SB393 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ben H. Brooks

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Trip Pittman

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

The bill creates the Strengthen Alabama Homes Program to help homeowners retrofit insurable properties to resist hurricane and windstorm losses, funded by the state and grants.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Strengthen Alabama Homes Program within the Department of Insurance and creates a dedicated fund to run it. It provides grants to retrofit insurable residential properties to resist hurricane or windstorm damage, subject to annual appropriations or grants. It may fund nonprofit entities to administer retrofit projects and requires mitigation work to follow local permits, inspections, and Fortified for Existing Homes standards, with random reinspections. The program is not an entitlement and relies on funding and grants; the department will seek additional funds where possible.

Who It Affects

• Residential property owners with homestead exemptions who may receive grants to retrofit insurable properties to resist hurricane or windstorm losses.
• Nonprofit entities that may receive grants to administer retrofit projects for insurable properties.
• Mitigation contractors who participate in the program and seek state reimbursement for grant-funded work.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Strengthen Alabama Homes Program within the Department of Insurance and a Strengthen Alabama Homes Fund in the State Treasury to manage the program.
• Funding is not guaranteed; implementation depends on annual appropriations or grants, and the state will seek federal or other funds to supplement the program.
• Grants must be used to retrofit insurable property to resist hurricane or catastrophic windstorm losses and must comply with local permits, inspections, and the Fortified for Existing Homes program; projects may be randomly reinspected.
• The program can provide grants to nonprofit entities to administer eligible projects, with documentation and adherence to grant rules.
• Eligibility for homeowner grants includes having a homestead exemption and meeting department-defined grant-type requirements.
• The department may establish rules and eligibility criteria for proper administration and for grants or funds received.

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