HB279 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Randy Davis
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Insurance contracts, homeowners, discounts for wind mitigation, evidence of certification in lieu of construction records, Secs. 27-31D-1, 27-31D-2 am'd.
Summary: HB 279 changes wind-mitigation premium discounts so IBHS-certified homes require evidence of certification rather than construction records.
What This Bill Does
The bill amends Alabama law to remove the requirement that homeowners submit copies of construction records to insurers to qualify for premium discounts for properties meeting IBHS fortified wind standards. For IBHS-certified properties, they must provide evidence of IBHS certification before the discount takes effect. The bill keeps existing documentation and audit requirements for other scenarios and allows insurers to offer other mitigation adjustments; wind-related discounts remain subject to actuarially justified rate plans. The changes take effect immediately after the Governor signs the bill.

Who It Affects
Homeowners with IBHS-certified homes who want wind-insurance discounts will now provide evidence of IBHS certification instead of submitting construction records.
Insurance companies offering wind coverage will need to accept evidence of IBHS certification, maintain verification/audit processes, and file actuarially justified rate plans for these discounts.

Key Provisions
Amends Sections 27-31D-1 and 27-31D-2 to remove the requirement that insurance customers submit copies of construction records to qualify for premium discounts for properties certified as meeting fortified standards; requires evidence of certification instead.
For IBHS-certified properties, evidence of IBHS certification must be presented to the insurer before the wind premium adjustment becomes effective.
Maintains other documentation requirements (e.g., records, receipts, inspector certifications) for non-IBHS scenarios and specifies IBHS certification documentation as proof where applicable.
Insurers must file actuarially justified rating plans for wind-related adjustments; adjustments apply to wind premiums or total premiums as appropriate and insurers may offer additional mitigation adjustments.
Effective date: immediately after the Governor approves the bill.

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