Legislative Activity

This bill exempts federal actions related to the construction of qualifying infill housing from the environmental review requirements of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). It defines qualifying infill housing based on location, size, and successful environmental site assessments. Additionally, the legislation accelerates the required frequency for states to update their natural hazard risk assessments from every five years to every three years.

The Restoring Essential Healthcare Act repeals an outdated ban that prevented Medicaid from making payments to certain healthcare providers. This legislation ensures that these previously prohibited entities will now be reimbursed for medical services rendered between the enactment of the original ban and the passage of this Act. In short, it restores payment eligibility and retroactively covers past services.

The Rim of the Valley Corridor Preservation Act officially expands the boundaries of the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area to include the newly designated Rim of the Valley Unit. This legislation ensures that any newly acquired land within this unit will be managed under the existing rules of the National Recreation Area. Furthermore, the Act allows existing utility and water facilities within the expanded area to continue operations while requiring them to minimize damage to natural resources.

The Stop Disaster Price Gouging Act establishes strict federal limits against raising prices on essential goods, lodging, and repair services by more than 10% following a Presidential disaster declaration. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is tasked with enforcing these prohibitions, which treat violations as unfair or deceptive practices. The bill also grants state attorneys general and injured individuals the right to sue violators, with potential penalties including the trebling of damages for willful violations.

The Wildfire Homeowner Relief Act directs the Government Accountability Office (GAO) to conduct a comprehensive study on the feasibility of establishing a federal program to voluntarily buy out homes in high-risk wildfire areas. This study must analyze existing federal buyout programs and recommend how a new wildfire buyout initiative should be structured, managed, and funded. The GAO is required to submit a full report with its findings and recommendations to Congress within one year.

The Don't Penalize Victims Act simplifies the process for determining eligibility for federal disaster assistance. It removes language that required agencies to check every potential funding source to prevent duplication of benefits. This change streamlines aid distribution by focusing on preventing double payments for the same disaster loss.