SUBCHAPTER I—FINDINGS, DECLARATIONS, AND DEFINITIONS
§5121. Congressional findings and declarations
(a) The Congress hereby finds and declares that—
(1) because disasters often cause loss of life, human suffering, loss of income, and property loss and damage; and
(2) because disasters often disrupt the normal functioning of governments and communities, and adversely affect individuals and families with great severity;
special measures, designed to assist the efforts of the affected States in expediting the rendering of aid, assistance, and emergency services, and the reconstruction and rehabilitation of devastated areas, are necessary.
(b) It is the intent of the Congress, by this chapter, to provide an orderly and continuing means of assistance by the Federal Government to State and local governments in carrying out their responsibilities to alleviate the suffering and damage which result from such disasters by—
(1) revising and broadening the scope of existing disaster relief programs;
(2) encouraging the development of comprehensive disaster preparedness and assistance plans, programs, capabilities, and organizations by the States and by local governments;
(3) achieving greater coordination and responsiveness of disaster preparedness and relief programs;
(4) encouraging individuals, States, and local governments to protect themselves by obtaining insurance coverage to supplement or replace governmental assistance;
(5) encouraging hazard mitigation measures to reduce losses from disasters, including development of land use and construction regulations;
(6) providing Federal assistance programs for both public and private losses sustained in disasters; and
(7) identifying and improving the climate and natural hazard resilience of vulnerable communities.
(Pub. L. 93–288, title I, §101, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143; Pub. L. 100–707, title I, §103(a), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4689; Pub. L. 117–255, §2, Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2363.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in subsec. (b), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–288, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out below and Tables.
Amendments
2022—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 117–255 added par. (7).
1988—Subsec. (b)(7). Pub. L. 100–707 struck out par. (7) expressing Congressional intent to provide disaster assistance through a long-range economic recovery program for major disaster areas.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, §1202, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3438, provided that:
"(a) Applicability for Stafford Act.—Except as otherwise expressly provided, the amendments in this division [see section 1201 of Pub. L. 115–254, set out as a Short Title of 2018 Amendment note below] to the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) apply to each major disaster and emergency declared by the President on or after August 1, 2017, under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.
"(b) Division Applicability.—Except as otherwise expressly provided, the authorities provided under this division [div. D (§§1201–1246) of Pub. L. 115–254] apply to each major disaster and emergency declared by the President under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act on or after January 1, 2016."
Effective Date
Pub. L. 93–288, title VI, §605, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 164, provided that Pub. L. 93–288 was effective Apr. 1, 1974, with the exception of section 5178 of this title, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 100–707, title I, §108(b), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4708.
Short Title of 2024 Amendment
Pub. L. 118–44, §1, Mar. 18, 2024, 138 Stat. 455, provided that: "This Act [amending section 5177 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 5177 of this title] may be cited as the 'Disaster Assistance Deadlines Alignment Act'."
Short Title of 2022 Amendment
Pub. L. 117–263, div. G, title LXXIII, §7311, Dec. 23, 2022, 136 Stat. 3689, provided that: "This subtitle [subtitle B (§§7311–7315) of title LXXIII of div. G of Pub. L. 117–263, enacting section 5136a of this title and provisions set out as notes under section 5136a of this title] may be cited as the 'Technological Hazards Preparedness and Training Act of 2022'."
Pub. L. 117–255, §1, Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2363, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 5136 of this title, amending this section, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 5136 of this title] may be cited as the 'Community Disaster Resilience Zones Act of 2022'."
Pub. L. 117–251, §1, Dec. 20, 2022, 136 Stat. 2354, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 5183, 5189d, and 5196c of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 5131, 5183, 5189d, and 5196c of this title] may be cited as the 'FEMA Improvement, Reform, and Efficiency Act of 2022' or the 'FIRE Act'."
Pub. L. 117–189, §1, Oct. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 2204, provided that: "This Act [amending section 5189 of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 5189 of this title] may be cited as the 'Small Project Efficient and Effective Disaster Recovery Act' or the 'SPEED Recovery Act'."
Short Title of 2021 Amendment
Pub. L. 116–284, §1, Jan. 1, 2021, 134 Stat. 4869, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 5135 of this title] may be cited as the 'Safeguarding Tomorrow through Ongoing Risk Mitigation Act' or the 'STORM Act'."
Short Title of 2018 Amendment
Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, §1201, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3438, provided that: "This division [div. D (§§1201–1246) of Pub. L. 115–254, enacting sections 5161a, 5165g, 5174a, 5174b, 5189h, 5196g, and 5205a of this title, and section 748a of Title 6, Domestic Security, amending sections 3149, 5122, 5133, 5149, 5152, 5155, 5165, 5165b, 5170a to 5170c, 5172, 5174, 5187, 5189a, 5189f, 5205 of this title, and sections 761 and 762 of Title 6, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 5122, 5133, 5155, 5170, 5170c, 5172, 5174, 5187, 5189g, 5205 of this title, and section 721 of Title 6, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 5172 of this title] may be cited as the 'Disaster Recovery Reform Act of 2018'."
Short Title of 2017 Amendment
Pub. L. 115–87, §1, Nov. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 1277, provided that: "This Act [enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the 'FEMA Accountability, Modernization and Transparency Act of 2017'."
Short Title of 2016 Amendment
Pub. L. 114–326, §1, Dec. 16, 2016, 130 Stat. 1968, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 5165f of this title, amending section 8101 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, and section 4303 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits, and enacting and amending provisions set out as notes under section 3791 of this title] may be cited as the 'National Urban Search and Rescue Response System Act of 2016'."
Pub. L. 114–132, §1, Feb. 29, 2016, 130 Stat. 293, provided that: "This Act [enacting section 5165e of this title and provisions set out as notes under section 5165e of this title] may be cited as the 'Directing Dollars to Disaster Relief Act of 2015'."
Short Title of 2015 Amendment
Pub. L. 114–111, §1, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2240, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 5122 and 5172 of this title] may be cited as the 'Emergency Information Improvement Act of 2015'."
Short Title of 2013 Amendment
Pub. L. 113–2, div. B, §1101(a), Jan. 29, 2013, 127 Stat. 39, provided that: "This division [enacting sections 5123, 5189f, and 5189g of this title, amending sections 5122, 5170, 5170b, 5170c, 5174, 5189, 5189e, and 5191 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 5122, 5170, 5170c, and 5189a of this title] may be cited as the 'Sandy Recovery Improvement Act of 2013'."
Short Title of 2011 Amendment
Pub. L. 111–351, §1, Jan. 4, 2011, 124 Stat. 3863, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 5133, 5134, 5144, 5165d, 5170c, 5172, 5195a, 5195b, 5196 to 5196b, 5196f, 5197 to 5197c, and 5197h of this title and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 5133 of this title] may be cited as the 'Predisaster Hazard Mitigation Act of 2010'."
Short Title of 2006 Amendment
Pub. L. 109–308, §1, Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1725, provided that: "This Act [amending sections 5170b, 5196, and 5196b of this title] may be cited as the 'Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards Act of 2006'."
Pub. L. 109–218, §1, Apr. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 333, provided that: "This Act [amending section 5150 of this title] may be cited as the 'Local Community Recovery Act of 2006'."
Short Title of 2005 Amendment
Pub. L. 109–139, §1, Dec. 22, 2005, 119 Stat. 2649, provided that: "This Act [amending section 5133 of this title and provisions set out as a note under this section] may be cited as the 'Predisaster Mitigation Program Reauthorization Act of 2005'."
Short Title of 2000 Amendment
Pub. L. 106–390, §1(a), Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1552, provided that: "This Act [enacting sections 5133, 5134, 5165 to 5165c, 5205, and 5206 of this title, amending sections 3796b, 5122, 5154, 5170c, 5172, 5174, 5184, 5187, and 5192 of this title, repealing sections 5176 and 5178 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 3796b, 5133, 5165b, 5172, 5174, and 5187 of this title] may be cited as the 'Disaster Mitigation Act of 2000'."
Short Title of 1993 Amendment
Pub. L. 103–181, §1, Dec. 3, 1993, 107 Stat. 2054, provided that: "This Act [amending section 5170c of this title and enacting provisions set out as notes under sections 4601 and 5170c of this title] may be cited as the 'Hazard Mitigation and Relocation Assistance Act of 1993'."
Short Title of 1988 Amendment
Pub. L. 100–707, title I, §101(a), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4689, provided that: "This title [enacting sections 5141, 5153 to 5157, 5159 to 5164, 5170 to 5170c, 5172, 5174, 5178, 5189 to 5189b, and 5191 to 5193 of this title, amending this section, sections 1382a, 3030, 3231, 3232, 3539, 4003, 4013, 5122, 5131, 5143, 5144, 5147 to 5152, 5158, 5171, 5173, 5176, 5177, 5179 to 5188, 5201, 7704, and 9601 of this title, sections 1421, 1427, 1427a, 1961, 1964, and 2014 of Title 7, Agriculture, sections 1706c, 1709, and 1715l of Title 12, Banks and Banking, section 636 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, sections 1536 and 3505 of Title 16, Conservation, sections 241–1 and 646 of Title 20, Education, section 125 of Title 23, Highways, sections 165, 5064, and 5708 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, section 701n of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters, and section 1820 [now 3720] of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits, repealing sections 5142, 5145, 5146, 5175, and 5202 of this title and former sections 5141, 5153 to 5157, 5172, 5174, 5178, and 5189 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and sections 3231, 5122, and 5201 of this title, amending provisions set out as a note under this section and section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions, and repealing provisions set out as notes under this section and former section 5178 of this title] may be cited as 'The Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Amendments of 1988'."
Short Title of 1980 Amendment
Pub. L. 96–568, §1, Dec. 23, 1980, 94 Stat. 3334, provided: "That this Act [amending section 5202 of this title] may be cited as the 'Disaster Relief Act Amendments of 1980'."
Short Title
Pub. L. 93–288, §1, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143, as amended by Pub. L. 100–707, title I, §102(a), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4689; Pub. L. 106–390, title III, §301, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1572, provided: "That this Act [enacting this section, sections 3231 to 3236, 5122, 5131, 5132, 5141 to 5158, 5171 to 5189, 5201, and 5202 of this title, and section 1264 of former Title 31, Money and Finance, amending sections 1706c, 1709, 1715l of Title 12, Banks and Banking, sections 241–1, 646, 758 of Title 20, Education, sections 165, 5064, 5708 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, section 1820 [now 3720] of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits, section 461 of former Title 40, Public Buildings, Property, and Works, repealing sections 4401, 4402, 4411 to 4413, 4414 to 4420, 4431 to 4436, 4457 to 4462, 4481 to 4485 of this title, enacting provisions set out as notes under this section, sections 4401 and 5178 of this title, and section 1264 of former Title 31, and amending provisions set out as a note under section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions] may be cited as the 'Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act'."
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of all functions, personnel, assets, components, authorities, grant programs, and liabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the functions of the Under Secretary for Federal Emergency Management relating thereto, to the Federal Emergency Management Agency, see section 315(a)(1) of Title 6, Domestic Security.
For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the functions of the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency relating thereto, to the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see former section 313(1) and sections 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.
References to Disaster Relief Act of 1974
Pub. L. 100–707, title I, §102(b), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4689, provided that: "Whenever any reference is made in any law (other than this Act [see Tables for classification]), regulation, document, rule, record, or other paper of the United States to a section or provision of the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 [former short title of Pub. L. 93–288], such reference shall be deemed to be a reference to such section or provision of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [Pub. L. 93–288, see Short Title note above]."
References to Disaster Relief Act of 1970
Pub. L. 93–288, title VII, §702(m), formerly title VI, §602(m), May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 164, as renumbered by Pub. L. 103–337, div. C, title XXXIV, §3411(a)(1), (2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3100, provided that: "Whenever reference is made in any provision of law (other than this Act [see Short Title note set out above]), regulation, rule, record, or documents of the United States to provisions of the Disaster Relief Act of 1970 (84 Stat. 1744), repealed by this Act such reference shall be deemed to be a reference to the appropriate provision of this Act."
Requirements for Grant Systems Modernization
Pub. L. 115–87, §2, Nov. 21, 2017, 131 Stat. 1277, provided that:
"(a) In General.—The Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency shall ensure the ongoing modernization of the grant systems for the administration of assistance under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5121 et seq.) includes the following:
"(1) An online interface, including online assistance, for applicants to complete application forms, submit materials, and access the status of applications.
"(2) Mechanisms to eliminate duplication of benefits.
"(3) If appropriate, enable the sharing of information among agencies and with State, local, and tribal governments, to eliminate the need to file multiple applications and speed disaster recovery.
"(4) Any additional tools the Administrator determines will improve the implementation of this section.
"(b) Implementation.—To the extent practicable, the Administrator shall deliver the system capabilities described in subsection (a) in increments or iterations as working components for applicant use."
Report on State Management of Small Disasters Initiative
Pub. L. 106–390, title II, §208, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1571, provided that not later than 3 years after Oct. 30, 2000, the President would submit to Congress a report describing the results of the State Management of Small Disasters Initiative, including recommendations concerning State administration of parts of the program.
Study Regarding Cost Reduction
Pub. L. 106–390, title II, §209, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1571, as amended by Pub. L. 109–139, §3, Dec. 22, 2005, 119 Stat. 2649, provided that: "Not later than September 30, 2007, the Director of the Congressional Budget Office shall complete a study estimating the reduction in Federal disaster assistance that has resulted and is likely to result from the enactment of this Act [see Short Title of 2000 Amendment note above]."
Study of Participation by Indian Tribes in Emergency Management
Pub. L. 106–390, title III, §308, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1575, required the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency to conduct a study of participation by Indian tribes in emergency management and submit a report no later than 1 year after Oct. 30, 2000.
National Drought Policy
Pub. L. 105–199, July 16, 1998, 112 Stat. 641, as amended by Pub. L. 106–78, title VII, §753, Oct. 22, 1999, 113 Stat. 1170, known as the "National Drought Policy Act of 1998", established the National Drought Policy Commission to study and submit a report on national drought policy and terminated the Commission 90 days after the submission of the report.
Recommendations Concerning Improvement of Relationships Among Disaster Management Officials
Pub. L. 100–707, title I, §110, Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4710, provided that not later than 1 year after Nov. 23, 1988, the President was to recommend to the Congress proposals to improve the operational and fiscal relationships that exist among Federal, State, and local major disaster and emergency management officials, including provisions which would decrease the amount of time for processing requests for major disaster and emergency declarations and providing Federal assistance for major disasters and emergencies, provide for more effective utilization of State and local resources in relief efforts, and improve the timeliness of reimbursement.
Declared Disasters and Emergencies Not Affected
Pub. L. 100–707, title I, §112, Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4711, provided that: "This title [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note above] shall not affect the administration of any assistance for a major disaster or emergency declared by the President before the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 23, 1988]."
Executive Documents
Delegation of Functions
Functions of the President under the Disaster Relief Acts of 1970 and 1974, with certain exceptions, were delegated to the Secretary of Homeland Security, see sections 4–201 and 4–203 of Ex. Ord. No. 12148, July 20, 1979, 44 F.R. 43239, as amended, set out as a note under section 5195 of this title.
Executive Order No. 11749
Ex. Ord. No. 11749, Dec. 10, 1973, 38 F.R. 34177, which related to consolidation of functions assigned to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12148, July 20, 1979, 44 F.R. 43239, set out as a note under section 5195 of this title.
Ex. Ord. No. 11795. Delegation of Presidential Functions
Ex. Ord. No. 11795, July 11, 1974, 39 F.R. 25939, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11910, Apr. 13, 1976, 41 F.R. 15681; Ex. Ord. No. 12148, July 20, 1979, 44 F.R. 43239; Ex. Ord. No. 12673, Mar. 23, 1989, 54 F.R. 12571, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 (Public Law 93–288; 88 Stat. 143) [see References to Disaster Relief Act of 1974 note above], section 301 of title 3 of the United States Code, and as President of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
[Sections 1 and 2. Revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12148, §5–111, July 20, 1979, 44 F.R. 43239.]
Sec. 3. The Secretary of Agriculture is designated and empowered to exercise, without the approval, ratification, or other action of the President, all of the authority vested in the President by section 412 of the act [section 5179 of this title] concerning food coupons and distribution.
[Sec. 4. Revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 12148, §5–111, July 20, 1979, 44 F.R. 43239.]
[References to a "coupon" provided under the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008 considered to refer to a "benefit" under that Act, see section 4115(d) of Pub. L. 110–246, set out as a note under section 2012 of Title 7, Agriculture.]
Seismic Safety of Federal and Federally Assisted or Regulated New Building Construction
For provisions relating to seismic safety requirements for new construction or total replacement of a building under this chapter after a presidentially declared major disaster or emergency, see Ex. Ord. No. 13717, Feb. 2, 2016, 81 F.R. 6407, set out as a note under section 7704 of this title.
§5122. Definitions
As used in this chapter—
(1) Emergency.—"Emergency" means any occasion or instance for which, in the determination of the President, Federal assistance is needed to supplement State and local efforts and capabilities to save lives and to protect property and public health and safety, or to lessen or avert the threat of a catastrophe in any part of the United States.
(2) Major disaster.—"Major disaster" means any natural catastrophe (including any hurricane, tornado, storm, high water, winddriven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, or drought), or, regardless of cause, any fire, flood, or explosion, in any part of the United States, which in the determination of the President causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance under this chapter to supplement the efforts and available resources of States, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby.
(3) "United States" means the fifty States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
(4) "State" means any State of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
(5) "Governor" means the chief executive of any State.
(6) Indian tribal government.—The term "Indian tribal government" means the governing body of any Indian or Alaska Native tribe, band, nation, pueblo, village, or community that the Secretary of the Interior acknowledges to exist as an Indian tribe under the Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994 (25 U.S.C. 479a et seq.).1
(7) Individual with a disability.—The term "individual with a disability" means an individual with a disability as defined in section 12102(2) of this title.
(8) Local government.—The term "local government" means—
(A) a county, municipality, city, town, township, local public authority, school district, special district, intrastate district, council of governments (regardless of whether the council of governments is incorporated as a nonprofit corporation under State law), regional or interstate government entity, or agency or instrumentality of a local government;
(B) an Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or Alaska Native village or organization, that is not an Indian tribal government as defined in paragraph (6); and
(C) a rural community, unincorporated town or village, or other public entity, for which an application for assistance is made by a State or political subdivision of a State.
(9) "Federal agency" means any department, independent establishment, Government corporation, or other agency of the executive branch of the Federal Government, including the United States Postal Service, but shall not include the American National Red Cross.
(10) Public facility.—"Public facility" means the following facilities owned by a State or local government:
(A) Any flood control, navigation, irrigation, reclamation, public power, sewage treatment and collection, water supply and distribution, watershed development, or airport facility.
(B) Any non-Federal-aid street, road, or highway.
(C) Any other public building, structure, or system, including those used for educational, recreational, or cultural purposes.
(D) Any park.
(11) Private nonprofit facility.—
(A) In general.—The term "private nonprofit facility" means private nonprofit educational (without regard to the religious character of the facility), center-based childcare, utility, irrigation, emergency, medical, rehabilitational, and temporary or permanent custodial care facilities (including those for the aged and disabled) and facilities on Indian reservations, as defined by the President.
(B) Additional facilities.—In addition to the facilities described in subparagraph (A), the term "private nonprofit facility" includes any private nonprofit facility that provides essential social services to the general public (including museums, zoos, performing arts facilities, community arts centers, community centers, libraries, homeless shelters, senior citizen centers, rehabilitation facilities, shelter workshops, food banks, broadcasting facilities, houses of worship, and facilities that provide health and safety services of a governmental nature), as defined by the President. No house of worship may be excluded from this definition because leadership or membership in the organization operating the house of worship is limited to persons who share a religious faith or practice.
(12) Chief executive.—The term "Chief Executive" means the person who is the Chief, Chairman, Governor, President, or similar executive official of an Indian tribal government.
(Pub. L. 93–288, title I, §102, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 144; Pub. L. 100–707, title I, §103(b)–(d), (f), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4689, 4690; Pub. L. 102–247, title II, §205, Feb. 24, 1992, 106 Stat. 38; Pub. L. 106–390, title III, §302, Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1572; Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, §688, Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1448; Pub. L. 113–2, div. B, §1110(c), Jan. 29, 2013, 127 Stat. 49; Pub. L. 114–111, §2(a), Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2240; Pub. L. 115–123, div. B, title VI, §20604(a), Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 85; Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, §§1214, 1238(b), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3449, 3466.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in introductory provisions and par. (2), was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–288, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5121 of this title and Tables.
The Federally Recognized Indian Tribe List Act of 1994, referred to in par. (6), is title I of Pub. L. 103–454, Nov. 2, 1994, 108 Stat. 4791, which was classified principally to section 479a et seq. of Title 25, Indians, prior to editorial reclassification as section 5130 et seq. of Title 25. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5101 of Title 25 and Tables.
Amendments
2018—Par. (11). Pub. L. 115–123 amended subpar. (B) generally by substituting a second subpar. (A) and a subpar. (B) for former subpar. (B). Prior to amendment, subpar. (B) read as follows: "In addition to the facilities described in subparagraph (A), the term 'private nonprofit facility' includes any private nonprofit facility that provides essential services of a governmental nature to the general public (including museums, zoos, performing arts facilities, community arts centers, libraries, homeless shelters, senior citizen centers, rehabilitation facilities, shelter workshops, broadcasting facilities, and facilities that provide health and safety services of a governmental nature), as defined by the President."
Par. (11)(A). Pub. L. 115–254, §1238(b)(2), struck out first subpar. (A) which read as follows: "The term 'private nonprofit facility' means private nonprofit educational, utility, irrigation, emergency, medical, rehabilitational, and temporary or permanent custodial care facilities (including those for the aged and disabled) and facilities on Indian reservations, as defined by the President."
Pub. L. 115–254, §1238(b)(1), inserted "center-based childcare," after "facility)," in second subpar. (A) as added by Pub. L. 115–123.
Par. (11)(B). Pub. L. 115–254, §1214, inserted "food banks," after "shelter workshops,".
2015—Par. (11)(B). Pub. L. 114–111 inserted "broadcasting facilities," after "workshops,".
2013—Par. (6). Pub. L. 113–2, §1110(c)(3), added par. (6). Former par. (6) redesignated (7).
Par. (7). Pub. L. 113–2, §1110(c)(2), redesignated par. (6) as (7). Former par. (7) redesignated (8).
Par. (7)(B). Pub. L. 113–2, §1110(c)(1), substituted ", that is not an Indian tribal government as defined in paragraph (6); and" for "; and".
Pars. (8) to (11). Pub. L. 113–2, §1110(c)(2), redesignated pars. (7) to (10) as (8) to (11), respectively.
Par. (12). Pub. L. 113–2, §1110(c)(4), added par. (12).
2006—Pars. (6) to (8). Pub. L. 109–295, §688(2), added par. (6) and redesignated former pars. (6) and (7) as (7) and (8), respectively. Former par. (8) redesignated (9).
Par. (9). Pub. L. 109–295, §688(2), redesignated par. (8) as (9). Former par. (9) redesignated (10).
Pub. L. 109–295, §688(1), amended par. (9) generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: " 'Private nonprofit facility' means private nonprofit educational, utility, irrigation, emergency, medical, rehabilitational, and temporary or permanent custodial care facilities (including those for the aged and disabled), other private nonprofit facilities which provide essential services of a governmental nature to the general public, and facilities on Indian reservations as defined by the President."
Par. (10). Pub. L. 109–295, §688(2), redesignated par. (9) as (10).
2000—Par. (3). Pub. L. 106–390, §302(1), substituted "and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands" for "the Northern Mariana Islands, and the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands".
Par. (4). Pub. L. 106–390, §302(1), substituted "and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands" for "the Northern Mariana Islands, or the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands".
Par. (6). Pub. L. 106–390, §302(2), added par. (6) and struck out former par. (6) which read as follows: " 'Local government' means (A) any county, city, village, town, district, or other political subdivision of any State, any Indian tribe or authorized tribal organization, or Alaska Native village or organization, and (B) includes any rural community or unincorporated town or village or any other public entity for which an application for assistance is made by a State or political subdivision thereof."
Par. (9). Pub. L. 106–390, §302(3), inserted "irrigation," after "utility,".
1992—Pars. (3), (4). Pub. L. 102–247 inserted "the Northern Mariana Islands," after "American Samoa,".
1988—Par. (1). Pub. L. 100–707, §103(b), inserted heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: " 'Emergency' means any hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, drought, fire, explosion, or other catastrophe in any part of the United States which requires Federal emergency assistance to supplement State and local efforts to save lives and protect property, public health and safety or to avert or lessen the threat of a disaster."
Par. (2). Pub. L. 100–707, §103(c), inserted heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: " 'Major disaster' means any hurricane, tornado, storm, flood, high water, wind-driven water, tidal wave, tsunami, earthquake, volcanic eruption, landslide, mudslide, snowstorm, drought, fire, explosion, or other catastrophe in any part of the United States which, in the determination of the President, causes damage of sufficient severity and magnitude to warrant major disaster assistance under this chapter, above and beyond emergency services by the Federal Government, to supplement the efforts and available resources of States, local governments, and disaster relief organizations in alleviating the damage, loss, hardship, or suffering caused thereby."
Pars. (3), (4). Pub. L. 100–707, §103(d), struck out "the Canal Zone," after "American Samoa,".
Pars. (8), (9). Pub. L. 100–707, §103(f), added pars. (8) and (9).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2018 Amendment
Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, §1238(c), Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3466, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (b)(1) [amending this section] shall apply to any major disaster or emergency declared by the President under section 401 or 501, respectively, of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5170, 5191) on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 2018]."
Amendment by Pub. L. 115–254 applicable to each major disaster and emergency declared by the President on or after Aug. 1, 2017, and authorities provided under div. D of Pub. L. 115–254 applicable to each major disaster and emergency declared by the President on or after Jan. 1, 2016, except as otherwise provided, see section 1202 of Pub. L. 115–254, set out as a note under section 5121 of this title.
Pub. L. 115–123, div. B, title VI, §20604(c), Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 86, provided that: "This section [amending this section and section 5172 of this title] and the amendments made by this section shall apply—
"(1) to the provision of assistance in response to a major disaster or emergency declared on or after August 23, 2017; or
"(2) with respect to—
"(A) any application for assistance that, as of the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 9, 2018], is pending before Federal Emergency Management Agency; and
"(B) any application for assistance that has been denied, where a challenge to that denial is not yet finally resolved as of the date of enactment of this Act."
Regulations
Pub. L. 113–2, div. B, §1110(e), Jan. 29, 2013, 127 Stat. 49, provided that:
"(1) Issuance.—The President shall issue regulations to carry out the amendments made by this section [enacting section 5123 of this title and amending this section and sections 5170 and 5191 of this title].
"(2) Factors.—In issuing the regulations, the President shall consider the unique conditions that affect the general welfare of Indian tribal governments."
Local Government
Pub. L. 100–707, title I, §103(e), Nov. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 4690, provided that:
"(1) In general.—The term 'local government' is deemed to have the same meaning in the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act [Pub. L. 93–288, see Short Title note set out under section 5121 of this title], as amended by this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note set out under section 5121 of this title], as that term had on October 1, 1988, under section 102(6) of the Disaster Relief Act of 1974 [par. (6) of this section] and regulations implementing the Disaster Relief Act of 1974.
"(2) Termination of effectiveness.—Paragraph (1) shall not be effective on and after the 90th day after the President transmits to the Committee on Public Works and Transportation of the House of Representatives and to the Committee on Environment and Public Works of the Senate a report which includes an interpretation of the term 'local government' for purposes of the Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, as amended by this Act."
[Functions of President under section 103(e)(2) of Pub. L. 100–707 delegated to Administrator of Federal Emergency Management Agency by section 3 of Ex. Ord. No. 12673, Mar. 23, 1989, 54 F.R. 12571, set out as a note under section 5195 of this title.]
Definitions
Pub. L. 115–254, div. D, §1203, Oct. 5, 2018, 132 Stat. 3438, provided that: "In this division [see Short Title of 2018 Amendment note set out under section 5121 of this title]:
"(1) Administrator.—The term 'Administrator' means the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"(2) Agency.—The term 'Agency' means the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
"(3) State.—The term 'State' has the meaning given that term in section 102 of the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 5122)."
§5123. References
Except as otherwise specifically provided, any reference in this chapter to "State and local", "State or local", "State, and local", "State, or local", or "State, local" (including plurals) with respect to governments or officials and any reference to a "local government" in sections 5172(d)(3) and 5184 of this title is deemed to refer also to Indian tribal governments and officials, as appropriate.
(Pub. L. 93–288, title I, §103, as added Pub. L. 113–2, div. B, §1110(d), Jan. 29, 2013, 127 Stat. 49.)
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning Pub. L. 93–288, May 22, 1974, 88 Stat. 143. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5121 of this title and Tables.