CREW Act (S. 2293)

Summary

Gives job and reemployment protections to FEMA reservists, similar to military members, so they don't lose their jobs when deployed for disasters.

What problem does this solve?

FEMA reservists could lose their civilian jobs when deployed for disasters because they lacked the same protections as military reservists. This law extends military-style reemployment rights to these reservists, protecting their jobs when they serve.

What does this law do?

Extends USERRA job protections to FEMA reservists

Applies the employment and reemployment rights from the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) to FEMA's intermittent personnel when they are deployed for disasters or training.

Waives advance notice requirement for urgent deployments

Allows FEMA reservists to be absent from their jobs without prior notice if the deployment is urgent. This is treated as a 'military necessity,' and the determination is made by the FEMA Administrator.

Amends federal law to include FEMA reservists

Officially updates Title 38 of the U.S. Code to define 'service in the uniformed services' as including service as a FEMA intermittent employee, solidifying their job protections.

Defines who determines 'military necessity'

Specifies that the FEMA Administrator determines necessity for FEMA reservists, the Secretary of Health and Human Services for disaster-response appointees, and the Secretary of Defense for others.

Who does this affect?

FEMA reservists
Employers of FEMA reservists

What is the real world impact?

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Strengthens FEMA's disaster response workforce

By protecting the civilian jobs of reservists, the government makes it easier to recruit and retain skilled people for disaster response. This ensures FEMA has enough staff to handle emergencies.

When does this start?

This law takes effect on September 29, 2022.