Expediting Disaster Recovery Act

This bill amends the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act to improve disaster recovery by addressing unmet needs, revising disaster declaration criteria, and expanding housing repair and assistance programs.

Sec. 2, Unmet Needs Assistance: After a major disaster declaration, the President may direct FEMA to provide states with assistance for unmet needs, using up to 10% of estimated grants under sections 406 and 408. This funding can be used for home repair, family needs, disaster services, and economic recovery. States must report on fund use every six months, with up to 5% allowed for administrative costs.

Sec. 3, Further Considerations for Disaster Declarations: FEMA must give greater weight to severe local impact and the occurrence of multiple disasters in the affected area over the prior five years when recommending disaster declarations. FEMA must revise guidance and report to Congress within one year.

Sec. 4, Repair and Rebuilding: Amends section 408(c) to remove the requirement that repair assistance be for a "safe and sanitary living or functioning condition" and allows coordination with other assistance. Also changes cost-effectiveness criteria for repair assistance.

Sec. 5, FEMA Emergency Home Repair Program: Adds minor repairs to habitability for owner-occupied homes as an authorized activity under section 403(a). These repairs are not considered a duplication of benefits. FEMA must provide sheltering and housing options to state officials within 15 days of a disaster declaration.

Sec. 6, Appeals of Individuals and Households Program Benefits: FEMA must revise regulations to provide applicants appealing eligibility determinations with documentation, reasons for the determination, recommended steps to remedy ineligibility, and inspection documents within 10 days.

Sec. 7, Period of Assistance: FEMA must extend the period of assistance for individuals and households to 24 months after a major disaster declaration.

Sec. 8, Report to Congress on Major Disaster Declarations: Within 180 days, FEMA must report on processes for determining household need, common denial reasons, appeal rates, decision times, Disaster Legal Services use, and disaster recovery center details for the prior five years.

Sec. 9, Review by Comptroller General: Within five years, the Comptroller General must review state fiscal controls for assistance under the new section 431 and make recommendations to Congress.