HB507 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

James E. Buskey

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Victor GastonHarry ShiverJoe FaustChad FincherAlan BakerSteve McMillanJamie IsonNapoleon Bracy

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Strengthen Alabama Homes Program, established within Insurance Department, funding for retrofitting insurable property to resist future loss due to hurricanes or windstorms

Summary

HB507 creates the Strengthen Alabama Homes Program to help homeowners retrofit insured homes to resist hurricane and windstorm damage, funded by a dedicated state fund and potential grants.

What This Bill Does

The bill establishes the Strengthen Alabama Homes Program within the Department of Insurance and a Strengthen Alabama Homes Fund in the State Treasury. Funding is not guaranteed and depends on annual appropriations or grants, with the department pursuing federal or other funds. Grants may be awarded to residential property owners with a homestead exemption to retrofit insurable property to resist hurricane or catastrophic windstorm damage, and the program may also provide grants to nonprofit entities to administer retrofit projects. Mitigation work must follow local permits, building codes, and Fortified for Existing Homes standards, with contractors seeking reimbursement and possible random re-inspections; the department may issue implementing rules and eligibility requirements.

Who It Affects

• Residential property owners with a homestead exemption who may receive grants to retrofit insurable property to resist hurricane or windstorm damage.
• Nonprofit organizations and mitigation contractors involved in administering or performing retrofit projects, who may receive grants and must follow program rules and provide required documentation.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Strengthen Alabama Homes Program within the Department of Insurance and creates the Strengthen Alabama Homes Fund in the State Treasury.
• Funding is not guaranteed; the program relies on annual appropriations, federal grants, or other funds, with the department to pursue additional grant money to support the program.
• Monies in the fund do not lapse or get redistributed and must be used to carry out program activities.
• Grants may be awarded to residential property owners with a homestead exemption to retrofit insurable property to resist hurricane or catastrophic windstorm damage, subject to department rules.
• The program may provide grants to nonprofit entities to administer retrofit projects; nonprofits must follow grant rules and provide documentation.
• Mitigation contractors participate and seek reimbursement for approved work; all mitigation must comply with local permits, inspections, and Fortified for Existing Homes standards, with possible random reinspections.
• The Department may promulgate rules and eligibility requirements for proper administration of the act and grant programs.
• Effective date: January 1, 2012.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Insurance Department