PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 00 · Introduced in House · Jun 19, 2001
Maritime Disaster Family Assistance Act of 2001 - Amends Federal maritime law to direct the Secretary (of the department in which the Coast Guard is operating, or the National Transportation Safety Board in certain instances), whenever notified of a maritime disaster within the United States involving a passenger vessel or fishing vessel operator that results in the death or disappearance of two or more individuals, to: (1) designate and publicize the name and phone number of an employee of the Coast Guard as a director of family support services to act as liaison between the operator and the families of the passengers involved in the disaster; and (2) designate an independent nonprofit organization for coordinating the emotional care and support of such families.Prohibits any person from impeding the Secretary (including the director of family support services), or a designated organization, in carrying out specified responsibilities or the ability of the families to have contact with one another.Prohibits unsolicited communications concerning a potential action for personal injury or wrongful death by an attorney or any potential party to the litigation to an individual (other than a vessel operator employee) injured in the maritime disaster, or to a relative, before the 45th day following the disaster.Prohibits a State from preventing a designated organizations' employees, agents, or volunteers from providing mental health and counseling services to the victims' families in the 30-day period beginning on the date of the disaster.
People & committees
Rep. Green, Mark [R-WI-8] · R–WI
Legislative record
A procedural vote is different from passage. Passage in one chamber does not establish enactment. Explore the glossary.
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Referred to the Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation.
Referred to the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure.
Introduced in House
Introduced in House
Primary sources
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Source last updated: Aug 19, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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