Advocacy Alert: Disaster relief bill advances via petition

FICPA Governmental Affairs Team

In a remarkable display of bipartisan unity, the United States Congress has strategically moved forward a critical piece of legislation forward. HR 5863 by Congressman Greg Stuebe (R-FL) provides key disaster relief to individuals impacted by Hurricane Ian. The bill resolves issues around tax rules relating to personal losses during declared disasters. The bill faced considerable obstacles initially, but a group of lawmakers from both parties navigated minor procedural hurdles to ensure its advancement. 

Locally, Rep. Stuebe went to social media to voice his perspective on this proposed legislation. “Floridians have waited since 2022 to receive tax relief from Hurricane Ian, and many other Americans have waiting just as long for relief from other disasters," he said. "I look forward to swift passage of my legislation on the House floor and urge expeditious consideration in the Senate.”  

The discharge petition, an uncommon yet potent tool, allows a bill to bypass committee review and proceed directly to the House floor for a vote, contingent upon garnering 217 members for support from members of Congress. The bipartisan coalition behind this relief effort ensured that most of the pressing national priorities were noted while also gaining 218 members of support. By prioritizing the nation's interests above partisan differences, lawmakers can take a crucial step towards fulfilling their responsibilities to the American people. 

Although HR 5863 is widely supported in the House of Representatives, the Senate still has some outstanding concerns. While the Senate is well known for slow-walking major legislation such as this, sponsors in the Senate are confident an agreement will be met. Florida Senator Rick Scott's office released a statement in support of the Senate Bill: “For nearly a year, Senator Scott has been fighting to pass his Hurricane Tax Relief Act and provide much-needed disaster-loss tax relief to Florida families impacted by Hurricane Ian," it read. "He fully expects his bill to pass and won’t stop fighting until that’s done and the Hurricane Tax Relief Act is signed into law.” 

This bill modifies tax rules relating to personal casualty losses for taxpayers affected by Hurricanes Ian, Nicole, and Fiona. It eliminates the requirements that such taxpayers must itemize their tax deductions as a condition of eligibility for relief and that their losses exceed 10% of their adjusted gross income. The bill will provide tax write offs of damage repair for all presidential-declared disaster. 

Rep. Steube said he has not spoken with the White House on this bill but expects it to become a law. He predicts it could be on the House Floor by next week and expressed optimism about its fate.