The House of Representatives unanimously passed the Doug LaMalfa Federal Disaster Tax Relief Certainty Act on Apr. 28, which includes the Doug LaMalfa Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act sponsored by Representatives Blake Moore and Vince Fong. The legislation exempts wildfire relief payments made to victims from federal income tax.
This measure is intended to provide financial relief for those recovering from wildfires by ensuring that aid received does not result in additional tax burdens. It was re-introduced in memory of the late California Representative Doug LaMalfa and aims to help families rebuild after losing their homes and livelihoods.
“After a catastrophic fire destroys their homes and livelihoods, the last thing wildfire victims should worry about is whether they will have to pay taxes on the disaster aid they receive to rebuild and recover,” Rep. Blake Moore said. “I am thrilled to see the Doug LaMalfa Protect Innocent Victims of Taxation After Fire Extension Act, aptly named after my friend and a champion for rural Americans, pass the House. This bill extends support for wildfire victims and ensures their recovery payments are exempt from federal taxes.”
Other original co-sponsors include Representatives Tom McClintock, Brad Sherman, Mike Thompson, Cliff Bentz, Janelle Bynum, and Jill Tokuda. The bill excludes wildfire recovery payments—such as compensation covering living expenses or lost wages—from gross income filings for federal taxation purposes.
“In California, we are all too familiar with the devastation caused by wildfires,” Rep. Fong said. “After these disasters strike in our community, survivors shouldn’t have to worry about whether they will have to pay burdensome federal taxes as they work to recover and rebuild… I look forward to seeing this bill signed into law and urge the Senate to act quickly.”
Moore has served in Congress representing Utah’s 1st District since 2021 according to Wikipedia. He was born in Ogden in 1980 and currently lives in Salt Lake City as reported by his official biography. Moore graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 2005 according to Ballotpedia.
The legislation now moves forward for consideration by the Senate.
