A bill to authorize transitional sheltering assistance for individuals who live in areas with unhealthy air quality caused by wildfires, and for other purposes.

The Wildfire Smoke Relief Act would authorize the use of FEMA’s Transitional Sheltering Assistance (TSA) program to help people in areas with unhealthy air caused by wildfires. Introduced in the Senate, the bill directs the President to provide assistance to qualified entities (states/local governments, local public health authorities, or coordinated care organizations) to purchase and supply smoke-inhalation prevention equipment and related measures to individuals at risk. Eligible individuals include low-income residents, parents/guardians with children under 19, pregnant women, seniors (65+), and people with chronic respiratory or cardiovascular conditions or other chronic diseases made worse by smoke. If equipment alone is not enough to reduce risk, the bill authorizes cost-efficient transitional sheltering assistance. The definition of “unhealthy” air quality hinges on the air quality index being unfavorable for at least three consecutive days due to wildfire smoke.