# Summary of H.R. 6450: National Disaster Safety Board Act of 2023
This bill establishes a new independent federal agency called the National Disaster Safety Board to investigate natural disasters and issue safety recommendations. The seven-member board, appointed by the President with Senate confirmation, would review major natural disasters that cause ten or more deaths or meet other significant impact thresholds, such as major economic damage or disproportionate harm to vulnerable populations. Unlike investigations by law enforcement, the board's reviews are fact-finding only and specifically prohibited from assigning blame or determining legal liability.
The board would have broad authority to subpoena witnesses, inspect records, and coordinate with federal, state, tribal, and local agencies during disaster investigations. Federal agencies must respond to board recommendations within 90 days, explaining whether they will adopt, partially adopt, or reject each recommendation, and provide annual progress updates on implementation. The board would also publish annual reports and biennial comprehensive reports to Congress summarizing its findings, recommendations, and agency responses.
The bill emphasizes equity and vulnerability by requiring the board to track and analyze how disasters disproportionately impact populations based on race, ethnicity, disability, language proficiency, and economic status, with a dedicated office to address concerns of vulnerable communities. Funding authorization ranges from $25 million in fiscal year 2024 to $60 million in fiscal year 2027. The Government Accountability Office would audit the board's operations at least every two years to ensure effectiveness and proper use of resources.
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