FEMA must train staff to spot victims of abuse in shelters.

What it does

This bill tells FEMA to write rules within one year. The rules stop gender-based violence, abuse, and exploitation during emergencies. FEMA must train staff to find victims and help them. Shelters must check in with all family members, not one person. The bill requires victim service workers at shelters and materials in many languages. It also adds gender-based violence services to emergency counseling and case management programs.

Who it affects

People who survive emergencies and face gender-based violence gain trained staff. They also get safe housing and help in their own language. FEMA staff will need training on how to spot and help victims.

One thing to notice

The bill requires FEMA to work with sexual assault centers and shelters for abuse victims. It also requires work with groups that stop exploitation. Shelters must stock hygiene products, baby food, and over-the-counter medicine.

From the analysis of the bill text, linked under Primary records below.

Where it stands

1 cosponsor: 1 Republicans.

• Sep 3, 2026 — Introduced · Congress.gov: “Introduced in House”
• Sep 3, 2026 — Referred to House Committee on the Judiciary and House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure · Congress.gov: “Referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and in addition to the Committee on the…”

Dates and quoted wording are Congress.gov's action record; the timeline shows status changes, not every procedural step.

Words to know

• FEMA — The Federal Emergency Management Agency, which helps people after emergencies.
• exploitation — Treating someone unfairly or harming them to get something from them.
• gender-based violence — Harm done to someone because of their gender, including abuse and sexual assault.
• case management — Help that connects people to services they need after a crisis.