SB389 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ben H. Brooks

Republican

Co-Sponsors

Trip PittmanRoger Bedford, Jr.George M. “Marc” Keahey

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

SB389 creates the Strengthen Alabama Homes Program to help homeowners retrofit insured homes to resist hurricanes, tornadoes, and other windstorms, funded by a state fund and grants.

What This Bill Does

The program is created within the Department of Insurance, with a Strengthen Alabama Homes Fund in the State Treasury. Funding is not guaranteed and depends on annual appropriations and grants; the department will seek federal or other grants to support the program. Grants can be used to retrofit insurable property to resist wind-related damage, and the program may provide funding to nonprofit entities to administer retrofit projects under grant rules. All mitigation work must follow local permits and inspections and the Fortified for Existing Homes program guidelines, with random reinspections; the department may set rules and eligibility requirements.

Who It Affects

• Residential property owners with homestead exemptions who own insurable homes and could receive grants to retrofit their properties.
• Nonprofit entities that may receive grants to administer retrofit projects and must follow program rules and provide requested documentation.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Strengthen Alabama Homes Program within the Department of Insurance and a Strengthen Alabama Homes Fund in the State Treasury.
• Prohibits entitlement or guaranteed state funding; implementation depends on annual appropriations and grants, with efforts to obtain additional funds from federal or other sources.
• Monies in the fund do not lapse or get transferred to other funds, and are used to support the program's activities.
• authorizes the program to apply for financial grants to retrofit insurable property to resist hurricane, tornado, or other catastrophic windstorm events.
• Allows grants to nonprofit entities to retrofit properties and to administer grants, subject to program guidelines and required timely documentation.
• Mitigation must secure local permits and inspections per local codes and the Fortified for Existing Homes Program, with random reinspections of projects.
• Gives the department authority to promulgate rules and eligibility requirements for grant administration and use.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Insurance Department