The FASTER Act would authorize FEMA to award competitive, three-year grants to career, combination, and volunteer fire departments. The grants would support programs to improve home safety and prevent falls among older adults. Eligible activities include installing grab bars and smoke detectors, removing tripping hazards, providing fall-risk assessments, and installing devices that help emergency responders enter homes faster. The bill would also require FEMA to assess grant results and report to Congress. The grant authority would end on September 30, 2036.
Older adults could benefit if their local fire department receives a grant and offers these services. The bill does not provide grants directly to individuals. Fire departments would need to apply, and grants would be awarded through a competitive process.
The bill would authorize funding of $1 million per year for fiscal years 2026–2028, $2 million per year for 2029–2031, and $4 million per year for 2032–2034, plus $7 million for 2035. These are authorized amounts, not a guarantee that funds will be appropriated. Federal funds could cover up to 75 percent of program costs in each of the first two grant years and 35 percent in the third year. FEMA could use up to 5 percent of authorized funds for administrative costs.
No publicly available information about proponents' views. The bill's findings state that falls are a major cause of injuries and deaths among older adults, often happen at home, and may be prevented through home changes. They also identify fire department personnel as able to help prevent and respond to falls.
No publicly available information.