HB281 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Steve McMillan
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Insurance, allow owner of property, residential, and commercial, statewide to claim discount for structures retrofitted to resist storms, Secs. 27-31D-1, 27-31D-2, 27-31D-3 am'd.
Summary: HB281 would let commercial properties in Alabama’s Gulf coast counties get insurance premium discounts if they are retrofitted or built to resist hurricanes and windstorms.
What This Bill Does
It expands the discount program to commercial properties located in Alabama’s Gulf coast counties that are either newly built to resist storms or retrofitted to Fortified standards or FFLS. Insurers must use actuarially justified rating plans and may offer other adjustments; property owners must have inspections and keep certification records, which can be audited and shared with the insurer before the discount takes effect. The discounts apply to wind coverage (or the portion of the premium designated for the improved property), and manufactured homes in certain HUD zones can also be retrofitted under the program.

Who It Affects
Commercial property owners in Alabama’s Gulf coast counties who retrofit or build to storm-resistance standards to earn premium discounts on wind insurance.
Insurance companies issuing wind coverage in Alabama, which must file actuarially justified rating plans and may offer adjustments or credits.
Building inspectors and FFLS-certified inspectors who certify compliance with the required standards.
Zone three HUD-code manufactured homes that are retrofitted under the Fortified Existing Homes requirements.

Key Provisions
Extends premium discounts to commercial properties in Gulf coast counties that are newly built or retrofit to resist hurricane and windstorm damage.
Requires compliance with specified standards (2006 International Residential Code hurricane mitigation, Fortified Commercial Standard, Fortified Existing Homes, FFLS) and certification by qualified inspectors.
Owners must maintain certification records, contractor/material receipts, and records from local officials; the records are subject to audit and must be provided to insurers before the discount becomes effective.
Insurers must file actuarially justified rating plans for retrofits; the adjustment may apply to the wind portion of the premium or the total premium if wind is not separately priced; insurers may also offer other voluntary mitigation adjustments.
Insurable property includes commercial and residential properties and modular homes; manufactured/mobile homes are generally excluded except as specified for Zone Three HUD-code manufactured homes retrofits.
Effective date = first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

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