FEMA for Safe Recovery Act

This bill directs the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to issue regulations and guidance within one year to prevent gender-based violence , human trafficking , and sexual exploitation following disasters. These directives aim to enhance protection for vulnerable populations during disaster response and recovery operations. Key provisions include establishing joint Federal and local violence-fighting headquarters for coordinated efforts and revising check-in practices to ensure all adult household members can disclose violence. FEMA must also create non-adjudicatory reporting mechanisms for misconduct by landlords or temporary housing providers, and develop strategies to reduce frequent relocations for hotel-dwelling survivors. The agency is further tasked with developing guidance for trained victim service personnel and informational materials at disaster shelters, while also evaluating post-disaster processes to consider survivors' emotional well-being and cultural needs. The legislation requires guidance for emergency managers on planning for the specialized needs of high-risk individuals, including providing essential supplies, and mandates clarification of eligible expenses for gender-based violence under FEMA's Public and Individual Assistance programs. Additionally, the bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to expand crisis counseling and case management services to explicitly address gender-based violence, sexual exploitation, and human trafficking. It also requires all FEMA employees to be trained on how to identify, care for, and refer victims and survivors to related services, with all activities limited to disaster response and short-term recovery, subject to appropriations.