the conclusion of a disaster for each resident of a dwelling unit in public housing owned1 assisted1 or operated by such agency4 7#b7 ,potential partners ,a covered public housing agency may establish partnerships with-- 7,a7 the ,federal ,emergency ,management ,agency2 7,b7 ,state and local governments2 7,c7 local law enforcement2 7,d7 community-based organizations2 7,e7 resident or tenant associations2 7,f7 health care professionals2 7,g7 other individuals or organizations that provide volunteer services2 or 7,h7 any other entity that the ,secretary may include through regulations prescribed pursuant to this title4 7c7 ,rule of construction ,nothing in this section shall be construed as to prohibit or restrict any entity from providing disaster relief to any resident of a dwelling unit in public housing4 #eac4 ,protection and restoration of public housing buildings 7a7 ,in general ,the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title shall include protocols for inspecting1 evaluating1 and repairing damage to physical assets of a covered public housing agency4 7b7 ,protocols for protection and restoration of public housing ,such protocols shall include the following3 7#a7 ,maintaining a list of licensed contractors to assess damage to physical assets and provide short-term repair and restoration efforts4 7#b7 ,if possible1 executing supportive services contracts in advance of disasters to obtain faster response times4 7#c7 ,deploying contractors immediately following the conclusion of a disaster to assess and repair immediate priorities1 including-- 7,a7 restoring electric1 gas1 water1 ,,vac41 sewage1 and elevator service as soon as possible2 7,b7 remediating exigent health and safety hazards1 such as mold and mildew removal and pest control2 and 7,c7 other items as described by the ,secretary through regulations prescribed pursuant to this title4 7#d7 ,not later than #ad days after the conclusion of a disaster1 conducting follow-up inspections to determine short- and long-term repair and restoration priorities4 7#e7 ,establishing short-term priorities for the repair and restoration of public housing projects1 including-- 7,a7 air quality testing to address disaster related health and safety hazards2 7,b7 continuing to maintain building systems and utilities2 and 7,c7 other items as described by the ,secretary through regulations prescribed pursuant to this title4 7#f7 ,establishing long-term priorities for the repair and restoration of public housing projects1 including-- 7,a7 developing a revised physical capital needs assessment to determine necessary repairs and rehabilitation of a public housing project2 7,b7 rehabilitating building structures2 7,c7 repairing and rehabilitating superficial damages to building structures and dwelling units2 7,d7 mitigating the impact of a disaster that may occur in the future by upgrading or replacing building systems or strengthening the structure of the building2 and 7,e7 other items as described by the ,secretary through regulations prescribed pursuant to this title4 #ead4 ,emergency supplies and equipment 7a7 ,in general ,the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title shall include a detailed list describing the condition and location of emergency supplies and equipment1 including-- 7#a7 electrical generators and the types of public housing building systems they are compatible with2 7#b7 mobile boilers and the types of public housing building systems they are compatible with2 7#c7 heaters and fans2 7#d7 water pumps2 7#e7 phones1 radios1 cameras1 and televisions 7and power sources1 if necessary1 for these items72 7#f7 potable water1 food1 and emergency supply kits2 7#g7 property vehicles2 7#h7 backed-up critical computer files 7such as contact information for residents and staff1 rent and income calculations1 and other information72 7#i7 first aid kits2 and 7#aj7 any other supplies and equipment that the ,secretary may describe through regulations prescribed pursuant to this title4 7b7 ,annual review ,a covered public housing agency shall check annually to ensure that the supplies and equipment described in subsection 7a71 or through regulations prescribed pursuant to such subsection1 are in working order4 ,such agency shall immediately replace or repair such supplies and equipment that are not in working order and update the list described in subsection 7a74 7c7 ,contracts ,a public housing agency shall enter into standby contracts for critical equipment1 such as pumps1 boilers1 and generators1 in order to expedite the restoration of necessary utilities4 #eae4 ,sources of assistance ,the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title shall include-- 7#a7 information regarding ,federal1 ,state1 and local grant and loan programs and other resources related to disaster relief available to a covered public housing agency2 7#b7 how to apply for such resources2 and 7#c7 information regarding the insurance policy of the covered public housing agency and how to file a claim4 #eaf4 ,proper implementation of plan ,the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title shall include1 and a covered public housing agency shall have available on-site at each public housing project1 a step-by-step checklist to implement such plan to be utilized by relevant staff of the agency4 ,such checklist shall emphasize disaster relief on the property level4 #eag4 ,emergency disaster training 7a7 ,in general ,the disaster response and relief plan developed under this title shall include training requirements such as-- 7#a7 hosting annual workshops to train employees of public housing agencies on the disaster response and relief plans of such agencies and the proper implementation of such plans2 7#b7 offering no less than #c events1 such as workshops1 seminars 7held-in person or over the ,internet71 or conference calls1 to provide information to residents on-- 7,a7 what to do during a disaster2 7,b7 covered public housing agency and resident rights and responsibilities during a disaster2 and 7,c7 basic first aid and ,,cpr training2 and 7#c7 conducting annual evacuation and emergency drills for disasters at public housing projects4 7b7 ,staff training ,a covered public housing agency shall provide leadership1 basic first aid1 and ,,cpr training to staff of such agency to prepare such staff to coordinate and assist residents of dwelling units in public housing owned1 assisted1 or operated by such agency and other individuals in carrying out the pre-disaster1 disaster impact1 and post-disaster polices and procedures developed pursuant to this title4 7c7 ,resident training ,a covered public housing agency may provide leadership1 basic first aid1 and ,,cpr training to residents of dwelling units in public housing owned1 assisted1 or operated by such agency1 in addition to training required to be provided to staff of such agency under subsection 7b71 to prepare such residents to coordinate and assist other residents in carrying out the pre-disaster1 disaster impact1 and post-disaster polices and procedures developed pursuant to this title4 #eah4 ,improving disaster relief oversight ,following a disaster in which a covered public housing agency implemented its disaster response and relief plan developed under this title1 the ,inspector ,general of the ,department of ,housing and ,urban ,development shall evaluate such plan and1 if necessary1 make recommendations for improving such plan not later than #ahj days after the conclusion of such disaster4 4 #c4 ,amendments to ,housing ,act 7a7 ,inclusion in #e-,year plan ,section #e;,a7a77#a7 of the ,united ,states ,housing ,act of #aicg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adcg;c-#a7;a77#a77 is amended-- 7#a7 by adding at the end the following new subparagraph3 7,c7 if applicable1 a disaster response and relief plan developed in accordance with title ,v4 2 7#b7 in subparagraph 7,a71 by striking and2 and 7#c7 in subparagraph 7,b71 by striking the period and inserting 2 and4 7b7 ,inclusion in annual plan ,section #e;,a7d7 of the ,united ,states ,housing ,act of #aicg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adcg;c-#a7;d77 is amended-- 7#a7 by redesignating paragraph 7#ai7 as paragraph 7#bj72 and 7#b7 by inserting after paragraph 7#ah7 the following3 7#ai7 ,disaster response and relief plan ,if1 applicable1 a plan developed by the public housing agency in accordance with title ,v that provides comprehensive information regarding pre-disaster1 disaster impact1 and post-disaster policies1 standards1 procedures1 and protocols4 4 #d4 ,authorization of appropriations 7a7 ,in general ,there are authorized to be appropriated such sums as may be necessary to the ,secretary to carry out this ,act4 7b7 ,availability ,any sums appropriated under the authorization contained in this section shall remain available1 without fiscal year limitation1 until expended4 #e4 ,effective date ,a covered public housing agency 7as such term is defined in the amendments made under section #b of this ,act7 shall submit the initial disaster plan developed in accordance with the amendments made under section #b of this ,act on the date that occurs on the later of-- 7#a7 #bgj days after the date of the enactment of this ,act2 or 7#b7 the date that the annual plan under section #e;,a7b7 of the ,united ,states ,housing ,act of #aicg 7#db ,u4,s4,c4 #adcg;c-#a7;b77 is required to be submitted to the ,secretary of ,housing and ,urban ,development4