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HB 199

An Act establishing the State Emergency Supplemental Grant Program; imposing duties on the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency; establishing the State Emergency Supplemental Assistance Fund; and making a transfer.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lisa Borowski and 10 co-sponsors

HB 199 creates a Pennsylvania emergency assistance fund and grant program administered by the state emergency management agency to provide supplemental disaster relief to affected residents and communities.

Referred to Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 199

Legislative bill overview

HB 199 establishes a new State Emergency Supplemental Grant Program in Pennsylvania and creates a dedicated State Emergency Supplemental Assistance Fund to provide financial relief during emergencies. The bill assigns implementation duties to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency and includes a state fund transfer to support the program's operations.

Why is this important

This legislation creates a formal mechanism for rapid financial assistance to individuals and communities affected by emergencies, potentially filling gaps in federal disaster aid or providing interim support while federal resources are being processed. The dedicated fund structure ensures resources are available immediately when disasters strike, rather than requiring emergency appropriations during crisis situations.

Potential points of contention

  • Fund source and amount: The bill includes a transfer but doesn't specify the funding level, raising questions about whether resources will be adequate for major disasters or if this diverts money from other state programs
  • Eligibility criteria: The bill text doesn't detail who qualifies for assistance, how much individuals can receive, or whether it prioritizes certain disaster types, leaving implementation details to agency discretion
  • Federal coordination: Unclear how this state program coordinates with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance to avoid duplication or ensure it supplements rather than replaces federal aid

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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